Folk culture in 2023 – what we’re looking forward to
A new year dawns and we wipe the folkie slate clean. We asked around to find out what 2023 holds for folk events and album releases. Here's what the Tradfolk team are looking forward to.
Martin Carthy is one of the key figures in the English traditional folk revival. Born in Hatfield on May 21st, 1941, Carthy grew up in Hampstead, London. He began playing guitar after hearing Lonnie Donegan's recording of Rock Island Line. His eureka moment with traditional music came at a Sam Larner concert in London at Ewan MacColl's Ballads and Blues club when Carthy was just 17.
Carthy went on to teach Bob Dylan and Paul Simon versions of traditional folk songs, most notably 'Scarborough Fair' [Roud 12], which remained the singer's calling card for many years.
In all, Martin Carthy has recorded on over 40 albums, and has been a notable part of Steeleye Span, the Albion Country Band, Brass Monkey and Blue Murder. His influence on modern interpretations of traditional folk music is undeniable.
On this page you'll find a mixture of interviews, articles featuring Martin Carthy, and up-coming live dates.