Waterson : Carthy - Headline act for 2004

Waterson Carthy contain the two godparents of modern folk, namely Norma Waterson and Martin Carthy. Between them they have performed literally hundreds of different songs and tunes. Like the best folk clubs, they have survived so long because they know how to adapt. Whilst some artists, and clubs, have floundered because nothing changed, Waterson Carthy, in their various guises survive because they do.

Doonan Family

The Doonan Family Band have for twenty-five years been the benchmark of professionalism and charisma by which other traditional bands have been judged. Their track record goes back beyond the days of the Folk Revival and includes their contribution to such influential bands as Hedgehog Pie and Jack the Lad.

The Doonan Family have travelled from their base in Hebburn, Tyne & Wear to play in all corners of the world.

With the driving rhythms of Phil Murray on bass and Stu Luckley (half of Bob Fox and Stu Luckley) on guitar and vocals, the DFB presents a unique and formidable sound. The band also includes two lovely dancers, usually John’s granddaughters Frances and Sarah. What a pair of beauties!

The Doonan Family Band is unique. Tunes, songs, dances and loads of laughs — nobody does it better!

Donal Maguire

Dónal Maguire has been singing and playing in public on and off for thirty years. The 'on-and-off bit' is crucial! He is now planning to play on a full-time basis.

"Add a knowledge of the Irish Tradition to a voice and instrumental ability that command admiration, mix with an urbane manner and season with a wit as dry as unoaked chardonnay, simmer gently for an hour or two and presto! Perfect Dónal Maguire! An evening with Dónal Maguire is a truly unique and absorbing experience and one never to be missed. Hell or High Water simply don't come into the equation."

Rory McLeod

Rory was voted Best Live Act at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2002.

The award was presented by singer and songwriter Vin Garbutt:

"Orkney-based Rory McLeod has developed a stage act like no other with his 300mph rap folk delivery and his highly potent, original songs that fearlessly tackle everything from major social issues to the minutiae of everyday life."

Rory Mcleod - ex-circus clown and fire eater. A one man soulband, poet and storyteller, singing his own unique upbeat dance stories. A modern travelling troubadour using tap shoes, acappella, harmonica, guitar, trombone, spoons, finger cymbals, bandorea, djembe and various percussion instruments!

Ben & Joe Broughton

(Booked by demand following last year)

New York, according to legend is so good they named it twice. B&J are so good we've asked them back this year after their storming of Eyemouth last year. They're not only musically magnificent, they're irreverent and anyone who likes to heckle should seriously think about leaving town now. What do they play? Everything!

Paterson, West and Stewart

They are:-

• Rod Paterson - guitar and vocals. Rod is a celebrated performer of traditional song and probably the finest Scottish folk singer of his generation. Rod has a marvellously rich and expressive voice and a reputation as an unequalled interpreter of the songs of Scotland.
• Gary West - Low Whistle and Scottish Small Pipes. From Pitlochry, in Perthshire, Gary learned his piping with the much acclaimed Vale of Atholl pipe band with whom he played for 18 years, winning both the Scottish and European Championships.
• Wendy Stewart - Scottish harpist, concertina player, singer, composer. Wendy began learning the Scottish harp at the age of twelve from one of Scotland's finest teachers, Jean Campbell, in Edinburgh.

All at one time members of Ceolbeg.

Border Young Fiddles

Borders Young Fiddles are Lori Watson, Shona Mooney, Innes Watson, Rachel Cross and Alan Hyslop - ages 17 - 22. Five of the most talented young traditional fiddle players in the country is a reflection of what might be called 'the Borders style'.

"One of Scotland's rich musical traditions is awoken from its slumbers by the vibrancy of youth. The Borders Young Fiddles play traditional and self-penned tunes with great thought and skill. This debut CD oozes musicality from start to finish and belies the fiddlers' tender years."

Flossie

Flossie Malavialle is a French singer - guitarist who has been on the English folkscene for a few years now. Her large repertoire has gained her the support of a wide audience and the quality of her performances has enabled her to support and work with artists such ar Allan Taylor and Vin Garbutt.

GiveWay

GiveWay are sisters Fiona, Kirsty and twins Amy and Mairi.

The group won a Danny Award at Glasgow's Celtic Connections in 2001 then the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards. The girls were invited to appear on the BBC TV's Hogmanay Live 2002 show, where they performed alongside Aly Bain, Phil Cunningham and Fame Academy winner David Sneddon.

Amy (drums, percussion) and Mairi (keyboards, synthesiser) receive tremendous encouragement from Mum and Dad (Morag and Steve Johnson), who feel the most important thing is that the girls are having fun.

GiveWay are fine interpreters of Scottish music and have taken their music into fiddle and accordion clubs, through the concert hall to radio and television and now on to CD. Their choice of material for the album includes traditional tunes and original compositions by Scotland's finest composers, including Phil Cunningham. There are also three compositions by Fiona, including the beautiful Glencoe Beginnings on which Phil Cunningham reads a poem written by Jean McLean, the girl's Gran.

Goldrush

Bluegrass Music At The Cutting Edge.

Band leader John Sheldon formed Goldrush in 1989.

'Panning For Gold', recorded in 1999 and was widely acclaimed as a wonderful collection of superbly played traditional and original bluegrass featuring many of John’s original compositions. In subsequent recordings and in their live performances Goldrush show a respect for the roots of the music, capturing the drive and excitement of the first generation performers. Since then this well-established and slick band has gone from strength to strength over the last year with an infusion of bright new talent in the line-up.

Individually and collectively Goldrush has decades of performing experience ranging from the folk scene; the country music circuit; Edinburgh International Festival, Edale Bluegrass Festival - and many country music events. The present band has forged a distinct and impressive identity.