THE twin jewels in the folk scene's crown are back.
Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick set the standard for duo musicianship when they first collaborated back in the heady days of the early folk revival.
Since then, many have copied their style and attack. But few, if any, have matched the power and skill of their performances.
Carthy has been at the forefront of the British folk scene forever. He is a wonderful musician and although many others have tried to follow in his footsteps, none of them have done so.
Swarbrick is a master fiddle player. He was in the mix at the inception of folk/rock music with Fairport Convention, after the initial partnership with Carthy.
Since recovering from a life threatening lung illness he is now back where he belongs - at the top of the folk tree and alongside Carthy.
For a flavour, search out the re-release of Swarbrick and Carthy's Both Ears And The Tail.
It was recorded live at the Folkus Folk Club in Nottingham, back in 1966 in the first flush of their success with both audience and performers hardly able to catch their breath.
This recording had an initial release on Swarb's own label and is astonishing in its clarity.
Many of the songs performed that night are to be found on the early Martin Carthy albums but, on stage, the interplay between Martin and Dave virtually re-wrote all the material.
Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick are at the Rock@Maltby, Wesley Centre, Blyth Road, Maltby, next Friday (Sep 12). Tonight's guest is Vin Garbutt.
- THE Hot Club of Cowtown are in town next week. They are part of a great double header, also featuring singer songwriter Hayes Carll.
The Hot Club of Cowtown came together in 1996 as a hot jazz/western swing group, featuring Elana Fremerman (vocals, violin), Whit Smith (vocals, guitar), and Matt Weiner (vocals, upright bass), who was later replaced by Jake Erwin.
The band members went their separate ways in 2005, reuniting for occasional shows in 2006.
By early 2008 the trio had re-formed and was touring once more.
Hayes Carll is the man behind some great songs. His direct writing style and gravelly voice have him marked out as a rising star of the new country scene.
The Hot Club of Cowtown and Hayes Carll are at the Memorial Hall, Sheffield, on Tuesday (Sep 9).
n-Chesterfield Folk Club has Pete Abbott on stage next Friday (Sep 12) for the first concert of its new season.
He is a talented singer, songwriter and guitarist. He was talent-spotted by the late John Wright and Pete toured the UK with the John Wright Band, which he is now fronting, since John's death in February. Support comes from No Fixed Abode.
- Charlie Barker, Roger Davies and Jon Gomm, are at The Venue, Stocksbridge tonight (Friday).
Charlie is from Sheffield and has made a name for herself on the local and national music scene; Roger hails from Brighouse, which is refelcted in his well crafted songs; and Leeds-based Jon Gomm has been described as the Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic world.
- FLAMENCO ace Juan Martin will be at the Memorial Hall on Monday (Sep 8).
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