John McCutcheon (* 14 August 1952, Wausau, Wisconsin, USA).
John McCutcheon is an American folk music singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who has produced 41 albums since the 1970s.
While in his 20s, he travelled to Appalachia and learned from some of the legendary greats of traditional folk music, such as Roscoe Holcomb.
Much of his work is focussed on writing politically and socially conscious songs.
One of his most successful songs, "Christmas in the Trenches" tells the story of the Christmas truce of 1914.
McCutcheon is married to children's author and storyteller, Carmen Agra Deedy.
When he became a father in the early 1980s he found most children's music "unmusical and condescending",
and sought to change the situation by releasing a children's album.
The popularity of this first effort led to the production of seven additional children's albums.
Moya Brennan (* 4 August 1952, Dublin, Ireland).
Moya Brennan (born Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin) is an Irish folk singer-songwriter and harpist, who
grew up as the eldest child of a musical family in the remote parish of Gweedore, a Gaeltacht area in County Donegal.
She began performing professionally in 1970 when her family formed the band Clannad.
After enjoying a decade of being among the world's foremost Irish musical groups, Clannad graduated to chart success in 1982.
Moya released her first solo album in 1992. She has recorded music for several soundtracks, including Titanic and King Arthur.
Since 2002, she has promoted herself as Moya Brennan — a spelling closely resembling the phonetic pronunciation of her name
for those not familiar with the Irish variant of the spelling.
Roger McGuinn (* 13 July 1942, Chicago, Illinois, USA).
In 1957, Roger McGuinn enrolled as a student at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music,
where he learned the five-string banjo and 12-string guitar.
After graduation, he performed solo at various coffeehouses on the folk music circuit
and worked as a studio musician in New York, recording with Judy Collins and Simon & Garfunkel.
When he saw George Harrison play a 12-string Rickenbacker, it inspired him to become his signature instrument.
McGuinn gave rock style treatments to traditional folk tunes and co-formed the Byrds who had two No.1 hits with
"Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Turn! Turn! Turn!"
McGuinn developed the "jingle-jangle" style of electric guitar playing (generating ringing arpeggios based on banjo finger picking).
After the break-up of the Byrds, McGuinn released several solo albums. He regularly toured clubs and small theaters as a solo singer-guitarist.
Roger McGuinn has used the Internet to continue the folk music tradition
by recording a different folk song each month on his Folk Den site.
In 2005, he released a four-CD box set containing one hundred of his favorite songs.
Peter Rowan (* 4 July 1942, Wayland, Massachusetts, USA).
Peter Rowan is an American bluegrass musician and composer. He plays guitar and mandolin, yodels and sings.
He formed a rockabilly band in 1956.
Influenced by the blues musician Eric Von Schmidt, he traded his electric guitar for an acoustic and began to play the blues.
In college, he discovered bluegrass
and with some help from banjo player Bill Keith, he was invited to audition for Bill Monroe in 1963.
Rowan was hired as rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist of Monroe's Bluegrass Boys. After 1967 he
co-founded several outfits. Rowan received the Bluegrass Star Award in 2012.
The award is bestowed upon artists who do an exemplary job of advancing traditional bluegrass music and
bringing it to new audiences while preserving its character and heritage.
Colin Irwin (1951-2022).
Colin Lester Irwin (born 19 May 1951) studied journalism at Guildford College before becoming a patron of folk clubs in
the late 1960s. He started writing on a freelance basis for music magazines before joining Melody Maker in 1974, writing mainly
about British folk music and interviewing many of the notable performers of the period. Later, he also worked for several other magazines on a freelance basis.
He wrote books, including biographies of Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan. His 2003 book "In Search of the Craic" details a comic journey around
Ireland seeking out pub music sessions; "In Search of Albion" (2005) is a similarly light-hearted journey around English traditions and rituals.
In 2017, his theatrical music show, "She Moved Through the Fair: The Legend of Margaret Barry," co-written with Irish singer
Mary McPartlan, debuted at Glasgow's Tron Theatre as part of the Celtic Connections festival.
Colin Irwin died from a suspected heart attack on 3 November 2022, at the age of 71.
Noel Duggan (1949-2022). Noel Duggan (born 23 January 1949, Gweedore, County Donegal,
was an Irish singer-songwriter-guitarist and twin brother of Pádraig Duggan (Irish: Ó Dúgáin).
Their first language was Irish and they used a tape recorder to collect old Irish songs from elderly people in their village and on Tory Island.
They came to prominence in the 1970s with the folk group Clannad co-founded with their nephews and niece Ciarán, Pól, and Moya Brennan.
Later they toured extensively with German harpist Thomas Loefke's band Norland Wind. In 2005, Noel and Pádraig
released their first studio album "Rubicon," made up of traditional songs and ballads in the Irish language along with
self-penned songs in English. Since 2019, Noel had been on the farewell tour with Clannad, which was repeatedly interrupted by Corona.
Whereas Pádraig Duggan had already died in 2016, Noel passed away in Donegal on 15 October 2022, at the age of 73.
Loretta Lynn (1932-2022).
Loretta Lynn (born née Webb; Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, 14 April 1932) was an American country music singer and songwriter.
She was the most awarded female country recording artist, scoring 24 No. 1 hit singles and 11 No. 1 albums.
Her songwriting focused on women's issues such as birth control, and the double standards divorced women face.
Country music radio stations often refused to play her music. Her 1976 autobiography, "Coal Miner's Daughter" (Her father had been a coal miner and subsistence farmer, battling black lung disease),
was made into an Academy Award–winning film in 1980, starring Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones. In 2004, Lynn's album "Van Lear Rose,"
produced by alternative rock musician Jack White, won two Grammys. During her life, she endorsed and campaigned for Jimmy Carter,
George H. W. Bush and Donald Trump.
Loretta Lynn ended 57 years of touring after she suffered a stroke in 2017 and broke her hip in 2018. She died on 4 October 2022.
Mick Moloney (1944-2022).
Michael Moloney (born 15 November 1944, Limerick, Irland) taught himself the tenor banjo during his teenage years.
He studied at the University College Dublin, graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics, while playing with
Dónal Lunny and Brian Bolger in the Emmet Folk Group.
Moloney then relocated to London to be a social worker assisting immigrant communities, before joining the Johnstons singlings.
After playing with the group for five years, he immigrated to the United States in 1973.
Moloney co-founded Green Fields of America, an ensemble of Irish musicians, singers, and dancers which toured across the US on several
occasions. He also served as the artistic director for several major arts tours, including the "Cherish the Ladies" festival to highlight female musicians in Irish traditional music.
He produced an album for the female group by the same name.
Moloney was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in folklore and folk life from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992.
He went on to teach ethnomusicology, folklore, and Irish studies.
Moloney was the author of "Far From the Shamrock Shore: The Story of Irish American History Through Song."
In recognition of his work in public folklore, he received a 1999 National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Mick Moloney died on 27 July 2022 at his home in Manhattan, having played at the Maine Celtic Festival less than a week before. He was 77.
Séamus Tansey (1943-2022).
Séamus Tansey (born in Gorteen, County Sligo, in 1943) was a traditional Irish flute player, singer, writer and storyteller,
sometimes described as one of traditional music's most outspoken personalities. He won
the All-Ireland at Thurles in 1965 and Ó Riada's 'champions' Fleadh Cheoil an Radió award the same year.
He released his first album in 1970, followed by recordings in 1971, 1976, 1980, 1997, and 2001.
In 1999, he published his book "The Bardic Apostles of Innisfree," followed by a second volume, about the
musicians from 'Coleman Country" (comprising South Sligo and North Roscommon) who helped shape 20th century traditional Irish music.
Séamus Tansey passed away on July 9th, 2022.
Dennis Cahill (1954-2022).
Dennis Cahill (born 16 June 1954 in Chicago to parents from County Kerry, Ireland)
was a guitarist who specialized in Irish traditional music in the music scene in Chicago.
In 1989, he and Irish fiddler Martin Hayes formed a band called Midnight Court which combined traditional music with jazz and
rock 'n' roll. After its demise, Cahill and Hayes put down Fender Telecaster and electric fiddle and formed an acoustic duo in 1996,
Their concerts have become legendary. Beginning with the lyrical music of East Clare, they play long, sometimes 30-minute multi-tune sets building in intensity.
Hayes and Cahill toured extensively and released three recordings. Along with singer Iarla Ó Lionáird, fiddler Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh
and pianist Thomas Bartlett (alson known as Doveman), they formed Irish-American supergroup The Gloaming in 2014.
Dennis also appeared each August at the Masters of Tradition Festival in Bantry, West Cork, where
Ireland’s most distinguished traditional musicians are invited to play in an exquisite chamber music setting.
Dennis passed away peacefully on June 20, 2022.
IN MEMORIUM - BOB TURNER
Bob, as many of you will know, was a piano player who I worked with for some 20 years, during which time we played an enormous number of gigs and had many tunes and good times all over the place. This involved many different line ups not least of which were Ceilidh Minogue. He worked with me on Journeyman material from the very start, including the New Voices gig at Celtic Connections in 2008, and many of the various smaller lineups over the years as well as a lot of the Journeyman Spectacular gigs and on The Long Road album. God knows how many ceilidhs we did. He passed away with the Covid at the end of 2020, I still can’t quite believe he’s gone. And he still needs a proper musical send-off organised, but in the meantime here’s an appreciation of Bob I wrote shortly after I heard the news:
I’m still in shock after hearing of the passing, from Covid, of Bob Turner last night. I’ve enjoyed many adventures abroad and around Scotland
with Bob for over twenty years, mostly ceilidhs and weddings but also concerts - including many of the various Journeyman gigs, of which he was
particularly fond. There was always plenty of laughs, craic and cheerfulness along with lots of coffee and “comestibles”.
He had a wonderful way of getting on with folk, all bonhomie and an easy, open friendliness combined with a mischievous naivety.
He was interested and inquisitive about life in general and it showed - judging by the tributes that are flooding in to this tragic
news he’s made a great impression on a great many people.
He was a generous man who would never shy away from going a long way out of his road if it would make your own life easier.
He was a fantastic and enormously proud father to Ben, with whom he shared a love of trains. They’d often spend an entire day riding the rails
to random parts of the country.
A highly skilled and respected musician, he knew where all the notes were and how to use them. He loved Scottish music, and jazz, and
everything to do with accordions. He could pick up a tune nae bother and was an endlessly inventive accompanist, skills which made him
enormously fun to play with. He wrote lovely music and arrangements.
He would often be the one who organised the gig, or the coffees or the food - often with a cheeky half grin and a
“I’ll bet you’re glad you know me” when there was something particularly good about to appear, like a gig in Tunisia or a plate of shortbread.
He had an endless supply of funny stories and memories of a lifetime of gigs and other experiences, which I hope we can all remember and share
between us at some point in the future, at a fully social and musical send-off like the one he deserves. With fine tunes and the buffet of champions.
I played at his father’s funeral service. He played at both my parents’ funeral services. We sailed on Loch Tay.
We drove a million miles together. We played a million tunes together. His friendship and enthusiasm have been a great strength to me over the years.
I will miss him dreadfully, and often. RIP Boab.
Gavin Marwick
Benedicte Maurseth awarded Nordic Music Prize
Nordic Music Prize is an annual award for the Best Nordic Album Of The Year. Inspired by the British & Irish Mercury Prize, the prize was introduced in 2010, and initiated by by:Larm. In setting up Nordic Music Prize, by:Larm has several aims: first, to create even stronger unity across the Nordic regions industry, second, to further increase international interest and awareness of what the region has to offer musically, and, last but not least, to refocus on the full-length album as an art form. The winner will receive a cash prize of 10 000 euros.
Benedicte Maurseth´s album “Hárr” received the award Nordic Music Prize 2022 for the best Nordic album of the year, handed out by Norwegian Minister of Culture and Equality, Anette Trettebergstuen. The Jury says about Maurseth´s album: “A mesmerizing melding of traditional folk instrumentation with modern technology and field recordings, this is music as harshly beautiful as the landscape that has inspired it, and in its own gently powerful way engaged with vital issues of ecology and community.”
“Hárr” is an homage to the wildlife and mountain people of Benedicte Maurseth’s home area in Hardanger. An all-consuming album, the sound of Benedicte´s magic Hardanger fiddle is woven seamlessly together with that of birds and the other musicians’ musical impressions. Benedicte was raised in Maurset in Eidfjord – near Hardangervidda National Park – and has hiked through the mountains her whole life, clearly laying the foundation for this musical expedition. Released on Hubro February 2022, “Hárr” has been critically acclaimed, and awarded 5 stars in BBC Music Magazine and Songlines, as well as selected “Top of the World”.
Benedicte Maurseth: Hardanger fiddle Mats Eilertsen: contrabass, electronics Håkon Stene: vibraphone, percussion, electronics Guests: Jørgen Træen: electronics Rolf-Erik Nystrøm: saxophone Stein Urheim: langeleik, harmonica, electronics, samples, percussion
Official Folk Albums Chart OCTOBER 2022
On Tuesday 1 November the Official Charts Company in partnership with English Folk Expo reveal the Top 40 best-selling and most streamed UK folk albums released in the October reporting period. It is announced to the public at 7pm GMT as part of the Official Folk Albums Chart Show presented by Folk on Foot via their YouTube channel. The October chart sees a bumper number of 12 new entrants, not matched since November 2020, with 8 landing in the Top 20. The chart is dominated by female artists with only one all-male band and unusually, all entrants are from England and all are released on independent labels. As always, the chart reflects the broad scope of music styles and approaches that are encompassed by the diverse and talent-fuelled genre that is folk.
This month’s brand-new No.1 is Sorrows Away (Rabblerouser) from one of Britain’s best loved folk bands, The Unthanks. Its title heralds seeing off the past and welcoming in the new following years of upheaval, and is the first Unthanks album in 7 years. Recorded in their Northumberland home, the album is a collection of traditional songs with two originals that features the ethereal, moving harmonies of sisters Rachel and Becky, shimmering brass and superb arrangements. With enthralling long-form songs, the dazzling album is both uplifting and austere.
In at No.4 is Sea Song Sessions (Topic), a collection of British maritime folk songs and sea shanties from a collective of leading folk luminaries; Jon Boden, Seth Lakeman, Ben Nicholls, Emily Portman and Jack Rutter. Choosing to record material from each other’s own sizable oceanic repertoire alongside traditional songs and some newly written for these sessions, the collective captures the story of an island nation whose political and social history is so undeniably tied to its relationship with the sea.
At No.5 is The Sorrow Songs: Folk Songs of Black British Experience (Topic) from Cornwall-based folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Angeline Morrison. Following a year of research, Morrison unearths untold histories of the African diaspora who have lived on these islands, ‘re-storying’ them and embedding them into the folk tradition. Produced by Eliza Carthy and with sparse accompaniment, Angeline’s’ mournful voice is at the centre of a set of original, powerful songs honouring these black ancestors in what is arguably one of British folk music’s most important works.
Kaleidoscope (Memphis Industries) is the new recording from the wildly creative free-form singer-songwriter, Rachael Dadd, in at No.6. Born from her struggles through lockdowns and finding escapism through music and songs are largely rooted in truth and love - so personal, yet universal. Rachael’s contrasting influences can be heard here; her time spent in Japan, love of synth worlds and Bristol’s jazz scene all combine to create a collection of bold yet gentle melodies.
Sam Sweeney, renowned fiddler and veteran of the mighty Bellowhead releases Escape That (Hudson) straight in at No.12. As his first entirely self-composed record, it’s an honest and fearless expression of himself that ties together all of his musical passions. Combining pop hooks and aesthetics with his pioneering work in the world of traditional dance tunes, the result is an infectious, expressive and passionate collection of songs.
At No.15 is English singer, songwriter folk musician, Dan Whitehouse with Voices From the Cones (Heanton), an extraordinary double album celebrating the untold stories of the community around Stourbridge’s Glassworks which closed down in the 1990s. This narrated song cycle of ballads is a beautiful, emotive, journey into the history and future of the glass industry.
In at No 20 is Now & Then (Corduroy Punk) from indie folk artist, Josienne Clarke. A stunning, surprising, diverse collection of covers of both traditional and contemporary songs loved by Clarke, set in the way she sees, hears and feels them today. Each song is deeply melancholic in a way that speaks to her as a singer, songwriter and an admirer of lyricism in songcraft, showcasing her mesmerising, crystal clear voice.
A tonic for these troubled times comes from 3 new releases of powerful, joyous and engaging band-led music.
At No.13 is The Space Between (Bonfire Radicals) from the irresistibly fun Bonfire Radicals. Rooted in Birmingham yet inspired by folk traditions from around the globe, the female-frontline of recorders, fiddle, clarinet and vocals provide a collection of vibrant contemporary originals and inventive arrangements. At No. 27 is Soul Of Albion (Wood Head) from five-piece folk rockers Man The Lifeboats. A rich and varied treasure trove of well-crafted songs, lilting mandolins, fiddle-driven melodies and stomping beats that meet with piano-led ballads. Blackbeard’s Tea Party ups the ante with Kick The Curb (BTP) at No. 30. With two drummers, electric guitars, fiddle, melodeon and 4-part harmonies, music drenched in tradition is given a bombastic rock edge with earth shattering riffs and driving dance rhythms.
Elsewhere, indie-folk stalwart Polly Paulusma releases The Pivot On Which The World Turns (Wild Sound) in at No.38. Polly’s singular brand of insightful and poignant songs explore the roles of women in our lives and across history from a variety of perspectives touching on love, death, success and parenthood. Undertow (Gilded Lily) from female trio, The Magpies lands at No.37. Impressive song writing and svelte harmonies underpin the album of almost-all original songs. With themes of sisterhood and solidarity, a fervent thread of feminism runs through the album which traverses traditional folk, bluegrass, Celtic and Appalachian trails.
Official Folk Albums Chart SEPTEMBER 2022
On Tuesday 4 October the Official Charts Company in partnership with English Folk Expo reveal the Top 40 best-selling and most streamed folk albums released in the September reporting period in the UK. The chart is first announced to the public at 7pm GMT as part of the Official Folk Albums Chart Show presented by Folk on Foot via their YouTube channel. There are eight new releases in the September Chart with three being debut recordings.
Topping the September Chart at No.1 is (Self Titled) (Island), the solo debut album from Marcus Mumford, singer, songwriter, musician and founding member of folk-rock juggernaut, Mumford & Sons. A bold, powerful album with songs touching on points of healing and reconciliation in Mumford’s life. They are honest and intimate with an emotional depth underscored by Mumford’s heartfelt voice that is both raw and delicate.
For The Night (Elephant Sessions) is the fourth release from Scottish indie-folk band, Elephant Sessions, in at No.3. Fiddles, mandolin, bass, drums, synths and samples, combine to produce synth-driven electronica, funky riffs and the some of the very best in Scottish trad. The collection of infectious tracks speak of long summer days and sweaty late night festival dance tents. Theirs is a new and exciting sound; immediate and danceable.
Another Scottish powerhouse, Fara enters the chart at No.10 with their release, Energy Islands (Fara Music). Fara’s Orkney homeland is intrinsic to their music with this new collection finding inspiration from Orkney’s pioneering role in renewable energy. Fara’s exhilarating sound evokes the abundant energy harnessed through the tides, waves and wind of their beloved islands. This sweeping set showcases a bounty of original instrumentals and songs with intricate arrangements that combines furious feel-good tracks with slower, ethereal songs.
Jackie Oates, one of the best-loved folk performers of her generation releases her eighth studio album Gracious Wings (Needle Pin) in at No.17. The stand-out fiddle singer’s new collection of tracks combines both sparse and spirited arrangements of traditional English folk songs, a Basque working song featuring John Spiers alongside delicate self-penned material and some curve ball cover versions. The bitter-sweet mix of material is sometimes comforting, sometimes thought-provoking, always classy.
A third chart entry from Scotland comes from Scottish singer-songwriter Siobhan Miller who releases Bloom (Songprint Recordings), landing at No.18. Following the solitude of the pandemic, Siobhan aims to recapture that life-affirming feeling with a freewheeling celebration of classic Scottish folk songs she grew up listening to. With her arresting, effortless voice she puts her own spirited stamp on anthems as well as sombre ballads, while staying true to what makes them timeless.
Revel (Tarren) is the debut recording from Bristol-based Tarren in at No.31. A collaboration between three forward-thinking interpreters and writers of English folk music - Sid Goldsmith, Alex Garden and Danny Pedler - Tarren combine cittern and concertina, fiddle and accordion to create new, dynamic folk music. Comprised mostly of original material with a sprinkling of traditionals, the album features minimalist arrangements, textural soundscapes, playful and celebratory renditions of jigs and polkas.
Emerging from years of darkness, singer-songwriter John Dhali embraces life and releases his crowd-funded debut recording, ‘IN TIME LP’ (Deep Beach Music) in at No.38 His assured, confident sound and unique blend of folk, pop and indie can be heard across a set of uplifting songs packed with positivity, joy and infectious, hook-laden melodies that build to anthemic heights. His distinctive, warm vocals steal the show fluctuating between vulnerability and a call to arms.
At No.40 is TRADITION II (Ranagri), the new recording from English/Irish alt-folk band, Ranagri. Deconstructing and reconstructing traditional folk songs, Rangari eek out alternative meaning whilst adding their unique flavour built from harp, flutes, guitars, dulcimer, percussion and vocals. The ten songs were selected for the way in which they relate to our lives during the pandemic; tales of love and loss intertwined with issues of mental health and the joy of being reunited.
Official Folk Albums Chart AUGUST 2022
On Tuesday 6 September the Official Charts Company in partnership with English Folk Expo reveal the Top 40 best-selling and most streamed folk albums released in the August reporting period in the UK. The chart is first announced to the public at 7pm GMT as part of the Official Folk Albums Chart Show presented by Folk on Foot via their YouTube channel. In what is traditionally a quiet month for new releases, the August Top 40 chart sees 3 new releases.
Firstly, a belated congratulations to Jessie Buckley and Bernard Butler whose album ‘For All Our Days That Tear The Heart’ has been shortlisted for this year’s Mercury Music Prize. The magnificent album went straight to No.1 in the Folk Albums Chart last month, where it resides in August.
Straight in at No.2 is Under A Bloodshot Moon (Get Folked) from Welsh indie-roots six-piece band, Rusty Shackle. Written and recorded over one weekend in an old dairy barn having spent the covid years apart, songs fell out in a flurry of pent-up emotion and musical synergy. Brandishing their distinct folk-roots sound and armed with an electrifying mix of rampant fiddle, slick guitar and banjo hooks, the band delve deeper into melodies of Celtic music and even elements of classic rock presenting a wide-ranging collection of folk-rock songs peppered with storytelling and heartfelt emotion. The album is full of hope and optimism, documenting a time when a band of friends came together and deepened their connections through the unending joy of music.
Flow (Hudson) is the latest release from Newcastle-based songwriter Katie Doherty & The Navigators. At No.30, the album is an ambitious project driven by Katie’s desire to connect with her audiences in new and meaningful ways, particularly in these pandemic years. Exploring the concept of ‘creative flow’, Katie worked with local community groups entrusted with early demos to encourage artistic responses to their music – this ranged from dance, photography and painting which in turn informed the final recording. The resulting songs paint sweeping pictures and intricate portraits of NHS workers, teachers, artists, parents and more. The dynamic, powerful songs are visceral in their story-telling with Katie’s distinctive voice and music brimming with texture. Songs are uplifting, exuding heart, warmth and melody.
Landing at No.33 is What Holds The World Together (Scribe), the new recording from Sheffield-based trio, The Wilderness Yet. At a time of disconnection from each other and the environment, the album is grounded in our relationship with the natural world, with songs exploring the connection between the future of our planet and mankind. Though steeped in traditional music, all three musicians have unique creative voices - the charismatic vocals of Rosie Hodgson, the fine fiddling of Rowan Piggott and the deft guitar and flute playing of Philippe Barnes - with each contributing original material to the mix. From brand-new songs that effortlessly take on the traditional mantle, to fresh takes on songs from the English and Irish folk canon, the album is a rich aural tapestry delivered with dazzling musicianship.
English Folk Expo have published the results of The Strike a Chord Project, their commission that set out to investigate the impact of the organisations within the music industry tackling the climate emergency. The report discusses practical action as well as themes such as responsibility, inertia, systemic issues, cultural leadership, and the power of music to inspire change. It also gives insight into how artists feel, and how they embed sustainability solutions into their own practices. HERE TO READ MORE
Official Folk Albums Chart JULY 2022
On Tuesday 2 August the Official Charts Company in partnership with English Folk Expo reveal the Top 40 best-selling and most streamed folk albums released in the July reporting period. The chart is first announced to the public at 7pm GMT as part of the Official Folk Albums Chart Show presented by Folk on Foot via their YouTube channel.
6 new releases have entered the Top 40 chart this month.
Straight in at No.2 is Night Drives (One Little Independent), the 14th studio recording from Liverpool-born singer-songwriter, novelist and painter Kathryn Williams. Journeying from leftfield contemporary pop to soft, folk-inspired acoustics, Williams explores a variety of fresh ideas inspired by her collaborations with a host of songwriters. Tracks journey from the bold and dynamic to slowly unravelling stories backed by elated, emotive string pieces exploring a more filmic sound. Elsewhere songs lean more towards folk-inspired sounds. Playing like a road-trip through her styles and influences, songs are self-aware featuring Kathryn’s rich and honest song writing and distinctive voice backed with beautifully arranged compositions.
In at No.8 is Love Songs (Noe), the 10th solo recording from contemporary ‘fiddle singer’ and songwriter, Bella Hardy. Featuring seven folk songs and four self-penned compositions, the album sees Hardy rediscovering some of the traditional ballads she’s known all her life. With guitar, piano and clarinet this exquisitely understated album places Hardy’s soaring, beguiling storytelling voice in the room with you. Old and new stories of shoemakers sent to sea; sweethearts waved off to war and penniless lovers scorned by parents are told with precision, sensitivity, wisdom and the deft musicianship for which she’s renowned, honed by 15-years at the forefront of English folk music.
The spectacular partnership of two of the greatest exponents of the banjo - Coleraine’s Damien O’Kane and California’s Ron Block - is revived for their second release, Banjophonics (Pure) sliding into the Top 10 at No.10. Putting the Irish tenor banjo and five-string bluegrass banjo centre stage, the pair fuse their differing styles to captivating effect. The album is a joyous, life-affirming joust; fast, frenetic fireworks punctuated by more reflective melodies and is an exuberant antidote to these troubled times. The collection of accomplished originals and punchy covers also offers two songs where O’Kane and Block showcase their contrasting voices. A family theme beats strongly through the album in a wonderful celebration of the incredible scope of the banjo.
Based in England’s south-east, supremely talented Will Allen has been playing traditional dance on button accordion since he was a teenager. Since then, he has become an acclaimed fiddle player as well as playing the mandolin, 4 and 5 string banjo and bouzouki. English Fiddle (Will Allen) is Allen’s debut solo album landing in the chart at No.18. Taken from his extensive repertoire, the collection of traditional English fiddle tunes is performed in his own unique style, showcasing his great sense of rhythm and sensitivity. Accompanied by Rowan Piggott on cittern, the 11-tracks highlight the beauty and richness of England’s fiddle tradition and is Allen’s call to arms to other English fiddle players to record this music and share it with the world.
Kent-born guitarist and songwriter David Ford and New York-born singer-songwriter Annie Dressner began their musical alliance only 7 months ago, yet listening to the blend of their voices and timeless song writing, you’d be forgiven for thinking they had been making music together forever. 48 Hours (Anne R Dressner) is their sublime six-song debut, landing at No. 23. Named in honour of the two-day burst of creativity during which most of the material was written, the album demonstrates their shared love of sweet harmony singing and brutally emotive song writing. Showcasing the pair’s heartfelt writing style and Dressner’s gentle, fragile voice, the album is a strikingly intimate, tender, moving listen.
Taking the No.40 slot is one of the scenes most sought-after Gaelic singers, Kim Carnie with her impressive debut release, And So We Gather (Carn). The album sees Kim lovingly resurrect five old Gaelic songs alongside five self-penned songs that showcase her natural gift for heartfelt storytelling. Kim’s inimitable, velvety vocals and producer Donald Shaw’s piano and harmonium are accompanied by a star-studded line up of over 30 acclaimed artists including, amongst others, vocalists Julie Fowlis, Karen Matheson and Megan Henderson. A sonically rich breadth of instrumentation that includes West Africa’s kora and the Scottish Session Orchestra clearly indicates the album’s ambition. It is set to be one of the largest-scale solo Gaelic records of a generation.
Official Folk Albums Chart JUNE 2022
On Tuesday 5 July the Official Charts Company in partnership with English Folk Expo reveal the Top 40 best-selling and most streamed folk albums released in the June reporting period. The chart is first announced to the public at 7pm GMT as part of the Official Folk Albums Chart Show presented by Folk on Foot via their YouTube channel.
Five new releases have entered the Top 40 chart this month.
Straight in at No.1 is For All Our Days That Tear The Heart (EMI), the extraordinary debut from Academy Award-nominated actress and singer, Jessie Buckley and Brit Award-winning producer and musician, Bernard Butler. The pair join forces to present a dynamic collection of original songs that grew from a shared love and deep ancestral attachment to Ireland. Songs swoop out from the Emerald Isle taking in Appalachian blues, American jazz and Spanish folk traditions. A sense of adventure permeates the spirited album whose moods range from achingly tender to euphoric crescendo’s, with Butler’s piano and guitar combining with Buckley’s rich, emotional and expressive voice. Songwriting is intense, but joyous - an utterly engrossing album.
The second collaborative album to appear in this month’s chart follows at No.3. Unlike the brand new collaboration of our No.1 slot, Echo (Bendigedig) celebrates the tenth anniversary of an extraordinary partnership between two virtuosos, Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita. The seamless union of Finch's harp with Keita's double kora merges two cultures, two histories and two personalities into one atmospheric musical journey. On ‘Echo’, tunes were drawn from those the pair had accumulated during countless jams, from side-projects, a ballet score, TV commissions and other works-in-progress, with the addition of strings on four tracks adding a new dimension to their distinctive sound. Together they blend elements of new and old music from the Western Classical, Celtic, folk, contemporary and West African song traditions, each echoing the other in an evolving tale of mutual discovery and delight.
In at No.28 is Understudy (Reveal), from acclaimed singer-songwriter and record producer, Boo Hewerdine, his 13th solo release in a career that spans over 40 years. A reflection of these “strange times”, both personally and globally, ‘Understudy’ sees Boo in a reflective mood with a fatalistic yet joyful narrative running throughout the lyrics. Written from Boo’s Glasgow home, the album is hugely personal touching on the loss of his father, turning 60 and rediscovering the joy of writing during the pandemic. Many songs are stripped bare and melancholic while some are full rocky excursions with memorable melodies . A beautiful collection of 12 compelling songs.
To Have You Near (Hannah Rarity) is the sophomore album from Scottish singer-songwriter Hannah Rarity, in at No.19. Known for her empathetic interpretations of songs, her new release ushers in a more mature, mellow sound with shades of jazz and blues as well as traditional folk song while showcasing her own self-penned material. Combining contemporary songwriting with some well-loved songs, the album is heartfelt and tender with striking musicianship that elevates Rarity’s pure, versatile voice. Like the new release from Boo Hewerdine (who has contributed one song), Rarity touches on the zeitgeist of today’s challenging times, emerging as a message of hope and optimism.
In at No.39 is Humans’ Worst Habits (Fika Recordings) from Leeds-based, alt folk four-piece, Crake. Led by enigmatic guitarist-songwriter Rowan Sandle, Crake’s poignant debut album touches on flora, fauna “and the tough stuff”. Armed with her gently cracking, wispy vocal, Sandle places humanity at the heart of the record. Whether it’s the sensitivity in which she sings about grief, the intricacy of human nature, queer ecology and our most base instincts - namely cruelty, passion and love – or the sincere, pure quality of the songwriting itself, this mesmerising debut is essential and invaluable listening.
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The Official Folk Albums Chart is a Top 40 chart, released monthly. It is open to artists where at least one band member is a UK or Irish musician. Charts are based on physical sales, digital downloads and streams. Charts will be sent out by email on request on the first Monday of every month and will be available to view at
englishfolkexpo.com and officialcharts.com. Tracks from the full Top 40 folk albums can be heard at the
Official Folk Albums Chart Spotify Playlist
2022 Bluegrass Music Awards Recipients
Billy Strings received the coveted “Entertainer of the Year” Award for the second year in a row, along with “Song of the Year” honors, at the 33rd Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Presented by Yamaha. Banjo was king this year as well, with Béla Fleck taking home awards for “Album of the Year”, “Instrumental Group of the Year”, “Instrumental Recording of the Year”, and “Banjo Player of the Year.”
Dolly Parton’s recent recording of the gospel classic “In the Sweet By and By”, featured on the 2021 Country Faith Bluegrass album, won “Gospel Recording of the Year” and “Collaborative Recording of the Year” honors. Previously announced inductees into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame – beloved multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Norman Blake, broadcast pioneer and recording artist Paul “Moon” Mullins, and eclectic, influential singer-songwriter Peter Rowan – were honored during the show.
Jason Moore, the bassist for bluegrass powerhouse Sideline who passed away last fall, was named Bass Player of The Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards held last night in Raleigh, North Carolina. A founding member of Sideline who was instrumental in bringing the group to Mountain Home in 2017, Jason was a masterful and influential musician whose talent contributed immeasurably not only to Sideline’s music, but to Mountain Heart’s during his long tenure there, to the James King Band before that, and to a broad range of foundational bluegrass recordings made over the past quarter century.
Beyond his deep and enduring musical contributions, his warm, easygoing manner and passion for the music helped to quickly make him, his partners, Steve Dilling and Skip Cherryholmes, and the entire band an integral part of Mountain Home’s musical family. Jason was also a man of whom it can truly be said that he was a friend to all in bluegrass, whether a long-time veteran or an aspiring newcomer. He is deeply missed, and we are deeply grateful to the IBMA voters who chose to honor his memory by giving him this final award.
IBMA – the International Bluegrass Music Association – is the non-profit music association that connects, educates, and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide.
Americana Honors & Awards
Congratulations to the winners of the 21st Annual Americana Honors & Awards!
Album of the Year: Outside Child, Allison Russell Artist of the Year: Billy Strings Song of the Year: “Right On Time,” Brandi Carlile Duo/Group of the Year: The War And Treaty Emerging Act of the Year: Sierra Ferrell Instrumentalist of the Year: Larissa Maestro
International Songwriting Competition (ISC)
The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is pleased to announce its 2021 winners. Launched in 2002, ISC is considered the most prestigious songwriting competition in the world, receiving more than 21,000 entries this year from over 150 countries. Renowned for its panel of high-caliber judges, ISC has been called "the songwriting competition to take note of" by The New York Times. The overall Grand Prize is ISC ‘s highest honor and this year is awarded to songwriter and performing artist Stephanie Middleton (aka Notelle) from Richmond, VA, USA for her song “Sufjan Stevens.” This award, selected by ISC’s panel of celebrity artists and music industry executives, is given to one songwriter in the competition who embodies the highest degree of excellence in the craft of songwriting.
For much of her career, Notelle has been recognized as an EDM featured vocalist and topliner for many of the genre’s most high-profile artists. Collaborating with DJs and producers around the globe, she has accumulated more than 41 million streams as both a songwriter and artist. Now, however, Notelle is exploring her solo artistry and is developing her own version of innovative, genre-breaking music. Her ISC-winning song, “Sufjan Stevens,” is riddled with inventive literary and pop culture references, encompassing smart and unexpected imagery. Notelle’s fearless desire to push stylistic boundaries and avoid standard structure perfectly aligns with her compelling vocals and melodies into what Notelle describes as “dark industrial pop.” These outstanding songwriting elements are exactly what resonated so strongly with the ISC judges, resulting in her being awarded this year's overall Grand Prize winner.
In addition to the Grand Prize winner, many other deserving songwriters also share in the prestige and kudos of winning their respective categories in ISC. These winners hail from all over the world (56% of this year’s winners come from outside the USA) and represent diverse cultures while ranging from talented amateurs to seasoned songwriting veterans. The 23 categories include all genres of contemporary music, from Pop to World Music to Country to Instrumental, and many more.
WORLD: 1st PLACE Omar Sosa & Seckou Keita LYRICS ONLY: 2nd PLACE Jim Stanard HONORABLE MENTION: Jade Bird, Markus Rill, Johnny Tucker, Svavar Knutur & Irish Mythen, Antonis Antoniou (Monsieur Doumani) For a complete list of winners go to https://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners
Ukraine 2022: "Art can serve as a reminder, an exhortation not to forget lives lost and brutality enacted."
The Ukrainian War is not taking the course the Russians had hoped.
President Putin has nightmares and calls his personal astrologer and fortune teller.
He looks into his crystal ball and says: "Mr. President, it is foretold that you will die on a Ukrainian holiday."
Putin curses: "A Ukrainian holiday? Which one?"
The fortune teller says: "Oh, any day you die will be a Ukrainian holiday."
The Anti-DicKtators are a collaboration of likeminded musicians horrified at what’s going on in Ukraine at the moment, and wanting in their own small way to help contribute to raising awareness and money for a relief fund.
After the success of their first release ‘Russian Warship (Go F**k Yourself!)’
they return with their follow up single ‘Home’. This time producer Phil Meadley (The Gaslight Troubadours), vocalist/songwriter Yuriy Gurzhy (RotFront – Emigrantski Raggamuffin Kollektiv/The Disorientalists), fiddle player Jon Sevink (Levellers), bassist Tom Robinson (Tom Robinson Band/BBC Radio 6Music presenter), and vocalist Katya Tasheva (RotFront) are joined by Afro-Celt Soundstem and Imagined Village founder Simon Emmerson on cittern, Richard Evans (Peter Gabriel/Birdy) on mandolin, Irish musician Lottie Cullen (Afro Celt Soundystem) on pipes and whistle and Ukrainian artist and activist Diana Berg.
Yuriy, a Ukrainian musician, DJ, producer and author who’s recently been keeping a war diary for German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, once again wrote the song’s lyrics and explains “In a conversation with Ukrainians that you might meet almost everywhere in the Europe today, “home” would be a word that you’ll hear a number of times. Home is something they had to leave; home is what many of them lost because of the brutal full scale war started by Russia. And ‘Home’ is also the title of our new Anti-DicKtators track…”
The track features a very special guest who recorded her spoken word part at Yuriy’s home studio in Berlin. “The mid-section of the song features the voice of Diana Berg, a Ukrainian artist, curator and activist,” Yuriy says. “She fled from Donetsk in 2014 to Mariupol, and that became her new home. There she created Platforma Tu, a place/venue that became a home for the city’s alternative scene, organising concerts, raves and demonstrations, hosting exhibitions, discussions and readings. In April 2022 she managed to flee from Mariupol, becoming homeless for the second time.”
The specially commissioned artwork is by Levellers bassist and artist Jeremy Cunningham who’s created all of the band’s iconic folk punk art since their inception, plus the artwork for their long running UK festival Beautiful Days. It’s a lino print design that Jeremy felt would give the All proceeds for this release will go to Diana Berg’s Mariupol relief fund kind of emotional impact that was needed for the track’s lyrics. He is also joined on the cover of the ‘Standing For Ukraine Mix’ by legendary UK artist and anarchist Jamie Reid whose artwork defined the image of punk rock in the late 70s with his famous Sex Pistols covers (Never Mind The Bollocks, Anarchy In The UK, God Save The Queen to name but a few). Jamie heard about the project via Simon Emmerson and wanted to be involved, so offered his “Fuck Your Wars’ hand cut lettering to be included in the band’s artwork. Designer Guy Sexty added the final touches and is also responsible for the very powerful lyric video for ‘Home’ which features footage filmed by ordinary citizens on the streets of Mariupol this year.
tu.org.ua/news/requisites-for-rapid-help-fund
tu.org.ua/news/russian-war-against-ukraine
PURBLIND PRODUCTIONS / TRIKONT - US-0537 . VÖ: 09.09.2022 . Digital auf allen Plattformen.
"The story of Mỹ Lai is one of brutality against civilians, over 500 killed by the U.S. Army in one village, and of an officer who sought to stem the massacre.
Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson put his helicopter between the miscreant soldiers and noncombatants, to little avail. Later he refused to remain silent about the massacre,
leaving him a pariah for much of his life. Today, we see the bombing of civilians in Ukraine and call it what it is, a war crime. During the post-Vietnam era, there was
tremendous conflict about whether the United States was justified for its involvement in the war. Mỹ Lai came to be exhibit A for those who felt that war crimes were
never justifiable and that there had been a significant amount of atrocities committed by the Americans. [...]
Four decades on, collective memory is fading about the controversy over atrocities in the Vietnam conflict. Art can serve as a reminder, an exhortation not to forget
lives lost and brutality enacted. Berger and Chessman have created an opera that speaks as much to today as it is a valuable history lesson. Once again, Kronos has taken
on a piece with great resonance for our society."
(Christian Carey, Sequenza 21)
In German:
The Anti-DicKtators | Kommuna Lux | Pussy Riot | Max Prosa |
Acoustic Guitar for Peace | Russkaja | Mariana Sadovska | The Anti-DicKtators | Mulo Francel | Jan Cornelius | The BossHoss | Kultur hilft Kultur | Georg Clementi | Die Grenzgänger |
Versengold | Bernd Köhler | Borsh Division
