Archive Programme

Jon Boden is best known as the lead singer of the progressive folk juggernaut Bellowhead who sold 250,000 albums, had seven singles playlisted on Radio 2 and sold out hundreds of venues including The Royal Albert Hall. Since Bellowhead split up in 2016 Jon has continued his development as one of the foremost names in English folk music. Solo Jon performs the self-penned songs of Songs From The Floodplain, Painted Lady, Afterglow and Rose In June, material from Bellowhead, Spiers & Boden, and his A Folk Song A Day project in which he recorded 365 folk songs in one year, music from newly released album Last Mile Home (Mar 2021, Hudson Records) and more.

The first in a series of Saturday afternoon folk and acoustic music concerts in the Black Swan car park, leading us up to the reopening of the Folk Club in September. Artists appearing are:-Chris Euesden, Tommy Coyle, The Richmond Hillbillies, Stan Graham, Judith Haswell and Trish McLean. 2pm until 6pm

The second in a series of Saturday afternoon folk and acoustic music concerts in the Black Swan car park, leading us up to the reopening of the Folk Club in September. Artists appearing are:-Les Rustiques (2pm), Iain Glover and Joolz Cavell (3pm),Broadband (3-30pm) and Sarah Dean (5pm) 2pm until 6 pm

The third in a series of Saturday afternoon folk and acoustic music concerts in the Black Swan car park, leading us up to the reopening of the Folk Club in September. Artists appearing are:-The Old Humpy Band, Phil Cerny, Caramba, Blonde on Bob, 2pm until 6-30pm

The fourth in a series of Saturday afternoon folk and acoustic music concerts in the Black Swan car park, leading us up to the reopening of the Folk Club in September. Artists appearing are:- John Watterson, Duncan McFarlane Band, The Ale Marys, Alistair Russell 2pm until 6-30pm

The fifth in a series of Saturday afternoon folk and acoustic music concerts in the Black Swan car park, leading us up to the reopening of the Folk Club in September. Artists appearing are:- White Sail, Eddie Affleck, Miles Salter, Duncan McFarlane Trio, 2pm until 6-30pm

This event will take place undercover in the Black Swan car park. A great restart for the Thursday night folk club with our favourite party-folk shanty-pirates new line-up, new songs and a lot of pent up energy. Something we can all look forward to.

Keith Christmas recorded his first album 'Stimulus' back in 1969 when he also played the acoustic guitar on David Bowie's first album 'Space Oddity' and appeared at the first Glastonbury Festival Throughout the seventies he recorded four more albums 'Fable of the Wings', 'Pigmy', Brighter Day' and 'Stories From the Human Zoo' while touring with and supporting acts like The Who, King Crimson, Ten Years After, Frank Zappa and Roxy Music. In January 2003 Keith released his first instrumental CD, ‘acoustica’ - the opening track was used on the BBC documentary 'Hidden Gardens' In 2006 he completed his first ever solo CD called 'Light of the Dawn', in 2011 released a 5-track solo acoustic EP 'Fat Cat Big Fish' and in 2012 released his first live CD 'Live at the Pump’ In June 2015, Keith took some time out in France and started writing again. Two weeks later and seven songs started, he came back to England and finished the album that would become ‘Crazy Dancing Days’ in 10 months. Since then, early versions of 8 songs that were posted on YouTube, SoundCloud and Fandalism have been played over 47,000 times, 14,000 of them an appeal for tolerance to refugees, ‘Cross the Water’. A legendary live performer he has had a resurgence in popularity since ‘Crazy Dancing Days’ was released in late December 2016 and 2019’s ‘Life,Life’, recorded and mastered at Sambourne House took his writing to another level and was described in December 2019 as "the year’s finest acoustic release to date" (Shindig, 5 stars). He is currently writing his next album which is scheduled for a major label release later in the year. Press for 'Life, Life' (2019): 'Keith Christmas has a sit-up-and-listen voice that has got a lovely life-given gruffness to it. It is instantly recognisable but also capable of great emotional range and sensitivity. He is also an exceptional guitarist with a technique that has echoes of folk and blues styles from the folk revival days, but is also very distinctive and unique. This is a spirit-lifting album, performed with passion and absolute commitment, that confronts profound and serious themes with optimism, humour and hope. There is introspection without naval-gazing, and reflection and commentary without any cynicism or world-weariness. Beautiful.' Fatea Magazine 'The end result is is the year's finest acoustic release to date.' 5/5 - Shindig Magazine 'With impeccable singing and solo acoustic guitar, the dozen songs here tell of longing and loving set within the shifting identity of a changing Britain.' 4/5 - Mojo Magazine

Postponed again this time from 24 January 2021. Eliza Carthy MBE should need no introduction. A multi-award winning singer, songwriter and musician from a formidable English music dynasty. Describing herself simply as a “modern English musician”, Eliza Carthy is one of the most recognisable faces of the English folk revival. Her first “solo” album of traditional music in 14 years, Restitute is literally a homely affair, recorded at Eliza’s home in the picturesque Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire. The band for the Restitute tour comprises Eliza Carthy, Ben Seal, Ben Somers, Willy Molleson and David Delarre with a support slot and special guest appearance from Saul Rose. In addition to the Restitute material, the band will perform songs from brand new recordings of original songs by Eliza Carthy & Ben Seal – taken from their forthcoming album Through that Sound my Secret was Made Known.

Our regular singers and musicians night. Everyone welcome to perform a couple of songs, maybe more if we have time, or just come along to listen.

BBC Folk Awards Best Musician nominee Dan Walsh combines ‘virtuoso playing and winning songwriting’ (MORNING STAR). Describing what Dan does is no easy task but at the heart of it is British, Irish and American folk music delivered with a healthy dose of funky grooves – all performed with his unique and dazzling take on clawhammer style banjo, helping to challenge all preconceptions about the instrument. Add to all that poignant songs, astonishing musical departures and lively humour and the result is a truly memorable live show which has wowed audiences across the world from intimate seated rooms to huge dancing crowds in festival fields.

Our regular singers and musicians night. Everyone welcome to perform a couple of songs, maybe more if we have time, or just come along to listen.

Against the backdrop of a universally difficult 2020, songwriter and guitarist John Smith found himself facing personal and unrelenting change. In the spring of 2020, Smith and his wife lost a pregnancy, and his mother was diagnosed with cancer. With his touring schedule of two hundred days a year on the road suddenly on indefinite hiatus, for the first time in over a decade, John was home. “With newfound pain coming from so many directions, dealing with the uncertainty it brings, I closed the curtains and picked up the pen, turning to songwriting as a lifeline.” It’s unsurprising that the new songs reflect a shift in priorities. On his new album ‘The Fray’, Smith gives us an uplifting perspective on the path forward, but pays beautiful homage to the difficulties along the way. ‘The Fray’ is Smith’s sixth studio album, and his vulnerability throughout is offered to his listeners, unadorned. “It’s been a hell of a year, but I feel I’ve created my most honest work as a result, and as a necessity. A lot of these songs are about accepting that life is hard, but just holding on and trying to enjoy it anyway.” Smith’s stubborn optimism in tough circumstances shines through on the title track, in which he sings “Holding onto hope / I don’t need a decent reason / Yes and though it disappears sometimes / It returns with every season”. Smith co-produced ‘The Fray’ with long-time friend and producer Sam Lakeman. They recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studio, with pianist Jason Rebello (Sting, John Mayer), bass player Ben Nicholls (Seth Lakeman, Nadine Shah), Drummer Jay Sikora (Paolo Nutini) and Jessica Staveley-Taylor of The Staves. The album is a true reflection of the times, with American collaborators Sarah Jarosz, Courtney Hartman, The Milk Carton Kids and Bill Frisell recording remotely and sending contributions over international borders. John’s frequent touring partner Lisa Hannigan contributed via a virtual studio session in Dublin. Smith co-wrote a couple of songs for the album whilst on tour before the pandemic. Driving a rental car from Asheville to Nashville, John stopped to write the standout track ‘Eye to Eye’ with North Carolina-based Sarah Siskind. The Americana influence is a red thread throughout the album which beautifully compliments Smith’s unmistakeable British Folk roots. Smith was born in Essex and raised on the Devon seaside. Known for his intimate songwriting, his honey-on-gravel voice and pioneering guitar playing, he has spent the last fifteen years touring internationally and has amassed over 40 million streams on Spotify. As a session musician he has played guitar with artists as diverse as Joan Baez, David Gray, Joe Henry, Lianne La Havas and Tom Jones. “wonderfully unforced” ***** The Independent “He’s a magician” - Ben Howard “Spellbinding” - Time Out “The guitarists’ guitarist” - The Sunday Times “Staggeringly good” - Acoustic Magazine

John’s songwriting journey started in 2003 when he attended a week-long workshop at the home of Martyn Wyndham Read in the Mayenne region of France, under the guidance of acclaimed songwriter, Harvey Andrews. In the ensuing years John has written many fine songs, sometimes serious, sometimes humorous, they reflect observations on his native Yorkshire, together with songs about his life and times.

A Sunday Afternoon gig not to miss. 2 Summers ago a sold out audience at Pocklingtons Platform Festival were thrilled to witness a brilliant headlining appearance by Ireland's iconic band The Hothouse Flowers. In the middle of a stunning performance, the lead singer, Liam O'Maonlai entertained the crowd with a marvellous solo acoustic spot featuring his deep love and respect for Irish traditional music by presenting songs and stories largely in Gaelic. Many at that gig remarked that what was a world class band performance was thus elevated to another level entirely. During that solo interlude Liam invited up on stage the golden voiced singer and York resident Jane Stockdale from the band White Sail. It was a memorable show. Now you can see Liam do a full & rare solo show at The Black Swan Folk Club supported by White Sail and Paula Ryan . Back in the day The Hothouse Flowers had a worldwide 'hit' record on their hands with Liam's song "Don't Go". You Must Come!!

Black Swan folk club resident Stan Graham has a high reputation amongst his peers in the songwriting world. His original compositions like Whitby Harbour, Alice, Closing Time and Sarajevo, are taking their place as “folk classics” up and down the country and have been covered by the likes of George Hamilton IV, Martyn Wyndham-Read, Vin Garbutt and many more.

2021 marks 26 years of making music together for this popular wife and husband duo. Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman have long established themselves as one of the UK folk scene’s most rewardingly enduring partnerships. To celebrate and acknowledge this milestone, the couple will revisit and reinterpret songs which span their career. From the early days of folk supergroup ‘Equation’ through to the current release ‘Personae’ with a nod or two along the way to their extracurricular musical adventures, the evening promises a whistle-stop tour through their artistic journey to date. ‘It’s folk music for the modern age.’ The Telegraph

Folk music’s legendary triumvirate of musical magpies Mike McGoldrick, John Doyle and John McCusker are out on the road again in 2021. As winter turns to spring Mike, John & John will wrap up their stint on Transatlantic Sessions for another year and bring you their own blend of top class folk songs, tunes and charming bonhomie. With their recently released album, ‘The Wishing Tree’ this will be an evening to remember. Described as the masters of flute, fiddle, song and guitar they have worked with the biggest and brightest and bring you a night of beautifully crafted music. Having shared stages and recording studios with everyone from Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler to Paul Weller, Joan Baez and Linda Thompson. Mike, John & John are a rare musical treat you’ll savour for a very long time. "The Wishing Tree is exceptional and has to be a front-runner for album of the year" Folk Radio "A sparklingly tight programme... an excellent sound balance... never tiresome" The Scotsman "It takes a lifetime of playing to sound as effortless as these guys" The Herald "What an absolute pleasure to share in their warmth, intimacy and richly talented company" Folking.com

Spellbinding... Hannah and Ben were born to play and sing together’ FRoots Huddled round a single microphone, singing intimate duets with just mountain dulcimer, dobro and guitar, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage are an acoustic duo that sound classically timeless, yet their music is unique. Since emerging in 2016, the duo recorded two studio albums, Before the Sun (2016) and Awake (2018), produced by award winning producer David Travers-Smith in Toronto. Both albums have gathered praise for the craft and skill of their musical writing and arranging. ‘Awesome… a supremely divine album.’ Americana UK

Club stalwart Chris Euesden is the feature spot on tonights 'open mic'. His repertoire includes a mixture of his own songs with Americana and traditional music thrown in for good measure. He plays keyboards, accordian, guitar and mandolin.

Rachel Sermanni has announced a new EP, ‘Swallow Me’, that charts her journey to motherhood. Written predominantly while pregnant on tour in the US, the lead single actually sees us begin at the journey’s end. The Scottish songwriter celebrates the innate spirituality that inspired her to surrender to the tides to achieve a clarity. Those already familiar with Sermanni’s music will know her from her appearances at Celtic Connections and her associations with Mumford and Sons, Elvis Costello and Rumer. ‘Think Joni Mitchell meets Lisa Hannigan, with a delectably eccentric Scottish twist’ The Guardian ‘Beautifully honest…sweetly poetic in its lyricism yet deadly accurate in arrangement’ Clash

Unfortunately we have had to postpone this date due to health problems. Allan hopes to be touring again in Spring 2022 and we'll be rescheduling the date for then. Meanwhile if you've already bought tickets you can get a refund from the point of purchase or hold on to them and they'll be valid for the rescheduled date. Apologies to everyone.

One of our longest serving resident performers Phil sings a mixture of American and English traditional folk songs accompanying himself on bazouki and guitar.

One of our favourite local singers, Graham will doubtless once again entertain us with some superb renditions of contemporary and traditional folk songs plus some of his own compositions. All of them expertly accompanied by his 'James Taylor' style guitar picking.

Apologies to everyone but we have had to cancel the Martin Carthy shows scheduled for Wed and Thurs this week (8/9 Dec). Martin is recovering from a recent knee operation and his recuperation is taking much longer than he had hoped. Hopefully we'll be seeing him back performing in the New Year with a new date at the Black Swan Folk Club We'll be holding an 'open mic' and singers and musicians night this coming Thursday instead and everyone is welcome as always. As this was a special on the Wednesday evening we won't be holding anything in place of the extra show.

Apologies to everyone but we have had to cancel the Martin Carthy shows scheduled for Wed and Thurs this week (8/9 Dec). Martin is recovering from a recent knee operation and his recuperation is taking much longer than he had hoped. Hopefully we'll be seeing him back performing in the New Year with a new date at the Black Swan Folk Club We'll be holding an 'open mic' and singers and musicians night this coming Thursday instead and everyone is welcome as always. As this was a special on the Wednesday evening we won't be holding anything in place of the extra show.

No stranger to the Black Swan Folk Club Jez has been a guest at the club on numerous occasions playing to a full house. He won a double nomination in the 2015 BBC Folk Awards – for best singer and best new song – a timely reminder of his standing in the UK folk and acoustic music scene. Not only he is one of the busiest live performers in the country, but his songs are among the most widely sung by other performers, whether by long-established acts like Fairport Convention, The Dubliners and Bob Fox, or by the new breed of stars like The Unthanks and The Young Uns.

It's a real pleasure to welcome Róisín Bán back to the Black Swan Folk Club. A Leeds based band playing Irish and general Celtica - with Chris Dyson on fiddle, box player Paddy Heffron,& Gordon Tyrrall guitar, flute and vocals.

One of our most popular residents JUDITH HASWELL will be performing the feature spot on this week's 'Open Mic'.

Due to unforeseen circumstances we've had to cancel this event. Hopefully we'll be able to reschedule a date for Anthony John later this year.

Live Music 2pm to 10-30pm:- 2pm TWO BLACK SHEEP, 2-30pm DAVE HARDY, 3pm THE OLD HUMPY BAND, 3-30pm PHIL CERNY, 4pm LEATHER'O, 4-30pm PAULA RYAN, 5pm STAN GRAHAM, (tea break 5-30pm to 7-30pm) 7-30pm WHITE SAIL, 8pm TONI BUNNELL, 8-30pm CHRIS EUESDEN, 9pm SARAH DEAN, 9-30PM RAMSHACKLE.

Our annual Folk Day with live folk music in the club room 2pm to 5-30pm and 7-30pm to 10-30pm. Part of York Resident's Festival. More details will be announced soon.

Storytelling is something of a Texas tradition. Tall hats and even taller tales are woven into the fabric of The Lone Star State, and singer-songwriter Jarrod Dickenson can spin a yarn with the best of them. Hailing from Waco, now based in Nashville via Brooklyn, Dickenson spends most of his time on the road bringing his own particular brand of soulful Americana to a wide variety of music loving audiences around the globe. Hot off the heels of his fully sold-out ‘Unplugged & Distilled’ acoustic tour at the end of 2019, Dickenson returns to the UK for an electrified duo show with new songs and stories in tow. ‘His songs carry an independent spirit and grit… a hard-bitten, yet romantic eye that seems bred into Lone Star Songwriters.’ Q Magazine ‘Jarrod Dickenson’s rootsy, broad-ranged Americana draws deeply from tradition while forging all-new sounds.’ PopMatters ‘His deep, emotional, often luxurious voice envelops songs of love and loss, enticing you into these stories.’ American Songwriter

BROOKS WILLIAMS & AARON CATLOW January 2022 marks thirty two years since Brooks Williams’ first album came out. Thirty two years since the Washington Post’s glowing review of that album. Thirty two years since National Public Radio’s Noah Adams interviewed him about that album. It’s where it all began. The subsequent twenty-eight recordings, the countless international tours and festival appearances, the countless hours and miles on the road and in the studio. When it came time to put together an album reflecting songs from across those thirty two years, Williams immediately thought of fiddler Aaron Catlow. The two met on a tour in The Netherlands in the snowy winter of 2019. “I loved his tone and vibe immediately” says Williams, “the breadth of styles under his fingertips reminded me of how I think about my music and I thought he’d bring a great sound to the project and tour.” And so he has! Listen the interplay on Williams’ signature cover of Dave Alvin’s “King of California” or the drive of Williams’ “Not Haunted Anymore.” The interplay was instantly, and intuitively, present. Williams, a Stateboro, Georgia USA native, now makes his home in Cambridge UK. Besides his busy solo touring schedule, he collaborates with Boo Hewerdine in their State of the Union project, as well as an on-going collaboration with Rab Noakes. Williams has also orchestrated one-time collaborations with Hans Theessink, Sloan Wainwright, Guy Davis and Sally Barker. AmericanaUK described him as having, “a beautiful voice that you just melt into.” Blues Bytes said, “Pure talent, hard work and relentless touring have brought him to the pinnacle of his career.” Aaron Catlow is half of the Bristol based duo with Kit Hawes. Their take on acoustic and folk music is fresh and inventive. They re-shape traditional music as well as write their own. When not gigging with Kit, Aaron also plays with Yola Carter, Sheelanagig and, now, Brooks Williams. Songlines calls Catlow “Fleet fingered…” R2 Magazine remarks on the “dexterity, energy and passion...". Aaron Catlow will be on the road with Brooks Williams in early 2022. Catch ‘em when you can!

Fresh from an exhilarating sold-out show at Whelans in Dublin and a double award-winning appearance at the 2021 RTE Folk Awards, John Francis Flynn returns to the UK for a more extensive tour after popping over briefly in 2021 to celebrate the release of his debut album. Press: ‘His solo flight swoops and soars with the confidence.’ The Irish Times ‘Folk Album of the Year’ Mojo Magazine **** ‘Human experience burns ferociously on this extraordinary debut from the uncompromising Irish artist John Francis Flynn. An extraordinary debut.’ The Guardian **** ‘Double Tin Whistle and Tape-Loops. Revelatory new takes on English and Irish folk songs in the manner of Sam Amidon. A singular and striking clarity of vision…. An extraordinary debut by any standard.’ Uncut Magazine ****

His visits to the Black Swan are always highly anticipated. From Fairport Convention, to Matthews Southern Comfort through Plainsong and beyond Iain Matthews, now resident in Holland, returns with his latest collaboration 'The Matthews Baartmans Conspiracy. With Dutch guitarist B J Baartmans making up the other half of the duo they'll be playing songs from their latest album 'Distant Chatter' released on Talking Elephant.

Another 'open mic' evening with a feature spot from one of our favourite local performers. David Swann is a folk singer and songwriter from Pickering. He writes story and comic songs about the people and places of North Yorkshire as well as songs about love lost & found. David accompanies himself on guitar and Ukelele. He's won the BBC Radio York 'Song For Yorkshire' competition, the anthem writing competition for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the inaugural songwriting competition for the Harvey Blogg Cup at Bedale Acoustic Music Festival.

A man who's given us some fine evenings at the Black Swan Folk Club. Pete Morton began his musical journey after he came across a Buffy St Marie record. It was from that moment on he decided to become a folk singer. Discovering the songs of the early sixties protest movement, it inspired him to write and take his songs into folk clubs and beyond. For thirty years, Pete has been performing to audiences all over the world. Throughout that time he has been regarded as one the best on the contemporary roots music scene. His latest album 'A Golden Thread' has received rave reviews with eight newly self penned songs, a Pete Seeger classic 'Oh Had I A Golden Thread', and versions of the traditional gems, 'Barbry Allen' and 'The Farmers Boy'. Often referred to as an old time troubadour he has a compelling stage presence and approachable style that delivers an unruly mix of humanism, politics, love, social commentary and humour all wrapping its way around the folk tradition

For more than 40 years BOB FOX has been regarded as one of “the iconic voices” of British folk song. Deeply influenced by the working class culture and industrial folk song prevalent in his native County Durham he has become a first rate exponent of storytelling through song. A career that began during the vibrant “folk revival” of the 60s and 70s in England led BOB into regular and extensive touring throughout the UK, Europe, USA, Australia and New Zealand, firstly with fellow North Easterner Stu Luckley in their groundbreak-ing acoustic duo and later alongside such musical heavyweights as Ralph McTell, Richard Thompson, Jethro Tull and Fairport Convention.

For a man still in his twenties whose debut album Blight & Blossom, won the coveted Horizon Award at the 2013 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, whose 2010 debut EP is now a collector’s item, and who was declared the “vital bridge between Brit folk’s first and latest flowerings” by Q Magazine, one might think it easy to rest on the laurels of an already successful career but that’s certainly not the case; constantly searching for new sounds and techniques, Blair’s new music is already sounding unlike any of his previous releases. “I finally feel established enough to not need to talk about ‘folk references’ or ‘Americana references’, but to just write beautiful songs. Back to basics and simple presentation of melody matched with intensity of lyric will be the way forward for the forthcoming EP.” To support the new release Blair will tour extensively throughout March and April 2021 in the format that his fans love him best: one man and one guitar! Intimate selected venues have been chosen to allow the simplicity and sincerity of Blair’s songs and spellbinding live performances connect with his audience in the way Blair does best.

Odd, unconventional melodies, poetic, sophisticated song-writing and the bewitching clarity of Kent-born,Canada-based Lucy Farrell’s voice are made elegant with sparse, careful accompaniment on tenor guitar and occasionally viola, carving out a unique niche for an artist at the forefront of ontemporary English folk music. Finding an international audience among artists like Julia Jacklin, Emily Portman, The Weather Station,The Unthanks and Eliza Carthy, the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winner is not only awarded as a renowned composer and singer, but also as viola/fiddle/tenor guitar-player. Her work as a band member and collaborator with such artists and projects as Eliza Carthy and the Wayward Band; Gluepot; Modern Fairies; The Furrow Collective; Carthy, Oates, Farrell & Young; and her duo work with Andrew Waite and Jonny Kearney, respectively has meant releasing a collection of her distinctive solo work has had to wait – until now. Songs from Lucy’s debut solo album, recorded at Wenlock Abbey in Much Wenlock, will soon be available.

With a glorious melding of harmony vocals & guitars, mandolin, Celtic harp, Appalachian dulcimer, schruti box, trumpet, flute, woodwind & percussion WHITE SAIL perform their own unique material. Inspired by nature, history & heritage they write about love, life, the land and the sea. The stories are told with passion and sublime musicality. Also on the bill for this evening is PAULA RYAN. A resident at the Black Swan Folk Club for many years Paula is an award-winning singer/songwriter & Gaelic "Funkstress" from Tipperary,"a unique voice in the contemporary folk world" (Classic Rock Society Magazine). Paula's music is a wonderful blend of Celtic lyricism and passion with truly original songwriting and a fascinating array of instruments (Marimba, Guitar, Bodhran, Bazouki). Her performances laced with the warmth, wit, musicality and "craic" of her Irish roots, are "well worth seeking out" (Irish Music Magazine).

Another visit from this legendary guitarist. Born in England, Clive began his musical journey in Chelmsford, Essex. His parents had a taste for American country and old time music and it wasn’t long before Clive was playing in the family band on a homemade banjo. By his early teens, guitar in hand, he was traversing the worlds of soul, pop, funk, and traditional Irish music, balancing his affinity for Slayer with the etudes of Tárrega. This breadth of musical curiosity was to become one of his strengths. As a child Clive was comfortable playing with a group of folk singers, jamming along to Nirvana or performing standards with the Essex Youth Orchestra. He went on to earn a 1st Class Honours Degree in Composition and Guitar from the famed Trinity College of Music in London, all the while balancing his classical work with forays into the world of the steel string guitar. By the time he graduated from Trinity, Clive had not only penned orchestral works, he had written an album’s worth of solo acoustic guitar music. A chance meeting with English guitar legend John Renbourn proved the catalyst for Clive’s debut album, “Sixth Sense”, which Renbourn deemed “a milestone in the journey of the steel-string guitar”. He subsequently took Clive on the road with him and the pair toured North America and Europe together, launching Clive’s solo performing career. Since then, Clive has established himself as one of the world’s premier acoustic guitar players. He has toured across Europe, Australia, the Middle East and North America, garnering praise for his sublime performances of everything from 16th and 17th century lute music to Jazz standards, Blues, Irish reels and his own groundbreaking compositions. Lauded guitarist Tommy Emmanuel has also taken Clive on the road, and similar nods to Clive’s musicianship have been given by everyone from classical guitarist John Williams, to pop icon Madonna. To date, Clive has released four solo albums; “Sixth Sense”, “The Red Guitar”, “Life in Colour” and "The Furthest Tree". Clive has also written music for television and film, most notably composing the music for the film “Driving Lessons”, which features Julie Walters and Rupert Grint of Harry Potter fame.