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Cornwall songwriters are a strong Cornish presence in the national folk music scene. Their songs are sung from football terraces to arts centres and many have been recorded. Their ballad opera 'The Cry of Tin' was acclaimed. 'Unsung Heroes follows in its footsteps telling the story of the fall and rise of the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The drama focuses on the men and women who made them. The performers are Roger Bryant, Lucy Burrow, Jon Heslop, Mike O'Connor, Ron Openshaw, Tony Truscott and Kathy Wallis. All these are names which are instantly recognised and respected in the West Country and further a-field. Kevin Burrow a fine Cornish singer has recently stepped into the production and now plays the part and sings the songs that Tony Truscott wrote. Everyone at Bideford Folk Festival wishes Tony well. |
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The stars of last years Cornish Bluegrass Festival, Salty Dogs, are a Cornish Band. They've been performing for over twenty years with two of the original members in the line up. Over the years Salty Dogs have maintained the traditional five piece line up and their music pays tribute to the early days of Appalachian Bluegrass. All five members sing in close harmony, creating a unique full and vibrant sound. Recent influences have introduced aspects of folk, jazz and blues into their music, bringing a contemporary feel. Dave Perrett on a mean fiddle and Alan Barnes with his Earl Scruggs banjo picking are original band members. Martin Cole a musical instrument maker plays a beautifully crafted mandolin, Gwyn Lloyd plays guitar and sings vocals that have a raw lonesome quality. Cilla Perrett, rock solid bass player and singer has introduced new songs to the repertoire and her Tennessee Waltz is a favourite with the band. The Music of the Salty Dogs can be heard on the jukebox of the Cornish Bluegrass Association's Website www.cornishbluegrass.co.uk |
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Hearts of Oak formed in 1982, from a group of friends interested in maritime music, singing shanties and sea songs. They became internationally known and respected for the strength of their voices and powerful delivery. In 1984 they sang in all the major ports around England , wherever the Tall Ships weighed anchor. In recent years there have been personnel changes. The present line-up of; Ian Hudson, Tony Piper, Rupert Kirby and John Parker, a founder member, have broadened their repertoire across the folk genre and are still a force to be reckoned with when it comes to singing shanties. Their concerts are always well attended and you can guarantee that you will get plenty of opportunity to sing. |
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Barbara was raised in a musical family in North Wiltshire and found folk music through teachers at school in Calne and the Ballad & Blues Club in Swindon , before moving to Bristol and encountering the Bristol Troubadour and the Folk Tradition club. Tom is from several generations of singers and musicians. Raised in Sussex , he escaped school and went to work on the land in Cornwall encountering the extant Cornish song and music tradition through singers like Charlie Bate, Mervyn Vincent and Bob Cann who met regularly in pubs or at home and sang for the joy of it. Tom and Barbara discovered each other as kindred spirits on Mayday in Padstow in 1969. They have been singing together ever since. Although they specialize in songs of the West Country, their repertoire draws from a huge range of traditional and modern songs. They both enjoy working with other singers and musicians singing with Culpepper in the 70's and Regalia in the 80's; during which period Tom was a Regional Development Officer, for the English Folk Dance and Song Society. Now based in North Devon they sing all over the country in; folk and music clubs, festivals, village halls and art centres. They have made two widely acclaimed CDs on the English music label Wildgoose, are involved in several themed presentations of songs, music and sometimes archive film, run a monthly session in their home village for local performers and promote the occasional concert. More information at www.umbermusic.co.uk |
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