Cecil Sharp House, 18 December 2012

An evening with Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick, James Yorkston and The Carrivick Sisters

Some of the UK's biggest names in folk music will be performing at this special event in support of our work with musicians. Hosted by legendary presenter Bob Harris OBE and taking place at the spiritual home of English folk, Cecil Sharp House, this unique concert brings together an exclusive line-up for one night only.

Date: Tuesday 18 December 2012
Time: Doors 7pm for 7.30pm start
Venue: Kennedy Hall, Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road,
London NW1 7AY
Tickets: £10

We are grateful to the English Folk Dance and Song Society for the use of Cecil Sharp House and to all involved for giving their time in aid of the Musicians Benevolent Fund.

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Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick

This remarkable pairing played an important part in the tremendous shake up given to British folk music in the middle to late 60's. Dave Swarbrick first came to prominence on the folk scene as a young instrumental virtuoso in the Ian Campbell Folk Group. Having worked alongside other leading musicians such as Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger, Beryl and Roger Marriott and A. L. Lloyd, he teamed up with Martin Carthy in 1966. While they featured hot instrumental tracks in their live sets and recordings, Dave's forte in the duo was sensitive accompaniment to Martin's vocals and guitar. On Rags, Reels & Airs the focus was solely on Dave and it finally gave him a chance to really stretch out and demonstrate his instrumental prowess. The result was a new era of English instrumental folk music and a new approach to folk music altogether. When they parted in 1969 Dave joined Fairport Convention and his contribution to folk and folk rock music is legendary and well documented.

For more than 40 years Martin Carthy has been 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.

watersoncarthy.com
folkicons.co.uk

James Yorkston

Scottish troubadour and member of the Fife-based Fence Collective, Yorkston's recent album I was a cat from a book has garnered much critical acclaim.

James says “When one of my children was suddenly taken ill, I had to cancel a year’s worth of shows to look after her. The Musicians Benevolent Fund stepped in and helped me out financially for the first few months so I could concentrate on the more important matters. I am truly grateful for them and am pleased to be playing this show.”

jamesyorkston.co.uk

The Carrivick Sisters

The Carrivick Sisters are one of the UK’s top young bluegrass and folk acts. Having grown up in South Devon, an area rich in folk lore and legends, much of their original material is inspired by their local surroundings and history. Laura and Charlotte Carrivick’s 2011 album From the Fields was recorded with the help of a Musicians Benevolent Fund grant for emerging artists.

The Carrivick Sisters said “the help we received from the Musicians Benevolent Fund made a real difference to our career and we are excited about performing at this very special concert to help raise awareness of the charity’s vital work”.

thecarrivicksisters.co.uk

Bob Harris OBE

Described by Radio Times as ‘one of the greats of British contemporary music broadcasting and an independent champion of great music’ and by the Mail On Sunday as ‘a national treasure’, Bob has been at the centre of the British music industry for nearly forty years.

Few people have broken as many bands into the mainstream consciousness as Bob Harris - through his work on Radio 1, the legendary Whistle Test TV shows and his current programmes on Radio 2. He is passionate about music and his infectious enthusiasm permeates his work. Bob’s guiding principle is the pursuit of excellence, and this is reflected in his broadcasting skills and his devotion to the best music.

He is a trusted guide and mentor to millions who have music at the centre of their lives. When Bob gives his support to an artist, people listen and his shows have become the ‘Holy Grail’ for acts worldwide. His tireless promotion of new and cutting edge music is second to none.

He has been described as the ‘John Peel of country music’, and his unbridled passion and commitment to the genre (and its many sub-genres) has gained him the recognition of the Country Music Association, who honored him with the ‘International Broadcaster of the Year’ award in 2004.

Bob has appeared on International panels at the Americana Music Awards in Nashville and in June 2008 will be the keynote speaker at NXNE in Toronto, Canada’s most prestigious music festival.

Bob and his wife Trudie recently founded the Whispering Bob Broadcasting Company, an independent radio production house, making documentaries for Radio 2, including ‘When John Met Paul’ with Paul McCartney, broadcast July 2007 and winner of a Sony Silver Award in 2008.

He co-founded Time Out magazine, has written books, newspaper articles and magazine columns. He has produced records, done 48-gig rock tours and interviewed a President. He has voiced television and radio documentaries, major advertising campaigns (including the Beatles USA campaign for Anthology 3) and appeared in movies. He has been given a Fellowship by the University of Northampton and was the penultimate subject of This Is Your Life.

Bob’s depth of understanding of popular music – its origins and influences – is immense. As a voice on the radio – reassuring, knowledgeable and enthusiastic – he is unique.

Bob has been successfully fighting prostate cancer since diagnosis in March 2007.