Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin

Friday

Winners of the 2014 BBC Radio Two Folk Award for Best Duo, Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin are one of the most exciting and innovative duos to appear on the folk/roots/acoustic scene in recent years. With a rapidly expanding following and a truly unique sound that effortlessly spans many genres, the duo have been touring constantly for the past three years, winning new fans of all ages wherever they go. Festival appearances have included regular Glastonbury slots; all the major folk festivals including mainstage slots at Sidmouth Folk Week; Broadstairs; Warwick; Shrewsbury; Gate To Southwell; Shepley Spring; Priddy; and a constant presence on the greenfield festival circuit, at events such as Larmer Tree (mainstage); Sunrise Celebration (mainstage); and Green Man.

Hailing from Lancashire, Phillip Henry is one of the UK’s top slide guitarists and harmonica players. Over the past decade he has immersed himself in the music of the Deep South of America, traditional music of the British Isles, and Indian classical music. Specializing in lap slide techniques, his masterful Dobro playing draws together these diverse influences to create a truly unique voice that has been described as “Stunningly good” (Dick Gaughan), and “utterly captivating” (Steve Knightley). His innovative harmonica style combines country blues and folk styles with beat-boxing to create a jaw dropping and much coveted 21st century harmonica sound heavily steeped in tradition.

Hannah Martin is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Devon. Her songs weave folklore and legend old and new with beautiful melodies, creating haunting compositions delivered with “a bold and beautiful singing style all her own” (BBC Radio Two). Writing mainly on fiddle, viola, and banjo, and drawing on the traditions of the British Isles, she has been commended by Mike Harding for her “really fantastic singing” (4/5/11). 2012 saw Hannah selected to be part of the National Theatre’s War Horse School, working with John Tams, Nancy Kerr, John Kirkpatrick and Chris Parkinson. She was also involved in The Nursery Rhyme Project for the Bristol OId Vic, co-writing and performing in a show exploring one of our oldest oral traditions.

Phil and Hannah’s website: http://www.philliphenryandhannahmartin.co.uk