Martin Carthy to star at Middlewich Festival

Jun 10 2009 by simon halewood, Crewe Chronicle

“US ‘FOLKIES’ are a unique bunch, I can’t remember what it’s like not being on tour”.

Despite turning 67 last month, British folk legend Martin Carthy is showing no signs of slowing down.

In fact, the traditional guitarist and singer, set to appear with his band Blue Murder at the Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival next weekend, is still rolling up and down the country day in day out.

He says: “When you’re singing traditional songs you don’t make as much money as you would if they were your own, so I just keep myself going.

“At the end of the day I keep doing it because I love the music. There is always something new to find in it.”

Martin started his singing career appearing in small London coffee bars in the early 60s and went on to become well-known for his distinctive melodic style. His debut album, Martin Carthy, was released in 1965 and it was his arrangement of the traditional ballad Scarborough Fair that was adapted by Simon and Garfunkel.

Martin was named Folk Singer of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2002, and again in 2005 when he also won the award for Best Traditional Track for Famous Flower of Serving Men.

And after five decades on the scene, Martin is working on a new album.

He says: “I’m working with a new band at the moment and we are slowly growing something that will turn into an album. To be honest, I’ve no idea how it will turn out yet, but that is always an exciting situation to be in.”

The singer/ guitarist, who inspired the likes of Bob Dylan, says he can’t wait to play at Middlewich’s nationally acclaimed two-day traditional music extravaganza.

He says: “I played Middlewich a few years ago and it’s a beautiful place.

“It’s a shame I won’t have time to hang around because I am playing here, there and everywhere at the moment.

“Besides, we haven’t performed as Blue Murder for more than a year so we’ll be getting some last-minute singing practice in on the morning.”

Often described as a folk super-group, Blue Murder features respected performers Norma and Mike Waterson, Marie Knight and the renowned a capella trio Barry Coope, Jim Boyes and Lester Simpson.

They guarantee an on-stage ambience varying from intense to hilarious, and some of the best and most powerful harmony singing on the folk scene.

Martin says: “It’s a great bunch of people and we have a great time on stage. I just hope the audience has as much fun as I do.

“It’s an occasional thing but one that is always well worth coming back to. Of course we all get on, but we’re all really busy and that is never a bad thing.”

Blue Murder will be performing at 1pm on the Saturday at the Royal British Legion stage.

Martin says: “It one of the best festivals in the UK and I’m really excited to be a part of it.

“I think folk music will always have an appeal. Obviously you come up with your own arrangements but at the end of the day there is always that balance of simplicity and beautiful melodies.

“If you have never given it a try then you’re missing out. I’m sure MIddlewich is going to be right behind the festival so come down, you never know, you might just like it.”

Organisers say tickets for the festival, which boasts over 60 bands and artists at venues around the town, are selling quickly.

Amongst this year’s other star names are Ade Edmondson, with his folk-punk outfit The Bad Shepherds, Nantwich artist Thea Gilmore and Mark Radcliffe and The Family Mahone.

There will also be a selection of musical workshops around the town from some the country’s most established traditional players.

Weekend tickets are priced £70 an adult, £68 concessions and £35 for children under 16.

Saturday day passes are £35 an adult, £33 concessions and £17.50 for children under 16.

Sunday day passes are £33 an adult, £31 concessions and £16.50 for children under 16.

For more information and details on individual gig prices log on to www.midfest.org.