ABM is privileged to work with some national treasures – quite literally – who have contributed immeasurably to the folk scene in the UK and Ireland.
Martin Carthy MBE is one such. Still endlessly curious at 82 years of age, Martin Carthy is one of folk music’s greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene, but also far beyond it.
Martin is available for solo gigs (and some duo dates with daughter Eliza Carthy in 2023.)
Andy Irvine is one of the great Irish singers, his voice one of a handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland. He has been hailed as “a tradition in himself”. Musician, singer, songwriter, and Lifetime Achievement Award winner at the inaugural RTÉ Folk Awards, Andy was at the helm of legendary bands like Sweeney’s Men in the mid 60s, Planxty in the 70s, and then Patrick Street, Mozaik, LAPD and more recently Usher’s Island. To quote the Irish Times, “Often copied, never equalled”, his solo repertoire consists of Irish traditional songs, dexterous Balkan dance tunes and a compelling cannon of his own self-penned songs.
Andy tours solo in the UK this October.
The man that Shirley Collins has called “English music’s mighty heart of oak, John Kirkpatrick is one of the most prolific figures on the English folk scene with a buoyant, engaging stage presence, a robust singing voice and a justified status as an instrumental virtuoso (melodeon, Anglo concertina and button accordion): a leading interpreter of English folk music, song and dance. John now appears solo, with his concerts brimful of good-humour and outstanding musicianship.
He is generally available and offers some special seasonally-themed shows including Carolling & Crumpets – an uplifting celebration of Christmas and Midwinter – touring every December.