Saturday 25th May 2019
To promote the Journey from Bunyan to the Brickworks exhibition The Higgins, Bedford held an open day entitled Pride, Inspiration, Hope: Bedfordshire Brickworks Day. Invisible Folk arranged for folk musicians to perform throughout the day. Biographies and links to samples of their music can be found below.
Left to Right: Jack in a Barrel, Nigel Moorcroft, Chris Lawley
Jack in a Barrel (above) are a 7 piece folk choir singing totally unaccompanied. Lead by the Brewster family they perform a mix of traditional and original songs with power, delicacy and joy. Links to 2 songs: Hail Smiling Morn & Roll Down
Nigel Moorcroft (above) is a singer of traditional folk songs, unaccompanied and pure. His sonorous baritone holds the listener mesmerised as he tells tales of desolate shores and long sea voyages. Links to 2 songs: Bushes and Briars & Night Crossing Song
Chris Lawley (above) is a singer and song collector. His knowledge of Music Hall and WW1 songs is an education in itself but to hear him sing is to bring the songs to life in an unforgetable way. Links to 2 songs: Hard Times of Old England & Hey John Barleycorn
Left to Right: Jon Bickley, Petrichor, Lizzy Hardingham
Jon Bickley (above) is a folksinger and a songwriter. Poetic lyrics and catchy tunes will be rattling round your head long after the event. Links to 2 songs: House Carpenter & I Cry For You
Petrichor (above) is a duo featuring the beautiful singing of Annette Burrows and the elegant guitar playing of Bob Templeman. It is a sublime combination. Links to 2 songs: Stormy Weather & Geordie
Lizzy Hardingham (above) is a New Roots finalist and a fine songwriter and singer. She is becoming one of the most popular young talents on the scene. Links to 2 songs: Don’t Go & Jumping Away
Left to Right: Ragged Staff, Catherine Earnshaw, Marisa,Jack&Davy
Ragged Staff (above) are 3 great musicians combining to startling effect. They are Mike Nacey (guitar), Caroline Riches (violin/vocals) & Ned Lawton (pipes/vocals). Links to 2 songs: Star of County Down & The Nightingale
Catherine Earnshaw (above) is a gifted singer of traditional songs, the holder of space and magic. She is climbing the mountain in the footsteps of Shirley Collins and June Tabor. Links to 2 songs: Ramble Away & I Am Stretched Out on Your Grave
Marisa Jack & Davy (above) are a trio of talent. Harmonies cut from the same tree that Peter Bellamy grew. Local scene movers who cast their own spell. Links to 2 songs: Oak,Ash and Thorn & Idumea
Pete Castle (above) is a traditional folksinger, storyteller and song collector. He brings the ancient past to your door and then makes your door magical. He was main organiser of the Luton Folk Festival from 1976-82 and from 1981-87 ran the folk show on Chiltern Radio. Nowadays he is resident in Derbyshire. Links to 2 songs: Over The Hill & The Factory Maid
For more info about Invisible Folk follow this link