Richard Thompson

Watch Richard Thompson and Dave Swarbrick performing ‘Sloth’ which first appeared on Fairport Convention’s album ‘Full House’ from 1970.

Kate Rusby is to release a new album entitled ’20’ which celebrates her twenty years of making music. The album features a new track and duet with Paul Weller as well as a host of folk giants from Richard Thompson to Nic Jones!

Universal Music Catalogue release new double-CD as companion to Rob Young’s celebrated book: ‘Electric Eden – Unearthing Britain’s Visonary Music’.

Shrewsbury Folk Festival has unveiled its line-up for next year’s event with Richard Thompson and Kate Rusby topping the bill.

★★★★★ Martin Simpson’s latest album, Purpose and Grace, is in many ways the epiphany of his career. It features a stunning array of artists including Richard Thompson, June Tabor and Dick Gaughan. A classic! You can preview the whole album for one week on Folk Radio UK!

As far as band shake-ups go you don’t get a more striking change than this one. The Albion Band is to get a complete re-boot for 2012 as the torch is passed to a newer generation of English folk talent. Ashley Hutchings will be handing over the reins to his son, Blair Dunlop, who is joined by Gavin Davenport, Tom Wright, Katriona Gilmore and Tim Yates.

Folk Music Gigs happening over the coming week: some will need no introduction such as Richard Thompson and Martin Carthy. There are also some great newcomers such as Blackbeard’s Tea Party and Rosie Doonan & The Snapdragons. Not forgetting the oldtimers: Unstrung Heroes!

Martin Simpson is to release a new album on September 5th through Topic Records titled purpose + grace. Jon Boden, B J Cole, Dick Gaughan, Fay Hield, Will Pound, June Tabor and Richard Thompson will be joining Martin along with his regular band of Andy Cutting, Andy Seward and Keith Angel.

For those that love variety you can’t go wrong with this album, the combination of tempo, song, jaw dropping guitar solos, and all by the master of British Folk Rock…an outstanding album!

The Southbank Meltdown is an annual event at the Southbank Centre that is curated by an artist. Last year it was curated by Ornette Coleman. If anything the event is always fresh, challenging, revealing and provocative. This year’s event has included Islamic Punks, Cajun Legends, Blues Hobos to a talent contest from hell, songs about cricket and politics, a tribute to Kate McGarrigle and special performances by Broken Bells, Seasick …