Martin Carthy

Martin Carthy

Lifetime Achievement Award – BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2014.

(Unfortunately, Eliza Carthy, has a quite severe chest infection and so is unable to appear this evening as originally planned. )

However, we’re pleased that Martin Carthy is looking forward to presenting his own Solo Show for you to enjoy at St Ives Guildhall this week.

 Martin is a ballad singer, a ground-breaking acoustic and electric-guitarist and an authoritative interpreter of newly composed material. He always prefers to follow an insatiable musical curiosity rather than cash in on his unrivalled position.

For more than 50 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. 

Trailblazing musical partnerships with, amongst others, Steeleye Span, Dave Swarbrick and his award-winning wife, Norma Waterson, have resulted in more than 40 albums, but Martin has only recorded 10 solo albums, of which the much anticipated Waiting for Angels (Topic TSCD527) was the latest.

Whether in the folk clubs (which he continues to champion), on the concert stage or making TV appearances (he was the subject of the acclaimed ‘Originals’ music documentary strand on BBC 2) – there are few roles that Martin Carthy hasn’t played.

Perhaps, most significant of all, are his settings of traditional songs with guitar, which have influenced a generation of artists, including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, on both sides of the Atlantic.

‘Arguably the greatest English folk song performer, writer, collector and editor of them all’ Q Magazine
‘Martin Carthy is a master of the ballad of substance, songs that tell stories, whether they are traditional, his own or from contemporary writers.’ The Telegraph.

Tickets in advance : Standard : £18.00

Unreserved Seating
Tickets are non refundable.

For booking information click here
01726 879500