Posted by Liz Osman 18 December 2009
The BBC Young Folk Awards were recently London, bringing together young talent from right across the UK. The six entrants had to perform in front of the panel of judges, including Jon Boden, and an audience of three hundred. The standard, as ever, was incredibly high, with a really diverse range of the folk genre on show.
The eventual winner was James Findlay from Dorset, a singer, fiddler and guitarist, who, alongside the trophy and title, wins performance slots at Cropredy, Cambridge and Towersey next summer, and a recording session at Radio 2.
It’s worth taking note of all this year’s finalists though - their talent certainly suggests the young folk world is in a very healthy state. Congratulations to them all. Here’s our run-down of the finalists.
Cinnte - A 6-piece group from Northern Ireland, they perform fast, tight tune sets with an Irish influence.
Mairi and Steaphanaidh Chaimbeul - Gaelic-speaking sisters from the Isle of Skye. Their singing is sublime and they also play clarsach and saxophone.
Chris Keatinge - Scottish button accordion player who demonstrates a mastery well-beyond his 20 years with the speed and excitement of his playing.
Niamh Boadle - Despite being one of the youngest finalists, Niamh’s singing, guitar playing and song-writing show a maturity that bodes very well for her future.
The Carrivick Sisters - Twin sisters from Devon, they perform bluegrass tinged folk with aplomb.
James Findlay - Citing Nic Jones as an influence, James Findlay plays exciting guitar, coupled with a distinct and addictive voice. Once you’ve heard it, you want more!
See all of Bright Young Folk's text interviews.