lisa knapp

Lisa Knapp’s Branch of May sequel ‘The Summer Draws Near’ is available via digitally for the first time. Opting for a more pared-back approach her voice is brought to the fore highlighting her ability to balance the skills of singer and storyteller – We look forward to more tales from the May Queen.

This week’s Folk Show features rituals, Cuckoos, poachers, Lapwings, Gypsies and a Golden Plover to name just a few of the themes that crop up in the folk songs we’ve pulled together. We’ve also got a sneak peek at some advance releases from Martin Simpson, Tom Russell, The Young’uns and Mairearad Green and Mike Vass plus more.

We talk to Lisa Knapp about her latest album Till April Is Dead – A Garland Of May and talk in-depth about the rituals celebrated in May and why it has always held such power over the imaginations of singers and writers.

Unlike Lisa Knapp’s previous releases, Till April Is Dead: A Garland Of May is an entirely different beast, not only because of the unity of its concept but because it seeks to understand old songs and traditions in modern and often highly original ways. It is a real step forward from a genuinely groundbreaking artist.

The latest in our Lost in Transmission Series features new music from Lisa Knapp, Brigid Mae Power, Sam Amidon, Holy Modal Rounders, Toby Hay, David Allred, Peter Broderick and more.

Shirley Collins’ Lodestar performance at the Barbican is fresh and contemporary and avant-garde at times. The assembled musicians are nothing short of brilliant, the arrangements are in turns atmospheric, joyous, stirring and thrilling.

Lisa Knapp announces her third studio album ‘Til April is Dead – A Garland of May Songs.’ Special guests include ground-breaking folk singer, Mary Hampton, David Tibet and Graham Coxon – due for release by Ear to the Ground Records on 28th April 2017.

Raphael Doyle, a founding member of Café Society, returns to record a definitive album with the support of Tom Robinson, his son and Gerry Diver. A truly excellent piece of work from a man who finally found the self-confidence to believe in himself and the music he makes. We are all the richer for it.

British Broadsides sees Sam Lee, Lisa Knapp and Nathaniel Mann team-up and lead a five-piece band that will reinvent a collection of British Broadsides giving a rare insight into Britain’s music, literary and political history.

The Nest Collective kick off a nautical-themed night onboard the Cutty Sark on 24th September. Shanty Sessions will feature Lisa Knapp, Emily Mae Winters, Ceilidh Liberation Front, City Shanty Band and more.

You can hear award-winning folk music artist Lisa Knapp this week on BBC Radio 4 as she reflects on her own fondness for the shipping forecast and how it has inspired others. She is joined by poet Sean Street, songwriter Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull and more.

This Friday BBC 4 pays tribute to the legendary Bert Jansch with the televising of ‘The Genius of Bert Jansch’ featuring archive footage & a landmark multi-artist concert at the Royal Festival Hall.