In the early 1960s, the approach Martin Carthy took to folk music was nothing short of revolutionary, albeit a relatively quiet revolution befitting of his humble nature. You wouldn’t find Carthy’s music clambering up the singles charts; his was not [...]
2014 fROOTS Critics Poll Album of the Year It's nearly 50 years since Martin Carthy recorded his iconic, eponymous first album and more than 20 years since his daughter Eliza Carthy's recording debut. Throughout their respective careers both have toured and recorded with many others [...]
Drawn from Martin's first six albums (TSCD340-345) this specially priced collection is the perfect introduction to this unique figure and his early recording career. 1 The Trees They Do Grow High 2 Lord Franklin 3 The Bloody Gardener 4 Poor Murdered Woman [...]
Perhaps only Martin Carthy would open a folk album with a Bee Gees songs, let alone continue with pieces from Elvis Presley, Hoagy Carmichael and Bob Dylan, mixed in with such timeless traditional songs as Sir Patrick Spens and The Wife of [...]
Waiting For Angels was a very long-awaited solo album from Martin Carthy, the previous one Signs of Life was six years before. This splendid album was produced by Eliza Carthy & Ben Ivitsky, sees Martin at the peak of his creativity and [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 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 [...]
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 [...]