Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts are an English folk duo, they have released one album 'Shadows & Half LIght' . Both Katriona and Jamie are multi instrumentalists, Katriona sings and plays fiddle, mandolin, viola and guitar, Jamie sings and plays guitar, mandolin, banjo, cajon and adds trombone, drums and programming on their album.
Three bands have performed and recorded under the name "Show of Hands". 1) Show Of Hands are England's most successful acoustic roots duo - Steve Knightley and Phil Beer. Their widespread appeal is based on the combined power of Steve's original songs, the quality of their vocals and harmonies, and their multi-instrumental virtuosity. Their performances feature guitars, mandocello, fiddle, cuatro, viola and concertina. Packing venues from the smallest village hall to the Royal Albert Hall in London, the duo continue to produce original music popular the world over.
Keith Peter Christmas is a singer and songwriter, born in Wivenhoe, near Colchester in Essex, England on the 13th of October 1946. In 1969 his first album "Stimulus" was released, he played acoustic guitar on David Bowie's "Space Oddity" album and appeared at the first Glastonbury Festival 1970. Through the 70s he produced four more albums, "Fable Of The Wings", "Pigmy", "Brighter Day" and "Stories From The Human Zoo" while touring with and supporting bands like The Who, King Crimson, Ten Years After, Frank Zappa, Roxy Music, Hawkwind, Captain Beefheart and the Kinks.
Nic Jones is one of the most enduring artists to come out of the 70s English folk revival. Although he originally styled himself as a folk singer, his fame rests largely on his skill as a guitarist and in composing memorable arrangements for traditional songs. He was born in 1947 in England in the town of Orpington, Kent. His early musical interests included acts like Ray Charles and The Shadows. He first learned to play guitar while at school. His interest in folk music was aroused by some old school friends who had formed into a folk band called the Halliard.
Bristol born Caroline Martin started writing and recording in 1996. At this point in her life she was living on the edge of Wentwood Forest in South Wales. With her dog for company, Caroline drew on her surroundings, the isolation and memories from her childhood upbringing in Yate to write her stories of loss, fear and revenge. Caroline released her debut 5 track EP - Young Tender Rabbit Meat - on her own label in 1998.
Anna Kashfi hailing from Manchester boasts of members: Sian Webley, James Youngjohns, Peter Martin and Sarah Kemp. With haunting lyrics and elegant vocals this band will seep into your heart.
Releasing a few singles and such gems as Philokalia and Palisade, one can only hope for more.
Fairport Convention is often credited with being the first English folk-rock band. Fairport, formed in 1967, rapidly developed from playing cover versions of American 'west coast' music to an individual style which melded rock music with traditional English tunes and songs. Like their peers The Byrds , Buffalo Springfield and Jefferson Airplane, they were blessed with several considerable individual talents, and produced music that, at least initially was eclectic, as well as exploratory. This side of the band may best be heard on Heyday, a collection of tracks broadcast by the BBC.
See also Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band. Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band have been teaming up since 1982 to revive interest in traditional carols and hymns and 18th century drinking songs. The band and Maddy Prior of course have their own separate projects and only work together from time to time. See also Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band. For more information see this Wikipedia page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maddy_Prior).
