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.

 

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!

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 . . . .

Norma Waterson dies . . . . . (82) Legendary heart of the royal family of folk dies from pneumonia

So sad to hear that British folk legend and heart of the Waterson/Carthy family clan of musicians died yesterday. . All our thoughts are with husband Martin Carthy, Eliza and all the children. I bought her solo albums alongside her contributions and central heart of the Waterson Carthy Band and had a good collection of Martin's and Eliza's solo works often with her contributions.

Her wonderful daughter Eliza Carthy wrote on Facebook: “Not much to say about such monumental sadness, but mam passed away yesterday afternoon, January 30th 2022.”

Norma had been recently hospitalised with pneumonia

Ain't No Sweet Man - live on Jools Holland

Raggle Taggle Gypsies - Stars In My Crown at Union Chapel

Paul Morley interviews Martin, Norma and Eliza Carthy

'A Bunch of Thyme'

 . . . .time with all its labours and time with all it's joys,

 . . . . . . . .

 . . . . . .time it is a precious thing . . . . . time brings all things too an end

Waterson Carthy at The Liverpool Philharmonic Hall 2009

Recorded at the Liverpol Philharmonic Hall on Friday 2 October 2009, The Waterson Family are the first family of folk. A rare chance to see the whole family performing together including Norma Waterson, Mike Waterson, Ann Waterson, Martin Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Eleanor Waterson and Rachel Straw, Maria Gilhooley, Oliver Knight and Saul Rose.