Martin Carthy

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For more than 30 years Martin Carthy has been the most visible, versatile and, at times, controversial figure in English folk music. Whether in the folk club, on the concert stage or in a TV studio, there are few roles he has not played, from ballad singer to folk-rock guitarist. While his settings of traditional songs with guitar have influenced a generation of performers, he is also an authoritative interpreter of newly composed material.


BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Singer of the Year in 2002 and 2005

Blue Murder – No One Stands Alone

2019-10-31T10:45:02+00:00

The seven piece group Blue Murder, made up of Waterson:Carthy, Coope, Boyes and Simpson and Mike Waterson, has been described as "Harmony Heaven" and one listen is enough to explain why - seven of the greatest English folk voices performing together with [...]

Blue Murder – No One Stands Alone2019-10-31T10:45:02+00:00

Waterson:Carthy – Fishes & Fine Yellow Sand

2020-11-30T14:42:02+00:00

Waterson:Carthy's fifth album includes a characteristically eclectic selection of material from a formidable range of sources. Much of the album was recorded "live in the studio" with a view to retaining the essence of the group's live interactive performance and this goal [...]

Waterson:Carthy – Fishes & Fine Yellow Sand2020-11-30T14:42:02+00:00

Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick – Straws in the Wind

2019-11-08T09:32:24+00:00

The legendary, ground-breaking duo in a startlingly intense reunion on this 2006 album. All the old skills are demonstrated with a new collection of traditional songs and instrumentals. Their experienced approach to their art lacks none of the fervour of their early [...]

Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick – Straws in the Wind2019-11-08T09:32:24+00:00

Waterson:Carthy – Holy Heathens & The Old Green Man

2019-10-31T10:35:47+00:00

This is the album that Waterson:Carthy have been wanting to make for a long time. In 1965, their forerunners The Watersons released the landmark album Frost and Fire - A Calendar of Ritual Magical Songs, and the concept continues to fascinate them. [...]

Waterson:Carthy – Holy Heathens & The Old Green Man2019-10-31T10:35:47+00:00

Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick – Both Ear and the Tail

2019-11-08T09:35:50+00:00

One of the great duos of all time, Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick joined up in early spring 1966 as a performing unit. They were an immediate hit, becoming overnight the most popular group in the burgeoning folk club scene in Britain. [...]

Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick – Both Ear and the Tail2019-11-08T09:35:50+00:00

Brass Monkey – Head of Steam

2019-11-07T16:24:13+00:00

The original English powerhouse brass-meets-folk band returned with a new album for 2009. "..a swashbuckling selection of tunes and songs performed so invigoratingly..." fRoots "The tunes in particular take on a new life, as the brass dominates the guitar and Kirkpatrick's excellent [...]

Brass Monkey – Head of Steam2019-11-07T16:24:13+00:00

Martin Carthy – Crown Of Horn

2019-11-08T09:38:34+00:00

Though on its first release in 1976 Crown of Horn attracted attention with its unpredictable elements, such as Leon Rosselson's mordant song Palaces of Gold, the album can now be seen as a logical stage in Carthy's development, as well as a [...]

Martin Carthy – Crown Of Horn2019-11-08T09:38:34+00:00

Martin Carthy – Martin Carthy

2019-10-28T17:00:14+00:00

First released in 1965 Martin Carthy is the debut album from the most creative folksong interpreter of his generation. His singing and guitar-playing have been imitated wherever the revival has reached, across North America and Europe no less than in Britain. Martin [...]

Martin Carthy – Martin Carthy2019-10-28T17:00:14+00:00

Martin Carthy with Dave Swarbrick – Second Album

2019-11-07T16:40:43+00:00

Dave Swarbrick's increased contribution on this 1966 album was a signal that he and Carthy were rapidly forming folk music's most potent collaboration, creating a clean, sharp sound that would be honed over the next three albums. Martin Carthy vocals, guitar Dave [...]

Martin Carthy with Dave Swarbrick – Second Album2019-11-07T16:40:43+00:00

Martin Carthy with Dave Swarbrick – Byker Hill

2019-11-08T09:47:13+00:00

As he grew in confidence and dexterity Martin Carthy tested himself with tricky rhythms and challenging songs, and the title track of Byker Hill (1967) electrified the folk scene with its audacious syncopation. His most carefully planned and executed album up to [...]

Martin Carthy with Dave Swarbrick – Byker Hill2019-11-08T09:47:13+00:00

Martin Carthy with Dave Swarbrick – But Two Came By

2019-11-08T09:53:32+00:00

Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick continue their bold and virtuosic transformation of traditional songs and melodies on this 1968 set, adding a memorable treatment of Sidney Carter's Lord of the Dance. Martin Carthy vocals, guitar Dave Swarbrick fiddle, mandolin 1  Ship in [...]

Martin Carthy with Dave Swarbrick – But Two Came By2019-11-08T09:53:32+00:00

Martin Carthy with Dave Swarbrick – Prince Heathen

2019-11-08T10:00:35+00:00

In this 1969 album Martin Carthy focuses on traditional songs, producing powerful readings such as the title track and his lengthy retelling of the ballad Little Musgrave & Lady Barnard. "One of the best albums anyone's ever done" Folk Roots Martin Carthy [...]

Martin Carthy with Dave Swarbrick – Prince Heathen2019-11-08T10:00:35+00:00
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