Steve Pledger is one of the finest protest singer/songwriters of his generation (Folk & Tumble). On record as well as on stage, his songs connect, with RnR Magazine describing his music as having "a direct route to the heart". Now more than ever, his live shows and his latest album, What Tomorrow Knows, would seem to confirm that statement. For him, that's very much what it's all about.
At the crossroads of blues and American roots music you’ll find Brooks Williams. With 35 recordings and counting, thousands of shows throughout Europe, North America and the UK, and consistently high praise across a vast array of media reviews over the course of his 35 years on the folk circuit “his easy, relaxed manner conceals the greatest level of true expertise” (Fatea Magazine).
Join us for an enthralling evening with singer-songwriter and entertainer Pete Morton, who fRoots Magazine rank as “amongst the best that the British roots music scene has produced in living memory” and whose music has been praised as “not only original, but a revelation” by The Guardian. With his trademark fun-loving and approachable style, Pete will share with us his popular and highly entertaining show, The Ghost of a Sailor's talking blues — an unruly mix of singing together, storytelling and comedy which transports the audience through history.
Beth Burrows is deeply rooted in traditional folk and has a long career in a cappella performances of songs from the living tradition at workshops, folk clubs and festivals across Yorkshire and beyond. Beth will be accompanied by friend and fellow musician Alison Lawson for this blend of workshop and performance, where we'll join together in song and learn how to keep the tradition alive.
Join us in welcoming acclaimed Canadian artists Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen when they tour the UK. Their blend of Celtic traditional and contemporary folk tunes take us on a journey with “emotional depth and technical prowess … a standout in the folk music genre” (Independent Music). Their first album as a duo, Home, won the Music Nova Scotia Award Roots Traditional Recording of the Year, and has been nominated for the East Coast Music Award Traditional Release of the Year. Rachel and Darren have also been nominated for the Canadian Folk Music Award Ensemble of the Year and New/Emerging Artist(s) of the Year.
We’re delighted to welcome “the voice of fairy tales” Daria Kulesh to the Book Tree. Daria is a spellbinding folk singer-songwriter with Russian and Ingush roots whose music has been described as “haunting and enigmatic” by The Times and “intensely personal and immensely resonant… incredibly moving” by TwickFolk.
