BaaFest Music Festival

Artists

The 2010 BAAFest featured the following artists:


Whapweasel		Whapweasel are no longer the best-kept secret on the English ceilidh-dance circuit. The word is out. After seven years of dignified obscurity, the Whaps were propelled into the limelight in 2003 when their third CD, Relentless, shifted wagonloads on the back of heavy national radio coverage, unanimously enthusiastic reviews nationwide and indeed worldwide and a series of triumphant gigs at the Sidmouth International Folk Festival. Relentless was featured on the prestigious fRoots Top Ten Playlist, and the band themselves were interviewed by fRoots editor Ian Anderson for the magazine's August issue. Further critical acclaim came at the end of the year with their inclusion in Mojo's list of Best Folk CDs of 2003, and their nomination for the Horizon Award (Best New Act) in the annual Radio Two Folk Awards - the only dance band shortlisted in any category. (more..)
www.whapweazel.com

Denny Bartley & Chris Sherburn		Chris Sherburn and Denny Bartley have been bringing their unique sound to audiences across Europe and America since the early 1990s, when a chance meeting at a music session created one of folk music's most enduring partnerships. Known for their soul stirring songs, exhilarating tunes and a love of the craic, Chris (concertina) and Denny (guitar and vocals) ensure that no two concerts are ever the same. Chris grew up surrounded by folk music of all kinds - his home was a regular haunt for passing folk singers and musicians. Denny, born in Co. Limerick, is drawn to the inheritance of age-old slides, slow airs, slip jigs and wild reels. Founder members of the band Last Night's Fun which received international acclaim and a loyal fan base over 11 years together, they have now returned to their roots as a duo.
www.lastnightsfun.com

Megson		Megson are the combined forces of Stu Hanna and Debbie Hanna-Palmer. The duo are fast becoming ‘hot property’ (Guardian Jan 09) on the British Folk & Roots scene. Originally from Teesside, the pair met singing in Cleveland Youth Choir and at the time had very different career paths. Debbie trained as a classical singer whilst Stu was in a pop-punk band! Since they joined forces as Megson, they have gone from strength to strength. Initially supporting bands such as Show of Hands and Seth Lakeman, but more recently selling out their own extensive tour dates. Megson were nominated for Best Duo in the 2009 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. “How gorgeous is that?...absolutely beautiful”Bob Harris BBC Radio 2
www.megsonmusic.co.uk

Diesel Therapy		Diesel Therapy has been described as ‘musical Jack Daniels’, which is pretty much spot-on as far as three-word band descriptions go! Based in the North East of England, Diesel Therapy is fronted by Jim Hornsby (guitars, dobro, vocals). Jim has recorded and toured with acts as diverse as Prefab Sprout, Martin Stephenson, Prelude and Irish singer Kate Purcell. However, it is as songwriter and leader of Diesel Therapy that he has finally found his true calling. Together with Danny Holmes (guitars, vocals), Chris Ringer (bass, vocals) and Duncan Tyler (drums), the output of the band is a variance of light and shade. Their plan is simple: good original songs, great picking and an uncompromising desire to give value for money. All songs are written or co-written by Jim and Danny. They relate to past memories, following your dreams and thoughts on life. Certainly Diesel Therapy is influenced instrumentally by American bluegrass and roots music, but the rich mining history of Northumberland, with its own tales of hard times, is just as poignant as the likes of Kentucky! “It’s something to do with an innate sense of timing, a sense of syncopation, a delight in playing in a tight, musically inventive band, an awareness of what makes good music. Diesel Therapy is a good band!” – The Maverick “A great choice of songs and tunes, consummate guitar playing featuring, at times, blistering guitar harmonies, an understated rhythm section keeping it all going. These guys are at the top of their game; perfectionists playing to perfection.”– Cramlington Folk Club
www.dieseltherapy.co.uk

The Caffrey’s		Mention THE CAFFREYS to any discerning North-East music lover, and it's likely they'll need no introduction. This is a band that has earned a formidable reputation based on heartfelt & uplifting original songs, incredible musicianship, dynamic live performances and - at the core of the Caffreys sound - astonishing close harmonies unique to three brothers who have, for most of their lives, sang as one.
www.thecaffs.com

Gareth Davies-Jones		Combining Folk, Americana, Roots and Acoustic traditions the Irish-born singer-songwriter Gareth Davies-Jones demonstrates that the legacy of well-written, descriptive music laid down by the likes of Woody Guthrie still lives on here in the UK. Compelling you to listen to each word sung and every note strummed his powerful and strong lyrics bring affecting stories, social and political observations which wouldn’t sound out of place in a 1960s Greenwich Village coffee shop or in any contemporary folk acoustic platform. Some artists sing in the name of one cause or another without conviction, but that is not the case here. Recognised by commentators as an emerging talent in the Troubador tradition Gareth is already a seasoned singer-songwriter/guitarist and has appeared at many of the UK’s best known festivals and venues including Celtic Connections, Brampton Folk Festival, Greenbelt Festival, Warwick Folk Festival, Off The Tracks, Crossover, The Sage –Gateshead and The Brighton Arena. His songs have been featured on BBC Radio 2, 3 & 4, BBC Local Radio across the UK, Radio Britfolk, The Acoustic Stage and FolkRadio UK. Gareth also uses his music to support various organisations fighting for social justice such as Traidcraft and Casa Alianza. Alongside solo tours, other collaborations include tours with Yvonne Lyon, Megson and Rob Halligan and support work for Karine Polwart, Phil Beer, Waterson Carthy, Paul Field and Coco Mbassi. To date his work spans three solo albums the latest being “Water & Light” (HWM004) released in December 2008. It was produced by Graham Duffin and Sandy Jones (WetWetWet), accompanied by Kevin McGuire on Double Bass (Eddi) Reader / Karine Polwart) and with guest appearances from Jez Lowe, Yvonne Lyon and Esther O’Connor. “Water & Light” is distributed by Proper Distribution. “Gareth is a fresh new voice…. real songs with some real things to say, in a melodic and entertaining way. He's a fine addition to the troubadour tradition.” Jez Lowe
www.headingwestmusic.com

Yvonne Lyon		'Just stunning music' Bob Harris, Radio 2 ‘listening to Yvonne is a life affirming experience. She is the bees-knees!’ Iain Anderson, BBC Radio Scotland Singer-songwriter Yvonne Lyon is among the best and brightest emerging talent currently from Scotland. Her new album, Ashes & Gold combines poignant lyrics with strong, creative melodies, demonstrating a voice that can be both fragile and intense. She has consistently drawn and stirred crowds across the UK with her emotive performances.
www.yvonnelyonmusic.com

Landermason		Bellingham based Fiona Lander and Paul Mason collectively known as 'Landermason' have been writing, recording and performing together since 2000. Multi instrumentalist Fiona (vocals, piano, whistles, saxes, clarinet and recorder) and Paul (guitars and vocals) have developed a unique sound which displays their undoubted talents. They combine both traditional and contemporary folk with jazz and other styles in their beautiful and striking arrangements. Landermason have recorded and produced 4 CD's to date on their own label LAMA Records. Tracks from their albums 'The Reason' and 'Angel of the North' have gained national airplay on BBC Radio 2 and 3 as well as on many other radio shows across the network. The LIVE sound is impressive, full of variety and with plenty of audience interaction. Often described as 'refreshingly different', Landermason are equally at home entertaining audiences in folk and acoustic music clubs, theatres, festivals, village halls and pubs and are proud to have performed at some of the UK's best known live music venues. “Landermason were musically excellent, showing off technical ability but also adding heart and soul into their songs. Lander showed impressive command of multiple instruments whilst Mason’s jazz-tinged folk guitar-playing was exceptional”. Edinburgh Festival
www.landermason.com

Zoox		Zoox (Linda Game, Jo May and Becky Menday) are a superb trio serving up a cocktail of new melodies and traditional tunes with a delicate balance of strings, wind, percussion and voices. Be prepared for a fabulous array of instruments from contrabassoon to congas. Exciting arrangements, great musicianship and infectious energy typify the performances of Zoox in a show which is guaranteed to entertain and enchant. Their rich and varied influences include Celtic, Appalachian, Klezmer, African, Cuban, Rock and Classical. "Great tunes and addictive energy - thanks Zoox for rocking our night!" Nancy Kerr and James Fagan
www.zoox.co.uk

Steve & Kristi Nebel (USA)		STEVE & KRISTI NEBEL (US) have been performing together for 15 years. No strangers to the UK folk scene, Steve and Kristi have been touring regularly over here and have built up a loyal following. *“They do a truly wonderful job of combining searing social concern about war and peace, with a delightful spirit of love and happiness”.* Victory Review
www.sknebel.com

Wytchazle		Wytchazle are an acoustic duo based in Suffolk. They Play a mixture of mainly original material, jazz standards, as well as the occasional traditional folk song. Robert Foster has been a professional musician for nearly thirty years, playing with the band Gryphon in their heyday, as well as performing with Jerry Donahue and other members of Fairport Convention at Cropredy. Daisy Windsor has been a full time musician for ten years, the last six in the band The Floozies and has supported Eliza Carthy, Norma Waterson, Martin Carthy, Landermason, Vin Garbutt, Hank and Ben Marvin. Wytchazle recently supported John Renbourn and Robin Williamson.
www.myspace.com/wytchazle

Pete Scott		Pete Scott began performing in the folk clubs in his home City of Newcastle.He was soon on the road all around the U.K. Working alongside acts like Ralph Mctell, John Martyn, Lindisfarne and Steeleye Span. His highly original songs coupled with a dry wit, made him popular on the college circuit, in concert halls supporting big names and lead to appearances on both network and local T.V and radio.He has also worked alongside U.S. acts like Gretchen Peters, Janis Ian. Chip Taylor and Eliza Gylkison. With six albums to his name ,his latest being ."Why Sing Goodbye Songs" which is selling well at gigs and online.Pete recently did a highly successful U.S. tour and is returning later in the year. I've Known Pete Scott for so many years I can't remember - always a great innovative imaginitive singer/songwriter - he produced my solo album to great reviews - make some time - go and see him' Judy Dinning.
www.petescott.co.uk

No Worries		No Worries are a Medway/Kent duo performing an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary tunes and songs drawn from the music of Great Britain, USA and Australia. They have played clubs, pubs, and festivals in the UK, Europe, and Australia. Musical influences are broad and varied – Ralph McTell, The Copper Family, John James, Martyn Wyndham-Read, The Beatles or Fairport – the list goes on. “If we like it enough and think it’s appropriate, we’ll do it” says Brian.
www.myspace.com/noworriesmedway

Hague		Northumberland based singer/songwriter Mark Stenton, AKA Hague, is receiving regular radio airplay on local and international levels and has graced the stage at The Sage Gateshead as well as many other intimate venues across the North East. Well written original tracks intermingle with sophisticated versions of popular songs that appeal to audiences across a multitude of tastes. “Hague is at once a nostalgic memory you never had and the lilting smell of mum’s hug after coming in from the cold.” Rick Galusha - Pacific Street Blues, Nebraska
www.haguemusic.co.uk

Mothers Ruin		Mother's Ruin are an entertaining and original young band from Newcastle boasting some of the finest players on the young folk circuit. The band combine elements of bluegrass, blues, folk and jazz to create a unique blend and much of their repertoire is their own material as well as American, Northumbrian and other songs and tunes. Some of the band's hallmarks include searing vocal harmonies, hot picking from banjo, mandolin and guitar and catchy riffs and driving rhythms. The individual members have performed extensively throughout the UK at major festivals, folk clubs and other venues but have combined their talents to create this fine band and have performed at the Americana Festival at the Sage Gateshead, Broadstairs Folk Week and the Hexham Gathering. 'Fine vocals and red hot pickers' – Jumpin' Hot Club
www.myspace.com/mothersruinband

Lucy Ward		Lucy is a 20 year old acoustic artist from Derby. She plays guitar but considers voice to be her first instrument and has been performing regularly since she was 14. She reached the Finals of the 2009 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards and since then has supported the likes of Seth Lakeman, Mawkin Causley, Jim Moray, Phil Beer, Harvey Andrews and Jez Lowe. Lucy performs an eclectic mix of traditional and modern folk interpretations interspersed with her own songs. She has the ability to still an audience with the strength and purity of her voice, which she uses to great effect on the unaccompanied songs that sprinkle her set.
www.myspace.com/lucywardsings

Clockwork		Clockwork are a band from various places around Northumberland playing traditional folk taken from all over the British Isles. They are made up by Frances Waitt on fiddle, Stuart Shevlin on piano and squeezbox, Dane Curran on guitar and Helen Ainsley on fiddle and vocals. Starting in Feburary the young band have played at a variety of places, from their first gig in a cricket clubhouse to numerous private concerts and opening Rothbury Folk Festival's main stage. All this whilst trying to fit in school and a social life! Fran's often described as the mother goose type figure who will look out for each of us to see what we're doing wrong (or right for once). Stu's the manager of the group, making sure everyone stays organised and that we have never have any time to do anything else apart from gig and practice! Dane's our dark horse, plucked straight from the arms of rock and metal music, we're still weaning him onto folk slowly and surely, we think he's getting used to it by now! Helen's the one that everyone seems to like when we're gigging, with her brilliant vocals she adds a completely different dimension to the band that people seem to love. “I very much enjoyed watching you play, as did the audience obviously…a lot of energy, and a sense of humour, even in the music” – Paul Sartin
www.myspace.com/clockworkfolkband

Eddie Walker		A veteran of five decades on the British and International Folk Circuit Eddie Walker presents a heady mix of American Roots styles from old folk blues and ragtime to western swing and hillbilly country. Well recognised for his 60s/70s singer and songwriter contemporary folk style... for the last 30 years he’s taken his professional career far and wide featuring the traditional music of Jimmie Rodgers ... Blind Willie McTell .....Mississippi John Hurt ......Bob Wills and Doc Watson ...to name but a few.... as well as covering his heroes Steve Goodman and John Prine that he touched base with first time around nearly 40 years ago. The common factor that sits with all this music where he is concerned is the acoustic guitar and all it has to offer as the finest of accompanying instruments played to a level of expertise that is both charming and dynamic. And be prepared to be fully entertained! Oh!...... and loud shirts and smart hats are mandatory too......even in the audience!
www.eddiewalker.net

Adrian Nation		From the coast where he lives to the mountains he climbs and the lakes that he loves to be on, Adrian Nation has a unique view of the world and a rare ability to distil that view into the songs he writes and performs to a loyal and increasing fanbase. It was whilst performing solo to a festival crowd of some 8000 people that Adrian first caught the attention of Chris West (co-producer of Richard Ashcroft’s ‘Keys to the World’ and currently working with The Verve.) Impressed with the quality of Adrian’s songs and his ability to captivate a large crowd, Chris West approached Adrian and plans were soon underway to record a follow up to his debut album ‘Sowing Seeds’, this time with Chris as producer. . The result? … ‘Fall or Fly’, a wonderfully warm and balanced album described by Status Quo’s producer and Judie Tzuke’s songwriting partner Mike Paxman as…*“a collection of songs you can’t get out of your head”* He goes on to say “as soon as you hear the first few bars of ‘Don’t Turn Away’ you know you are in the company of a great songwriter…………the beautiful and evocative ‘Song to Maria’ is one of the best songs I’ve heard for years” The April 2008 edition of Maverick Magazine reviewing the four track EP of the as yet unreleased ‘Fall or Fly’ uses the words *“infectious, rhythmic and uplifting”*
www.adriannation.com

Mike Tickell		Mike Tickell...is a singer from the nearby village of Wark. He performs the traditional songs of rural Northumberland. He learnt them as a child from his father and later from the few remaining traditional singers of this area of Redesdale and the North Tyne Valley. He has won the singing and Border ballad competitions at a number of border festivals. In 1995 his daughter Kathryn produced his recording of Warksburn which includes many of the less well known songs of his area. He also sings on the Northumbrian compilation album: From Sewingshields to Glendale. He has been a regular guest at Whitby folk festival and has also appeared at Sidmouth festival..


Richard Ridley Band		After working overseas for a number of years I'm pleased to be back in old blighty, living near Glasgow and hoping to explore the folk scene, both here and back in my native northeast England, whenever I can migrate south. I have played music for many years, sang in local operatic, church choir, prog rock bands, brass bands, folk bands and rubber bands - well maybe that's stretching it a bit. I play guitars 6 string, 12 string & bass and have an unusual collection of 8 stringed instruments including mandocello, bouzouki, mandola and guzouki. I also play keyboards badly but enough to add a bit colour to the songs. I recently bumped into old pal and ex bandmate Brian Bell (Whapweasel) at Clennell Hall Folk Festival. We decided, after 15 years, to reform the band. We are getting a set of songs and tunes together and have started doing a gig or two with Melodeon player Frank Lee, who plays for Hexham Morris and lots of other dance teams. We mostly perform songs I have written but I have also arranged a few geordie classics in my own style which are working well with the band. Watch out for the Richard Ridley Band. Any artist wishing to perform my songs are free to do so, just let me know and give me a credit where due, thanks.
www.myspace.com/smallpictures

David Kidman		I David Kidman wears three different hats – but not all at once!… Firstly, regular folk festival and club attendees know him as a comp?re with an informed and genuine enthusiasm for the music and a solid reputation for timekeeping. Secondly, he’s a passionate and dedicated revival singer who intersperses traditional repertoire with the works of modern-day folk songwriters, embracing rousing choruses as well as more thoughtful and sensitive material and occasional parodies. And thirdly, he’s known as an insightful reviewer of CDs for the national and regional folk press and online.
www.davidkidman.co.uk

Jessica Lamb		My names Jessica Lamb, and i'm fourteen, and I play the northumbrian pipes and I sing . I'm in Folkestra, led by kathryn tickell, and i'm in Quay Voices as well and the Northumbrian Ranters. I've been playing the northumbrian pipes for around 5 years, I started when I was 9 years old, and over the years i've played a lot of concerts, and entered competitions and I have now won the Rothbury open 3 years running. I play every year at the Hexham Gathering so you should come along and see me play!
www.myspace.com/jessicalambmusic

Pete Ryder		"His humour, his satire and his penetrating insights into the human condition have entranced and astonished a wide variety of people. Some have been led away gibbering" - Sior Coleman
www.broomlee.demon.co.uk

Hexham Morris		Hexham Morris are two separate but very closely associated teams of Morris Dancers based in the historic town of Hexham in Northumberland. The Morrismen dance in the Cotswold tradition, while The Hexhamshire Lasses are a women's team who dance North-West style morris. Although we dance separately, we almost always appear together (that way we get a rest between dances!) Together the teams have undertaken several joint expeditions to Hexham’s twin towns of Noyon in France, and Metzingen in Germany. In 1998 they made a very successful trip to Poland. In 2000, they represented the United Kingdom at the world’s largest folk dance festival - the “Folkloriada”. This was held in Tokyo, where the Hexham teams performed alongside troupes from over 60 nations, to massive acclaim. Since then, they have been enthusiastically received at international festivals in Bulgaria, Hungary and more recently The Azores, while still continuing to dance regularly in the Tynedale area. Our aims are To have fun and enjoy what we do To entertain the public and bring traditional English dances to Hexham,the surrounding area and further afield.
www.hexhammorris.com

Ian McKone		Ian McKone is a traditional singer, guitarist and fiddler playing mainly English and Scottish folk song with the odd instrumental thrown in for good measure. 'Jaw dropping skill on guitar, great vocals, totally exploded on stage, his opening number was dynamite' Loftus Open Acoustic 'Ian gigged at The Acoustic Kitchen in September 2008 to a spellbound audience' Pete Kitchen 'Ian McKone really is a top musician...he played stunning guitar (if you haven't heard him you really should), fab mandolin....oh and he sings a bit (ahem...if you haven't heard him etc....)' Paul Arrowsmith 'A fabulous player of both guitar and fiddle' Terry Ferdinand
www.myspace.com/ianmckone

Horizontal Sunday		Horizontal Sunday is an exciting new folk band based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. We come from the Isle of Skye (Bex), Dundee (Sarah) and Lincoln (Dave) and our musical influences from these areas give us a distinctive and refreshing sound. We play a wide variety of folk music from the British Isles and beyond on melodeon, fiddle and clarsach and have a wide variety of gigs planned for 2010, including support for Martin Carthy in February 2010, Baafest and many folk clubs in the North East of England.
www.myspace.com/horizontalsunday