Posted by Louise Bland
on 26 December 2009
Bellowhead
Bellowheads popularity has soared due to their position of artist in residence at the Southbank Centre London. Brought together by the duo Spier & Boden in 2004 they have seen success almost over night. With their extensive range of instruments they keep the heart of the folk tradition alive whilst experimenting with other genres. They have won this award before in 2007 and have worked extensively with the BBC notably at the Proms. Their raucous, loud and engaging live performances make them an instant winner with audiences and hard to beat. An excellent choice for the best live act!Edward II
A seven piece ensemble including sax and trombone and eclectic mix of musicians labelled as folk/reggae. This group originally formed in 1984 -1999 however they have reformed this year and there music has matured and become better with age. Their years of experience make their live performances unmissable!
Lau
Consists of Martin Green(Accordian), Kris Dever( Guitar, Vocals) , Aidan O’Rourke (Fiddle). Three of the most sought after, talented Scottish folk performers, their union in the last few years has meant they are one of the most powerful and influential Scottish folk bands.
The Bad Shepherds
Adrian Edmondson (vocals, ’thrash’ mandolin), Troy Donockley (Uillean pipes, whistles, cittern, vocals), Andy Dinan ( fiddle). It was Edmondsons drunken buying of a mandolin that saw the forming of this unlikely but contagious trio. Edmondsons background is in comedy and mainstream music. Donockley and Dinan have traditional music background, Donockley being a member of Iona . His expertise on the pipes and Dinans remarkable fiddle playing means there is a real freshness to The Bad Shepherds sound and their live performances are bouncy and engaging.
