The Company

MICK RYAN (www.mickandpete.co.uk)
As one of the Folk scene’s most renowned and popular performers, Mick’s powerful and sensitive singing has received numerous accolades. He is also the originator and composer of several Folk dramas including the highly acclaimed Tolpuddle Man (with Graham Moore), A Day’s Work, The Voyage, and Tanks for the Memory. His latest, The Navvy’s Wife, reiterates his versatility and artistry as a songwriter, performer and director.

JACKIE OATES (www.myspace.com/jackieoates)
Winner of the Best Traditional Song and the Horizon Award at the 2009 Radio 2 Folk Awards and nominated for the Horizon Award in 2008, Jackie brings her lovely voice and virtuoso fiddle playing to The Navvy’s Wife. Her most recent album The Violet Hour, produced by Phil Beer, is described by The Daily Telegraph as ‘irresistibly beguiling.’

JUDY DUNLOP
One of the finest female singers on the folk circuit, Judy has recorded and performed with members of Fairport Convention, Show of Hands and The Albion Band. She has just released a new album with Steve Mars; she also performs in a duo with Jon Scaife. Her beautifully stylish and subtle singing can be heard in Ashley Hutchings' Lark Rise to Candleford Band.

HEATHER BRADFORD
Currently performing with the folk-jazz quartet Albatross Pie, and acoustic-folk band No Reported Incidents, Heather has sung in duos with guitarist and singer-songwriter Julian Longden, and with singer and raconteuse Stephie Cox. She was a member of the acclaimed harmony trio HenParty with Sarah Morgan and the late Alison Muir.

PAUL DOWNES (www.pauldownes.com)
Paul is one of the most respected musicians on the acoustic music scene today. He prefers to be known as a singer of songs rather than a guitar technician; it cannot be denied, though, that his playing is sublime. He has worked with Phil Beer, The Arizona Smoke Revue and Pete Seeger. Currently he performs with The Joyce Gang and in a duo with Mick Ryan.

ROGER WATSON (www.rogerwatson.co.uk)
Accomplished melodeon and concertina player, singer, and boundary-breaking Folk Development specialist, Roger has pioneered the fusion of English traditional music with that of other cultures. He founded the experimental and culturally dynamic Boka Halat with Musa Mboob and has performed at countless festivals including WOMAD. He has also contributed to the World On Your Street Global Music Initiative in collaboration with BBC Radio 3.