Fantastic Folk at the RNCM:

Martin Taylor and Martin Simpson – Tuesday 8 October

Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick – Saturday 26 October

Heidi Talbot – Thursday 21 November

Kathryn Tickell and The Side – Monday 2 December

A quartet of fantastic folk concerts form part of the Royal Northern College of Music’s Autumn season, with music from Martin TaylorandMark Simpson, Martin CarthyandDave Swarbrick, Heidi Talbot, and Kathryn TickellandThe Side.

Multi-award winning Martin Taylor has been described by many as the best acoustic guitarist of his generation. Completely self-taught, he has collaborated with the likes of StephaneGrappelli, George Harrison, Jeff Beck and Jamie Cullum. On this occasion, the world-renowned musician performs alongside fellow guitarist Martin Simpson, who has been nominated 23 times at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards – more than any other performer.

It was 1966 when Dave Swarbrick and Martin Carthy first united, and for the three years they were together they drastically helped to develop a new era of instrumental folk music. In 1969 Dave joined Fairport Convention and over the years his contribution to folk music has been well documented. For 40 years, Martin has been one of folk music’s greatest innovators, leading Q Magazine to state that he is ‘arguably the greatest English folk song performer, writer, collector and editor of them all.’ In 2005 he was awarded an MBE for his services to English music, the same year he won Singer of the Year and Best Traditional Track at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Irish sensation Heidi Talbot was a member of the Irish-American supergroup Cherish The Ladies until she went solo in 2008 with her acclaimed album Love and Light. In November, she makes her RNCM début promoting her latest offering, Angels Without Wings. Featuring a selection of modern and original songs inspired by the world of traditional music, the album includes guest contributions from a selection of artists, including Mark Knopfler, King Creosote and Julie Fowlis.

Kathryn Tickell has been a favourite at the RNCM for a number of years. This season she returns with The Side, an exciting new ensemble that brings together folk and classical with an irresistible combination of players and instruments. Joined by harpist Ruth Wall, accordionist and clog dancer Amy Thatcher and cellist Louisa Tuck, The Side stays true to the spirit and essence of Kathryn’s own Northumbrian folk tradition whilst unleashing the talent and creativity of each individual member.

For more information or to request interviews and images, please contact Liz Rowley, PR and Medial Relations Officer, at or 0161 907 5369.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  • Listings information:

Martin Taylor and Martin Simpson

Tuesday 8 October

7.30pm RNCM Theatre

Tickets: £18 (concessions available)

Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick

Saturday 26 October

7.30pm RNCM Concert Hall

Tickets: £18 (concessions available)

Heidi Talbot

Thursday 21 November

7.30pm RNCM Concert Hall

Tickets: £16 (concessions available)

Kathryn Tickell and The Side

Monday 2 December

7.30pm RNCM Concert Hall

Tickets: £17, £14 (concessions available)