Martin Carthy

Norma Waterson was one of folk’s greatest voices – and greatest people

The British folk singer, who has died aged 82, was proud of the music she made – and her warmth as well as her toughness sang loudly in her songs

Jude Rogers

31, Jan, 2022 @3:30 PM

Carthy folk dynasty appeals for financial support after income ‘dried up’ during pandemic

Eliza Carthy said her parents Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson were ‘struggling to survive’ after Covid-19 left them without revenues from live performances

Laura Snapes

13, Jan, 2022 @4:19 PM

Jailhouse rock: how history’s crimes live on in music

From Maggie May to Ronnie Kray, crooks have long inspired songs, as a new book proves

Duncan Campbell

05, Sep, 2021 @8:00 AM

Paul Weller: True Meanings review – a gently introspective set

(Parlophone)

Phil Mongredien

16, Sep, 2018 @7:00 AM

Bright Phoebus Revisited review – Watersons bring a cult classic back to life

A stirring celebration of Mike and Lal Waterson’s great lost folk album gathered daughters, sons, cousins and uncles – plus an Arcade Fire star

Kate Molleson

25, Jan, 2018 @1:05 PM

English folk music helps us fathom our heritage of struggle

Stick in the Wheel asked musicians to record a song ‘from here’ – whatever that meant. The results told a hidden story of how oppressed people come to vote for an issue they know deep down is wrong

Nicola Kearey and Ian Carter

17, Mar, 2017 @7:00 AM

From Here: English Folk Field Recordings review – 17 intimate performances

(Stick in the Wheel)

Neil Spencer

12, Mar, 2017 @8:00 AM

Not talkin' bout a revolution: where are all the protest songs?

From anti-Vietnam war ballads to miner’s strike songs, folk artists have long voiced countercultural anger. With so much ammunition today, could folk music be about to wake from its recent docility

Jonathan Luxmoore and Christine Ellis

22, Feb, 2016 @12:27 PM

Martin Carthy and John Kirkpatrick review – folk titans join forces

The longtime collaborators showed their ease with each other as they moved smoothly between traditional and modern duets

Robin Denselow

18, Feb, 2016 @12:39 PM

Blood and Roses: The Songs of Ewan MacColl review – loving tribute to a legend

The Unthanks and Seth Lakeman join a stellar lineup to mark the centenary of one of folk’s most celebrated – and controversial – heroes

Colin Irwin

10, Nov, 2015 @1:25 PM

Various Artists: Joy of Living: A Tribute to Ewan MacColl review – an engrossing portrait

This centenary collection of Ewan MacColl covers serves brilliantly to show off his songwriting skills