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Fri 9th to Sun 11th July 2010
The friendliest folk festival in England, held at the beautiful village of Priddy, high on the magnificent Mendip Hills in sunny Somerset.
Concerts
We have some fabulous concerts and dances for you with a range of artists from 'old masters' to 'bright young things'.
FridayNew Rope String Band Vin Garbutt Ruth Notman Bellevue Rendezvous Reg Meuross Tyde Cleverly Brothers Dizzi Dulcimer Dyer:Cumming's Band
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SaturdayBattlefield Band Brooks Williams, PJ Wright & Keith Warmington Kerfuffle Sheelanagig Mabon Kitching & Bartley Will Kaufman Reg Meuross & Beth Porter 3 Caballeros Pete Harris & Hugh Budden Jim Tigwell Issy & David Emeney with Kate Riaz Electric Lobsters & Tony Slinger Tyde Helena Phil King Gasworks Singers Dyer:Cumming's Band
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SundaySpiers & Boden Scoville Units Kitching & Bartley Lucy Ward The Carrivick Sisters James Chadwick James Findlay
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Our headline acts include
Battlefield Band
Under their banner Forward with Scotland’s Past, Battlefield Band have been performing on the international scene for more than three decades, inspired by their rich heritage of Celtic music and fired by the strength of the modern Scottish cultural scene.
Alan Reid (keyboards/guitar/vocals)
Mike Katz (Highland pipes/small pipes/various whistles/bass guitar)
Sean O'Donnell (vocals/guitar)
Alasdair White (fiddle/whistle/banjo/bazouki/Highland and small pipes/bodhran/...and probably anything else he can lay his hands on!)
http://www.battlefieldband.co.uk/
Spiers and Boden
Described by The Guardian as “the finest instrumental duo on the traditional scene” and twice winners of the BBC Radio 2 folk award for Best Duo, John Spiers and Jon Boden have made the genre of spontaneous, punky English folk very much their own stomping ground.
Over the past few years we've had many requests to have Spiers & Boden here at Priddy - we're delighted they're coming to play for us.
http://www.spiersandboden.com/
The New Rope String Band
The New Rope String Band is made up of four talented musicians playing beautiful and invigorating acoustic music from various traditions around the world. Experienced old-hands Pete Challoner and Tim Dalling (from the Old Rope String Band) have joined forces with experienced old-time musicians Jock Tyldesley and Vera van Heeringen.
There really is no way to describe the Ropes - if you haven't seen them before you're about to discover a source of lunacy and inspired musicianship. If you have seen them before then you'll know to prepare yourself for an hour of helpless laughter and amazement. Pure delight!
http://www.newropestringband.co.uk/
Vin Garbutt
Powerful, hugely moving, warm, humane, inspired, funny and gut wrenchingly honest. These are just some of the superlatives used to describe Vin.
A performance by Vin takes you through every emotion possible - his songs express his unique, humane views of personal and world events interspersed with a patter that will make you cry with laughter. Vin has been a well known and well-loved musician on the international folk circuit for many years and is a big favourite at Priddy.
Kerfuffle
Kerfuffle first played at Priddy in 2004 and their star has been rising ever since. Kerfuffle's music cannot easily be categorised and their vibrant arrangements draw on influences from across Europe, incorporating tunes, songs and dances.
Four of the finest young musicians on the folk scene today, Sam Sweeney, Hannah James, Jamie Roberts, & Tom Sweeney perform their music with immense vitality and style.
http://www.kerfuffleonline.co.uk/
Bellevue Rendezvous
Bellevue Rendezvous are an inventive Scottish based trio of Gavin Marwick (fiddle), Cameron Robson (cittern, jaw harp) and Ruth Morris (nyckelharpa) plundering Europe for strange and interesting tunes. The nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish instrument, a beautifully toned keyed fiddle in the viola register, rarely seen in the UK.
With a collective CV that encompasses some of Scotland's most fascinating outfits - including Unusual Suspects, Cantrip and Iron Horse - they draw on music and traditions as diverse as Serbia, Macedonia, Poland, Canada, France and Finland to create the quirkily alluring instrumental interplay that will surely make a memorable performance.
http://www.stoneyport.co.uk/artists/docs/bellevue.html
Scoville Units with Leon Hunt
The Scoville Units are an exciting new Celtic & Bluegrass crossover band featuring a quintet of musicians of the finest class. This collaboration is an original concept, drawing inspiration from many sources to create a distinctly unique sound that is exciting and innovative.
Rex Preston (Mandolin)
Leon Hunt (5-string Banjo)
Gina Griffin (Fiddle, Vocals)
Ed Boyd (Guitar)
Josh Clark (Bodhran, Cajon)
Tom Kitching & Gren Bartley
Tom Kitching and Gren Bartley are one of the brightest young acts on the folk scene today. Playing music from a remarkably broad range of sources, their new album ‘Boundary’ crosses genres with a healthy disdain for arbitrary pigeon-holing of styles and traditions. Some songs just need to be sung.
'The instruments spark, with the combination of the bright fiddle and the acclaimed finger picking style of Bartley giving a lovely flow to the tunes' - Maverick Magazine
Mabon
Mabon’s music is well described as Original, Interceltic, World Music. Composed by frontman Jamie Smith, and brought to life by six highly accomplished musicians, it draws inspiration directly from the traditional folk music of the Celtic countries. This is not Welsh music, nor Scottish or Irish; this is Interceltic music, a true exploration of forms and styles found in Celtic music and their forging into something bold and new.
More than anything it is the emotional content of the traditional music that Jamie seeks to embed in his own work; the sorrow, the joy and most of all the sheer energy at the heart of this uplifting genre of music. Expect to find all of these qualities in Mabon’s music; it is designed to move you, both physically and emotionally, to draw you in with a moment of pure drama then cut you loose with some irresistible fun.
...with some really classic local acts
Reg Meuross and Beth Porter
"One of Britain's finest Singer Songwriters" (Time Out)
Reg's Writing, Performing and acting credits include work with people as diverse as the famous French Composer Vladimir Cosma - who wrote the cult movie 'Diva', Gerard Depardieu; Marsha Malamet; Nick Lowe; Not The Nine O'Clock News; Robbie Coltrane; Chris Difford; Charlie Dore; Gary Clark; Antonia Bird; Lenny Henry; Jeremy Hardy; Paul Merton, etc.
Apart from his Solo concerts Reg tours with various combinations from his studio musicians which include Jackie Oates - Fiddle & Voice, Phil Beer - Fiddle (SHOW OF HANDS) Roy Dodds - Drums (EDDI READER) and Simon Edwards - Bass (FAIRGROUND ATTRACTION, BILLY BRAGG)
Beth has a versatility and a flair for Improvisation that is rare among classically trained cellists. She can turn her hand to any style with ease and her playing gives a depth of emotion and richness that helps to make a unique sound.
Beth also plays with Eliza Carthy, Jennifer Crook, Babel, Rob Sharples, Jack Rubbinacci, The Cedar, to name a few and has occasionally filled in for the Mighty Bellowhead. Her Musical CV is so vast and impressive that it would be impossible to list here. She is also making a name for herself performing her own self written songs.
http://www.regmeuross.com/
http://www.inu-music.com/profile.html
The Three Caballeros
The Three Caballeros: Stuart Gordon, Andy Davis and Pete Allerhand have been performing together since the 80's and are a classic act with great musicianship and style.
Based on the trio of Violin, Guitar and Ukelele, they blend in a rich variety of musical styles stretching from the gypsy fiddles of Eastern Europe to the finer points of Cole Porter with glimpses of rare beauty in the Gaelic and Celtic airs in between.
Helena
Those of you who have followed Helena over the years and seen her mesmerise crowds nationwide, from the intimacy of a small concert to the thousands at Main Stage Glastonbury, will need no introduction to this rare and prodigious talent.
It is hard to categorize Helena’s music as it includes so many styles - bit of blues, jazz, folk, rock and all with a massive energy and skill.
Issy & David Emeney with Kate Riaz
Issy is an outstanding melodeon player. Inspired to take up the box by the playing of Norfolk squeezer Tony Hall, she has developed an unusually sensitive and creative style “a delight to play with” John Dipper.
Issy is acquiring a well deserved reputation as a composer and song writer. Her tunes, whether straight dance tunes or longer pieces that tell a story, are invariably ‘a bit different’ with strong and beautiful melodies. Some of them have been used for television. Her songs have a distinctly traditional influence.
Issy will be playing a set with David Emeney and Kate Riaz - as well as MC-ing, running a melodeon workshop and probably doing some flatfooting and teaching that too.
Cleverly Brothers
In existence as a music/comedy phenomenon since their emergence at the Village Pump festival in 2001, the Cleverly Brothers (Don and Phil) have built up a great fan base through regular appearances at The Sidmouth and Trowbridge festivals, and at pubs, clubs and private parties in the south-west.
Their cutting observations of everyday life in the Mendips have made them infamous in both the local and national press. They have been called to account on radio to explain their musings, and won a prize on Radio 4 for one of their sketches
Gasworks Singers
The Gasworks Singers are the travelling arm of the Gasworks Choir, a community choir of over 150 people in Bristol.
They perform a diverse repertoire ranging from pop, soul and gospel to folk and funk, with ethnic songs from around the world as well as the occasional classical piece.
http://www.gasworkschoir.co.uk/
Phil King
Bristol singer/songwriter Phil King already has 2 albums to his name. They have both received fantastic national press and airplay from Radio 2 as well as many regional stations.
He performs regularly all over the UK and Europe, everywhere from small intimate bars to big festival stages. His music contains elements of Blues, Soul, Folk and Rock, but to him, it is all acoustic song, delivered with honesty.
...and new young folk
Ruth Notman Duo
Ruth Notman started out on the live circuit at just 13 years old performing at folk clubs and venues in and around Nottingham and Derby and soon began securing slots at leading Festivals (including Priddy). In 2006 Ruth reached the finals of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award and shortly afterwards signed a record deal.
Ruth’s pure and powerful voice conveys stories of love, loss, adventure and heartache, weaving through simple stripped down ballads and soaring above complex arrangements.
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.
Her sets are an eclectic mix of traditional and modern folk interpretations, interspersed with her own songs. There is a natural and easy sound to her music that is brought to life by expressive performance and breath-taking delivery.
http://www.myspace.com/lucywardsings
James Chadwick
Although comparisons have been made to many artists, such as Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley and Jimi Hendrix, James prefers to celebrate his own unique style which he says has been influenced by "everything and nothing" (but not forgetting Bob Dylan).
His songs are beautiful and emotional and his talents are becoming increasingly recognized by accomplished musicians and young fans alike.
James played at Priddy in 2006 and for many people it was one of the most memorable performances of the festival.
http://www.james-chadwick.co.uk/
James Findlay
James Findlay is a Dorset based traditional singer, fiddler and guitarist. Coming from a musical family, he is influenced by all genres of music; his love lies in traditional English folk music and ballads, his presentation and musical style being inspired by guitarist Nic Jones, and singers such as The Watersons. James was the winner in the ‘New Roots’ national competition for up-and-coming folk performers in 2008 and also won the 2010 BBC Young Folk Award final at the BBC Theatre in December 2009.
James has been described in the press as 'The new Seth Lakeman' (a comparison he dislikes!).
http://www.myspace.com/jfindlay
Tyde
Tyde are a 3 piece that draw upon influences from every corner of the British Isles and beyond to deliver music and song that is dynamic, fresh and quite brilliantly played. They have built a strong following with their great sets and infectious onstage character.
“Three brilliant players with a musical maturity way beyond their years. Their music goes straight to the heart of the audience, with an appeal second to none. A must for a concert venues. Pure Joy.” Tom McConville . . . . . . . “Fantastic musicianship… If I could play like them now I’d be very happy, If I could play like them when I was their age I’d probably be living in the Bahamas!” Damien Barber - The Demon Barbers . . . . . . . . . . . . “Watch out Lau!” Spiral Earth
http://www.myspace.com/tydefolk
The Carrivick Sisters
The Carrivick Sisters are twins Laura and Charlotte Carrivick from South Devon, England.
They play a variety of bluegrass instruments (mainly guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro and fiddle) with vocal harmonies and are both songwriters. Although their background is in bluegrass, their music has a strong folk influence which is evident in their original songs, many of which are inspired by their local landscape and stories.
In 2007 they won the South West Busker’s and Street Entertainer’s Competition, gaining themselves their first spot at Glastonbury Festival. In 2008 Laura achieved 2nd place at the RockyGrass Fiddle Contest in America. More recently, the Carrivick Sisters were finalists in the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards 2010.
http://thecarrivicksisters.wordpress.com/
Dyer:Cumming's Band
The Dyer:Cumming's are a young and exciting Band from Somerset. They play Traditional English music with a Funky Twist. In 2009 Dyer:Cummings came 2nd in the Glastonbury Battle of the Bands and were finalists in the national competition 'New Roots'.
The Dyer:Cumming's - Hannah Cumming on Fiddle - Jon Dyer on Bass, Flute and Guitar - Penny Dyer on Bassoon and Alex Cumming on Piano Accordion, Bouzouki.
“Reminded me of the first band to play Glastonbury - FANTASTIC” - Michael Eavis
http://www.myspace.com/dyercummings
...and a blues afternoon with ....
Brooks Williams & Friends
Brooks Williams is a blues singing, guitar picking, bottleneck slide playing certified road warrior who has toured continuously for over twenty-one years. His guitar skills won him a place on the Top 100 Acoustic Guitarists list, in company with the likes of Michael Hedges, Chet Atkins, Leo Kottke, Doc Watson, and David Bromberg, to name a few.
He played at Priddy Folk Festival last year and those who saw his performance agree it was one of the highlights of the festival.
http://www.brookswilliams.com/
Pete Harris & Hugh Budden
Pete Harris (vocal, guitar, mandolin) has been active on the Blues scene in the South for nigh on thirty years. He has led various incarnations of the Pete Harris Blues Band, recognized as one of the leading blues bands on the South Coast.
Hugh Budden (vocal, harmonica) has been performing with Pete since 2007. He has developed a highly individual, virtuosic style which has won him a reputation as one of the UK's leading Blues harp players.
http://www.peteharrisblues.com/
http://www.dolfinmusic.com/hughsblues.htm
Jim Tigwell
Jim has been playing guitar and singing for around 35 years, starting in the folk clubs around Bristol, often sharing the stage with local legend Martin Froud.
He is influenced by the likes of Bert Jansch, Brownie McGhee, Blind Blake, Jerry Reed and electric players such as James Burton and BB King. Jim has shared the stage with some great musicians, including Kristina Olsen, Hans Theessink & Kent Duchaine among others.
http://www.myspace.com/jimtigwellandmartinfroud
..and some excitingly different performances from
Dizzi Dulcimer & Emily
Frome based percussionist Dizzi has found that the Hammered Dulcimer introduces melody into her rhythmic world.
"I believe it is my purpose to introduce the Hammered Dulcimer and Bass Hammered Dulcimer into dance, pop & rock music, not merely as chill-out instruments but as a funky 46 stringed electric guitar backed by a 17 stringed electric bass."
Will Kaufman's fabulous history and songs of Woody Guthrie
Will Kaufman's WOODY GUTHRIE: HARD TIMES AND HARD TRAVELLIN', is a captivating "live documentary" that sets the songs of Woody Guthrie in the context of the American 1930s - the Dust Bowl, the Depression, the New Deal and the state of popular music itself. Such hard-hitting Guthrie songs as "Vigilante Man", "Pretty Boy Floyd" and "I Ain't Got No Home" are brought into conversation with other relevant songs - from Joe Hill's "The Preacher and the Slave" to "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?". Altogether the show highlights the blending of music and radical politics that marks Guthrie's most powerful work.
From Folk and Roots reviews: "Had me and everyone else in the audience hooked. Labelling this a 'Lecture, Concert, Presentation, Documentary or Show' would not do it justice. It was all of these things and more ... a crowd pleaser that is quite unique".
http://www.myspace.com/willkaufman
..and three wild dances with ....
The Dyer:Cumming's Band
The Dyer:Cumming's are a young and exciting Ceilidh Band from Somerset. They play Traditional English music with a Funky Twist. In 2009 Dyer:Cummings came 2nd in the Glastonbury Battle of the Bands and were finalists in the national competition 'New Roots'.
The Dyer:Cumming's - Hannah Cumming on Fiddle - Jon Dyer on Bass, Flute and Guitar - Penny Dyer on Bassoon and Alex Cumming on Piano Accordion, Bouzouki, Cajon and is also the Caller.
“Reminded me of the first band to play Glastonbury - FANTASTIC” - Michael Eavis
http://www.myspace.com/dyercummings
The Electric Lobsters with Tony Slinger
The Lobster set is constantly evolving, but has at its core powerful fiddle/squeezebox-led tunes and a great selection of songs. Most of the band’s material is their own, with influences including English/Irish/Cajun/World, with more than a hint of Style Council, Bob Dylan and the Waterboys. Listen for yourself!
"The Electric Lobsters…provided the kind of raw energy an illegal rave is far too young to know about” (Folk Roots)
"In the pink just for you… get those feelers a’twitchin’ and claws a’clatterin’. If your eyes don’t pop out then you deserve to be boiled alive” (The Bell: Bath)
http://electriclobsters.co.uk/
Sheelanagig
Sheelanagig have been honing their eclectic blend of folk, jazz and world music since early 2005. Blistering live performances have made Sheelanagig festival favourites across the UK and into Europe, and caused dancefloor mayhem from the Scottish Islands to the South of Italy.
“A massive hit on the festival scene who practically burst the marquee at the Trowbridge Festival this year” Venue Magazine
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