Sam Carter Sings Nic Jones (guests in the audience)

 Thursday night Sam Carter lets us know there were some interesting folks in the audience for his evening of Sam Carter sings Nic Jones (see below) . . . . . . 

A new version of Nic's classic track to celebrate the announcement of my new album and tour: Sam Carter Sings Nic Jones. Tour tickets: https://samcartermusic.co.uk/gigs Album link: https://samcarter.bandcamp.com/album/... Thanks to everyone for their kind comments on my Nic Jones videos over the years, it's nice to know there are so many fellow Nic fans out there! FAQs: What tuning is that? Bb, F, Bb, F, Bb, C

Martin Carthy and Nic Jones

Sam said:

About Thursday night: part two. I chatted with folks in the foyer after the Sam Carter Sings Nic Jones gig, and when I wandered back into the venue, I found these two gentlemen having a catch-up. My heart!

If I may get on my high horse for a second, the word 'legend' gets applied to any old muppet thesedays. These two are the absolute real deal

The Songs of Martin Carthy

 

Martin Carthy retires from touring

The Carthy family had hoped that the planned 2026 tour and festival dates with Martin Carthy, alongside his daughter Eliza, would offer a graceful and dignified exit from touring for him: one in which he could celebrate his amazing legacy and leave audiences with fond memories. Sadly, Martin's health has rapidly declined in the last few weeks. As such, we have made the incredibly painful decision that Martin will be unable to fulfil these duo bookings.

A message from Eliza Carthy:

"Dear everyone,

A month ago, Martin, at 84, was diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimers Disease. While his doctor initially suggested that Dad would and should be able to tour in the Spring, and we were hoping to use the tour to say goodbye to Dad's many fans, it now appears that this won't be possible or advisable for his health.

Dad sends his love and regrets to everyone hoping to see him one more time. Eliza will fulfil these shows, and will try to honour his legacy as much as possible. Our family thanks you for your patience and love."

We are currently working on plans to include some special guest appearances for the shows, including artists who have played a role in Martin's career and are bearers of his profound legacy in different ways. Details to follow as soon as possible.

 

ADVERT BREAK | This just in from Topic | MARTIN CARTHY Mercury Prize nominee

 

Martin Carthy - Transform Me Then Into A Fish Nominated for the 2025 Mercury Prize

Following his nomination for the 2025 Mercury Prize, Martin Carthy’sacclaimed album Transform Me Then Into A Fish is now set for a wider, general release. Originally launched in May to mark his 84th birthday, the record has already drawn praise for its masterful reinterpretations of songs from his groundbreaking 1965 debut. The Mercury recognition has sparked renewed interest in Carthy’s remarkable six-decade career, prompting this broader release so that audiences beyond the folk world can experience his artistry afresh. The album captures Carthy at the height of his interpretive powers, reimagining classics such as Scarborough Fair and High Germany with a richness and intimacy that reflect a lifetime devoted to the craft. Featuring collaborations with Eliza Carthy and Sheema Mukherjee, Transform Me Then Into A Fish bridges generations and genres, reaffirming Carthy’s influence as one of Britain’s most enduring musical voices. With its upcoming general release, both longtime fans and new listeners will have the chance to rediscover the timeless creativity that continues to define Martin Carthy’s extraordinary contribution to British music.

Listen / Buy Now

"Still finding news ways to make the old songs sing" - Uncut 8/10

Martin will be performing at the Awards Show which takes place this Thursday 16th October in Newcastle, the show will be broadcast on the BBC with coverage across BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Sounds, BBC Four and the iPlayer.

Martin Carthy responds to being nominated to a Mercury Prize!

 Marry Waterson

Martin Carthy responds to being nominated for a Mercury prize

What’s the secret?

"Don’t stop!”

Not only the oldest nominee ever but this makes it the first time  three members of the same family have even been nominated (Wife Norma and daughter Eliza!) 

Mercurial all!

Davy Graham - He Moved Through The Fair, The Complete 1960s Recordings | BUTTERBOY

We mentioned Davy Graham the other day and featured a track ‘Better Git It In Your Soul’ from tripping mantras well here’s the answer and Butterboy has posted an 8 CD collection which is about as thorough and complete as it gets. If you are at all interest in guitar figures and folk/blues/jazz roots of British guitarists then this is absolutely indispensable 

Davy Graham - He Moved Through The Fair, The Complete 1960s Recordings [2024] (8 x CDs)

Butterboy says : DAVY GRAHAM

Davy Graham - Anji 

 

David Michael Gordon "Davey" Graham (originally spelled Davy Graham) (26 November 1940 - 15 December 2008) was a British guitarist and one of the most influential figures in the 1960s British folk revival. He inspired many famous practitioners of the fingerstyle acoustic guitar such as Bert Jansch, Wizz Jones, John Renbourn, Martin Carthy, John Martyn, Paul Simon and Jimmy Page, who based his solo "White Summer" on Graham's "She Moved Through the Fair". Graham is probably best known for his acoustic instrumental "Anji" and for popularizing DADGAD tuning, later widely adopted by acoustic guitarists. (Wikipedia)

Imagine a musical treasure trove that captures the spirit and essence of a transformative era. This is precisely what you'll uncover in the box set "He Moved Through The Fair: The Complete 1960s Recordings." Spanning eight CDs, this collection is a mesmerizing journey through the artistry of a master musician who helped define the sound of the 1960s.

From the first note, you'll be transported back to a time of exploration and innovation. Each track resonates with the passion and creativity that characterized the decade, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that blend folk, blues, and world music influences. The meticulous remastering of these recordings ensures that every subtle nuance and intricate detail is preserved, allowing you to fully appreciate the depth and skill of the performances.

Listening to this collection is like flipping through an audio scrapbook of the 1960s. The tracks capture the zeitgeist of the time, reflecting the social and cultural shifts that were taking place. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to this era of music, you'll find yourself captivated by the sheer diversity and inventiveness on display. The box set serves as both a historical document and a testament to the enduring power of great music.

"He Moved Through The Fair" is an immersive experience that invites you to delve deep into the creative process of a true musical pioneer. Each CD offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of the artist's sound, showcasing their versatility and willingness to push boundaries. As you listen, you'll be struck by the timeless quality of the music, which continues to inspire and resonate with listeners today.

This box set is a must-have for any music lover. It captures the essence of an era and the brilliance of an artist whose contributions to the musical canon are immeasurable. Whether you're looking to expand your collection or seeking the perfect gift for a fellow music enthusiast, "He Moved Through The Fair: The Complete 1960s Recordings" is a stunning addition that will be cherished for years to come. 

Davy Graham is often seen as a key figure in British acoustic guitar. His influence spans across many famous guitarists.

What made Graham special was his deep dive into the music of India, the Middle East, and North Africa. This exploration helped him create new ways of tuning and playing the guitar. By mixing elements of blues, jazz, and traditional English music, Graham left a lasting impact on the world of acoustic guitar. Even if Davy Graham had only ever written and recorded one piece of music, his legacy would be secure, thanks to “Angi.” This timeless guitar instrumental is to folk music what “Smoke on the Water” and “Stairway to Heaven” are to rock: endlessly copied, but rarely matched. Every budding folk guitarist must learn a basic version of “Angi” as a rite of passage, but capturing the flair and dexterity that Davy brought to the piece is a different challenge altogether. (Butterboy)

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Davy Graham - She Moved Through The Fair (from Hullabaloo 1963)

From ABC (British) TV programme Hullabaloo, 2nd November 1963.   

Introduction by Rory McEwen.  

This was the first outing for Graham's new DADGAD tuning - in fact CGCFGC, capo on 2 making it DADGAD (slightly sharp of concert).   

Seated behind him, Martin Carthy on the left (with McEwen's 12-string) and Long John Baldry on the right, both regular guests on the show.  The band watching on stage is Cyril Davies' All-Stars, the residents!

 

MARTIN CARTHY : Sweet Wivelsfield 1974 | ZEROSOUNDS

Martin Carthy - Sweet Wivelsfield 1974 - Zerosounds

Martin Carthy – Sweet Wivelsfield (1974)

Zero G says: If the English folk revival of the 1960s had a single "father" and guiding spirit, then Martin Carthy was it. Carthy's influence transcends his abilities, formidable though those are -- apart from being one of the most talented acoustic guitarists, mandolinists, and general multi-instrumentalists working the folk clubs in the 1960s, he was also a powerful singer with no pretensions or affectations, and was an even more prodigious arranger and editor, with an excellent ear for traditional compositions. In particular, he was as much a scholar as a performer, and frequently went back to the notes and notebooks of folk song collectors such as Percy Grainger, scouring them for fragments that could be made whole in performance -- no "second hander," he used the earliest known transcriptions and recordings of many of the oldest folk songs known in England as his source, and worked from there.

By 1966, at the time he was cutting his first two albums, Carthy was already an influence on Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, and by the end of the 1960s was de facto mentor to virtually every serious aspiring folk musician in England. At least three major English folk-rock bands, Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, and the Albion Band, were formed either directly or indirectly with his help and influence.

First released in 1974 and produced by Ashley Hutchings, "Sweet Wivelsfield" is a classic Martin Carthy album and served as a benchmark recording for many other artists. The ominously chiming guitar chords of Trimdon Grange and the ingeniously borrowed melody of King Henry exemplify Carthy’s unceasing search for new ways to present old songs, a thread that runs all through this impressive recording.

Martin Carthy: vocals, guitar

Tracklist:

1 Shepherd o Shepherd
2 Billy Boy
3 Three Jolly Sneaksmen
4 Trimdon Grange
5 All of a Row
6 Skewbald
7 Mary Neal
8 King Henry
9 John Barleycorn
10 The Cottage in the Wood

This is really fascinating and from the godfather of British Folk and the greatest dynasty of Folklore classics and standards in the Waterson Carthy band and all his own works (this a man who plays guitar to his own (I will repeat HIS OWN) tuning of said instrument and keeping the British folklore of story telling and passing of tales and songs in the age old oral tradition!

 Enjoy! 

Various Artists - Shining Bright, The Songs of Lal & Mike Waterson [2002] - Butterboy

Now I have only recently been singing the praises of Butterboy compilations and just recently I have been listening to these . . . firstly a stunning set of covers of two of the legendary Folk Dynasty, the Waterson family and here Lal and Mike are focussed upon with covers from Eliza Carthy (a member herself of said dynasty) and other family members too with the husband and wife team of Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson the matriarch who we only lost just recently really) but this also features fascinating and stunning singers too in the likes of Christine Collister, Linda Thompson and her son Teddy, Maddy Prior, Christy Moore and Dick Gaughan, legends all  . . . . . . . . 

Butterboy

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Track list

01 John Pashley's Phoenix New Orleans Parade Band - Bright Phoebus 1:53

02 Linda & Teddy Thompson - Evona Darling 3:19

03 Dick Gaughan - Scarecrow 5:43

04 Martin Carthy - Never The Same 3:36

05 Norma Waterson - Song For Thirza 4:10

06 Christy Moore - Piper's Path 2:33

07 The Eliza Carthy Band - Child Among The Weeds 4:27

08 Helen Watson & Heather Greenbank - Shine 4:11

09 Billy Bragg And The Blokes - Danny Rose 2:30

10 Maddy Prior - Winifer Odd 3:35

11 Christine Collister & Oliver Knight - Marvellous Companion 4:08

12 Jody Stecher & Kate Brislin - One Of Those Days 2:31

13 Dayteller - Fine Horseman 4:14

14 Richard Thompson - Red Wine Promises 3:57

15 Blue Murder - Bright Phoebus 2:55

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here . . . .

Ray Padgett Interviewed Martin Carthy for his new book

 This also from Flagging Down The Double Es' Ray Padgett

The reverence each would have for the other is understood but this warmed the cockles of my sockles!

 'Pledging My Time: Conversations with Bob Dylan Band Members' crowdfunding new book by Ray . . . .

 Check out the campaign and preorder the book at Indiegogo.

Martin Carthy - More 80th Birthday Greetings - 21st May 2021

 Almost forgot in the brouhaha for Bobby's 80th that other folks have birthdays too and Bob would admire and send greetings to this man also I reckon who turned 80 on 21st May this year also.

With his wonderful daughter Eliza Carthy at the Folk Awards 2014

For more than 50 years Martin Carthy has been one of folk music’s greatest innovators, one of its best loved, most enthusiastic and, at times, most quietly controversial of figures. His skill, stage presence and natural charm have won him many admirers, not only from within the folk scene, but also far beyond it. Trailblazing musical partnerships with, amongst others, Steeleye Span, Dave Swarbrick and his award-winning wife (Norma Waterson) and daughter Eliza Carthy have resulted in more than 40 albums, but Martin has only recorded 10 solo albums, of which the much anticipated Waiting for Angels (Topic TSCD527) was the latest.

 

`Arguably the greatest English folk song performer, writer, collector and editor of them all’ 

Q Magazine

 A personal favourite . . . Raggle Taggle Gypsies 

MARTIN CARTHY

Well here's something you don't see every day- a bootleg of Martin Carthy! It is a real treat as well. Apparently authorised recording and clear as the period allows this is for 'folk' aficionados but truly the history and roots of British song is here. There are resonances of all sorts not least a connection to Nic Jones somehow (check the Bedmaking) but Carthy remember is the father of a dynasty in Waterson/Carthy with his wife Norma and daughter, a personal favourite here, Eliza Carthy. How many guitarists can you name who have played with their own tunings? 
Top stuff from over at Big O - where else?
Enjoy! 

Martin Carthy - Leeds 1974