Who's On at the Blacksheep Music Festival




Our artistes so far this year include: MARTHA TILSTON & THE WOODS ‘A sparkling repertoire of self-penned songs' –Timeout 'she has probably the purest voice I have heard and at times it sent shivers up and down my spine' - Lee Allen, BBC 'Martha Tilston is on her way to being considered one of Britains finest young singer-songwriters' - Orpheus magazine/Virgin CLIVE GREGSON www.clivegregson.com Born and raised in Manchester, Clive is an accomplished singer, musician and record producer. His start in the music business was as the leader of Any Trouble, a band that made five albums and performed hundreds of gigs but which broke up at the end of 1984. Clive then released his first solo record, Strange Persuasions, described by Hot Press as "a truly exceptional piece of work." The record featured the voice of Christine Collister, and between 1985 and 1992, Gregson & Collister formed a partnership that Rolling Stone called "the state of the art in British folk-rock". Their first four albums all achieved chart success and numerous tours of the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan further established Clive's world-wide reputation as an innovative leader in the world of British folk-rock. "One of Britain's most cultured singer-songwriters." The Times "Adult pop from one of the most emotionally literate songwriters around." The Guardian "A superb songwriter and fine guitarist, keyboards player and producer." Daily Telegraph "Gregson is as fine a singer-songwriter as anyone has a right to expect...he does the lot." The Independent HUGH CORNWELL www.hughcornwell.com Hugh Cornwell left the Stranglers in August 1990, following a concert at the Alexandra Palace in London, England. This move came as a complete surprise to everyone involved with the band (including the remaining three members). Since his departure from the Stranglers, Hugh has recorded four studio albums. The first of these was under the CCW (Cornwell, Cook and West) banner. The second, "Wired" was recorded as a solo effort. Interesting additions to this latter project are those of Robert Williams on drums/percussion and Alex Gifford on bass. Williams is credited with Hugh on the 1979 release "Nosferatu"; Gifford was part of the brass section with the Stranglers, as well as being a member of the Purple Helmets. 1997 saw the release of "Guilty", on the "snapper" label: this album was released in North America in 1999, under the title "Black Hair, Black Eyes, Black Suit", on the "Velvel" label. The North American version features a slightly different track-listing. In 2001, Hugh released "Hi-Fi" (KOCH: KOC-CD 8220). CATHRYN CRAIG & BRIAN WILLOUGHBY www.cathryncraig.com www.brianwilloughby.com Cathryn & Brain are currently in the 7th year of their partnership which began in Nashville, Tennessee... Willoughby, famed lead guitarist of Strawbs for 26 years, met Craig, a respected session singer and songwriter while in Nashville writing songs for his debut solo recording BLACK & WHITE. Cathryn & Brian co-wrote several songs for that well-received CD, most notably the title track as well as the poignant Alice’s Song, a dedication to Brian’s autistic niece. The song was later released by Strawbs as a single in support of the National Autistic Society’s Year of Autism Awareness 2002. GARSIDE & GOUGH www.robingarside.co.uk Two of Yorkshires finest musicians, Robin and Paul made a name for themselves in the 80’s as a fantastic folk duo. They still perform folk but also play cool jazz. DUNCAN McFARLANE BAND www.duncanmcfarlane.co.uk The Duncan McFarlane Band exist in two formats - electric AND acoustic. The electric version was formed for a 'one-off' pub gig (in the Junction) as a fringe part of Otley Folk Festival 2000. I'd been trying to get away from the 'band thing' and perform solo for a few months by then, but didn't fancy playing a 'pub gig' atmosphere just 'one-man-and-a-guitar'. The band blew the place apart (!) and we were re-booked by the landlady for the following January. The makeshift line-up couldn't carry on, and three new members were drafted in for the occasion. Once again, believing this too would be a one-off, I had the gig recorded by Rod Holt on his new 24 track mobile digital system. Three members were literally introduced to the other three at the sound-check! They'd learned the songs via my home recordings! Nevertheless, we played well - The packed house loved it! The 'Live One' CD that emerged from that night still sells like hot cakes! .....and the band keeps getting both booked, and better and better...honest! THE LISTENERS THE DURBERVILLES www.durbervilles.co.uk A blend of American folk/rock & Cajun, Dave, Lee, Mark, Jayne & Gus combine to create a powerful sound. Their fantastic vocal harmonies mixed with their superb musicianship make their gigs a bit special. They also run a folk & roots show every Sunday afternoon on Radio Leeds. NICK HALL & HANNAH BUNYAN www.myspace.com/nickhallandhannahbunyan www.myspace.com/nickbhall A relatively new acoustic folk duo; Nick Hall & Hannah Bunyan are already forging a reputation for quality songs, tunes, arrangements and performances. Otley Folk Festival says 'together, they're a wow!'. Hannah is best known for being the frontperson of popular young folk rockers 'Entropy' and Nick is a member of The Hall Brothers, a solo artist and actor. Both write songs, play great guitar and sing lead and harmony vocals. Hannah's sublime fiddle-playing is the icing on the cake. In its short life, the duo have played Whitby Musicport, Otley, Hardraw and Masham Festivals and have headlined gigs in London. A hotly anticipated debut album is on the way! HALL BROTHERS www.thehallbrothers.co.uk www.myspace.com/thehallbrothers The Hall Brothers are an acoustic folk rock act with a fearsome live reputation! The Live in Leeds website describes them as 'legends'! They regularly team up with ex-Magna Carta violinist John Carey to perform music that ranges from beautiful ballads to up-tempo acoustic rock, while visiting the tradition (and flying fiddle tunes!) inbetween. The band provided support for bands as diverse as Fairport Convention, John Otway, Martin Carthy and The Wedding Present. Their albums (released through indie label Confidential Records) have all gained excellent reviews, with high praise heaped on their powerful vocals, intricate guitar work and thought-provoking, catchy songs. The Hall Brothers have wowed audiences across Britain, In Ireland and Holland and are now very happy to play the Black Sheep Festival for the third year running! CLAIRE MOONEY Described as a 'radical chanteuse', Claire's music has been defined by her passion and her politics. she writes of protest, peace, justice, love and life. her strong views and skills as a social commentator, along with her ability to connect with all types of audience, allows her to diversify whilst still maintaining her political integrity. Claire is regularly booked to compere events, as well as performing in her own right. Claire has established a loyal fan base who appreciate diversity. she performs at festivals, art centres, theatres, clubs, conferences and seminars "the numero uno female singer-songwriter in town...a bucketful of talent...really knows how to work an audience" (Manchester Evening News) "a terrific act...a powerful voice, good material and a wide-ranging set" (Tonite Magazine.) WATERLAND Waterland are a duo performing self-written and traditional material. Great vocals supported by guitar and acoustic bass. GERRY COOPER www.gerrycoopermusic.co.uk Fine Blues singer and player from Bradford. Gerry plays trad blues on standard and national guitars. JIM LAWTON NORTHERN LIGHTS Country/folk trio from West Yorkshire, they play a mix of instruments including dulcimer, guitars and double bass. FRIENDLY VISIT Phil Snell and Paul Wrigley form this duo, they play a range of tunes from all over the world. Phil plays fiddle, guitar and mandolin, Paul plays whistle, dulcimer and guitar. GERRY McNEICE www.gerrymcneice.co.uk Gerry is currently making a name for himself on the folk circuit. He writes his own songs as well as playing a host of trad ones as well. GLEN FOLK Good time folk quartet, they play singalong folk songs on guitars, mandolin and banjolele, lead singer Malcolm Devereux will be joining Jim Lawton at some of the singarounds. CARTOUCHE Five piece folk/rock outfit from West Yorks. Based in Kirkstall , formally known as the Pigs Ear Band. Two members left during the summer 2005 so Ali Cooke was recruited as lead singer and moved Berni Gilmore from drums to lead guitar with Stephen Foster (bass guitar/keyboards), Keith Laydon (12 string guitar & vocals) and Steve Hughes (guitar/mandolin) a new magical sound was created. Their style of music is classed as acoustic/ rock folk WESTPORT Great session Folk quartet led by Barry Smith from Leeds, they will be at sessions in pubs all weekend. WOAD WORKS GARY STEWART BAND FIREFLY plus lots more…..