Club Programme

Scott Matthews’ ground-breaking debut album, Passing Stranger earned him serious critical acclaim with its bold mix of folk, rock, blues and Eastern-inspired song-writing, and in 2007 his first single ‘Elusive’ won the Ivor Novello Award for ‘Best Song Musically and Lyrically’. From here Scott went on to perform on a number of international sell-out tours with respected artists such as Rufus Wainwright, Bert Jansch, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, Foo Fighters, Snow Patrol and Tori Amos. His follow-up albums saw, Robert Plant come onboard for a guest contribution on second album, Elsewhere, and legendary bassist Danny Thompson appeared on his third release What The Night Delivers, having encountered each other whilst performing in Joe Boyd’s stage production of Way to Blue – The Songs of Nick Drake. Championed by Lauren Laverne as ‘a big favourite’ Scott’s musical dexterity and experimentative approach to song-writing and home-recording continued to excite over the course of the next several albums released on his own label, from the intrinsically poetic, organic nature of The Great Untold, to the daring and audacious New Skin. This album was arguably his boldest move yet, New Skin swathed in Eno-esque electronica and Thom Yorke-centric uncovering, channelled the driving energy of ‘80s Springsteen and was widely lauded by Robert Plant, Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien, Bella Union’s Simon Raymonde and BBC 6Music. It was rock and ambient, acoustic and electro. Matthews had never sounded so vital. Never sounded so fresh. Never sounded so energised and never sounded so good.

Another return visit to the club for Serious Sam Barrett. He is still a hard touring, folk and country singer from down the road in Otley who plays honest, heartfelt self-penned and traditional songs on 12 string guitar and banjo. Sam continues to attract critical acclaim with some very positive reviews. “The sustained brilliance of his playing is really something to behold.” Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2 "There's some real swagger to this" Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 Folk Show “Songs that rattle with the ghosts of Appalachian folk, and southern blues, yet sound emphatically English.” Uncut Magazine “Old before his years country-folk fellow who mixes intricate John Fahey finger-picking with confessional tales of dirty old Leeds” The Guardian. “Excellent stripped back folk” Maverick Magazine “His well crafted original songs are accompanied by his own sparkling clawhammer banjo or dextrous 12 srtringguitar picking.” -Froots magazine.

A long-time Black Swan Folk Club favourite PETE MORTON premiers his new show 'The Ghost of the Sailor's Talking Blues'. Pete is a singer and entertainer with a wealth of self penned songs that express everything from the highly personal to the truly international. Often referred to as an old time troubadour he delivers an unruly mix of humanism politics, love, social commentary and humour, all wrapping its way around the folk tradition. Originally from Leicester, England, he discovered the acoustic music scene at 16, and has been on the never-ending tour as a folk singer songwriter ever since. With his powerful, euphonious voice storytelling and compelling stage presence he continues his merry niche, singing songs, peace, justice, open global inclusion, with a fun, loving and approachable style.

Another chance to see Steve Tilston at The Black Swan Folk Club one of our most popular and regular guest artists. Steve is one of the UK folk scene's most celebrated song-smiths. His compositions, arrangements and superb guitar playing could be no one else. Only a few years ago the story of Steve’s “lost” letter from John Lennon thrust him into the worldwide media spotlight and was the inspiration for a Hollywood movie. Danny Collins, starring Al Pacino. The publicity surrounding the film, brought Steve and his music to much wider attention. You can watch the clip of when Steve met Al on YouTube. Steve was voted, Fatea Awards Male Vocalist of the Year in 2015 and Truth to Tell was chosen as one of The Telegraph’s top folk albums in the same year. In 2021 the album Such Times was released where Steve takes on the role of social commentator and storyteller; 15-tracks of almost exclusively new material, recorded during the first national lockdown. The release coincided with the 50th anniversary of his debut album, An Acoustic Confusion first released in 1971. After more than fifty years in the business Steve can still deliver the goods. Steve's early career has been highlighted in a book Bristol Folk. The story of Bristol’s powerhouse folk & blues scene in the 60s & 70s. Amongst his career highlights he can boast a guest appearance on Later with Jools Holland and a spot on BBC Four's Songwriters’ Circle pus a Folk Award win for best original song. He has also been commissioned to write for the Olympics Radio Ballads series and the Harbour of Songs project. He joined an illustrious band of guitarists including Martin Simpson, Michael Messer and Wizz Jones, when he was invited to contribute to the Guitar Maestro series of DVDs; a combination of live studio performance and interviews, revealing the real passion behind these talented musicians. If anyone ever deserved the moniker “Guitar Maestro”, it is Steve Tilston.

Since his successful partnership with Christine Collister, Clive Gregson has been a successful soloist on the folk club and acoustic scene for over thirty years. In-between his visits to the UK, based in Nashville, he was also working as a song-writer session musician and producer. Clive’s new project links to earlier days when as a leader of the band Any Trouble signed to Stiff Records he toured with The Cheaters which included long-time friend Neil Corsar. In 2021 Clive and Neil met up over lunch to catch-up and began writing songs together. Several weeks and quite a few songs later, they decided to expand the enterprise from a songwriting workshop to a full-blown band. Clive recruited keyboardist Jez Smith and bassist Craig Fletcher both from John Lees’ Barclay James Harvest… and the lineup was completed with the addition of legendary drummer, Paul Burgess, who has played with 10cc since 1973. They named the band The Guilty Men. The days of the Supergroup may be long past… but The Guilty Men would surely qualify for that description! The band is made up of five of the finest musicians from the Northwest of England. Between them, they have played over 10,000 gigs on planet Earth, recorded thousands of songs and made countless radio and TV appearances. To say they’re experienced would be an understatement! Released in September 2024 The Guilty Men’s debut album “Invisible Confetti” contains 13 brand new songs recorded in the old-fashioned way: everybody playing live in the studio, intent on catching the moment. Most of the songs were laid down in no more than 2 or 3 takes… and with four featured lead vocalists, the album covers a lot of musical bases. “Invisible Confetti” rocks… with nods to Americana, country, folk, pop, psychedelia… it’s an exhilarating ride from start to finish.

A singers and musicians evening where everyone is welcome to come along to sing, play and perform. Or just come to listen. No problem not using the mic if you don't want to.

First time in at The Black Swan Folk Club for Johnny Campbell who has emerged onto the UK folk scene with self-penned material, delving deep into Northern English folk song and story. The album From Hull & Halifax & Hell (2020) took him to The Faroes where he recorded a live album on Nolsoy. Since musical instruments hadn't arrived on the islands until the 19th century, this is perhaps the first time Northern English traditional song had been recorded on these islands. The album earned him album of the week with Blues and Roots radio and reviews with the British folk press: ''The spirit of the folk clubs in their heyday runs in his veins'' Folking.com ''I defy anyone not to be galvanised by the total integrity of his exceptional rendition of (Ewan MacColl's) Moving On Song'' The Living Tradition ''A truly entertaining work. Lose yourself in the true folk experience'' Fatea Magazine Since March 2020, Campbell hasn't relented, releasing three singles, Hard Times of Old England, Winter Hill Trespass and A Right to Roam. The former received play on Ian Lynch's (Lankum) Fire Draw Near podcast and Winter Hill Trespass (2021) gained national press in The Guardian. ''Nobody else seems to be doing what Campbell is doing right now, and his passion and determination deserve recognition'' - Jon Wilks A Right to Roam (2022) is a collaboration with Commoners Choir & Skelmanthorpe Brass Band which received the accolade of 'One of the Best Folk Songs of 2022' alongside contemporaries such as Eliza Carthy, Jon Boden, Angeline Morrison & more, chosen by Tradfolk who called him ''A Modern-Day Billy Bragg''. 2024 saw Campbell releasing True North, an album of Northern English traditional songs recorded on respective county summits and garnering press from Folk on Foot & BBC Radio 4 Open Country. Richard Thompson declared True North as one of his albums of the year in 'My Year in Music' in UNCUT Magazine and he said ''I can't think of another project quite like this!''

Cohen first guested at The Black Swan Folk Club as part of a Young Performers Evening some years ago. Since then he's appeared at the club as part of the combo Granny's Attic and as support for Fay Hield in one of our concerts at the NCEM. Now he's back as a guest in his own right to showcase his virtuoso talents playing melodeon and Anglo concertina and entertaining with a mixture of traditional and original songs and tunes. He is at the forefront of his generation of English folk musicians as both a powerful and commanding singer and a masterful player. Since arriving on the folk scene in 2016, Cohen has achieved a nomination for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Horizon Award and has toured extensively across the UK and abroad, both as a soloist and with the trio Granny’s Attic. He is a spine-tingling traditional folk performer and his rich voice soars through a range of historical ballads, industrial songs and shanties, with a particular penchant for material from the West Midlands, where he’s lived for much of his life.

Here's a rare chance to experience the soul-stirring magic of Scotland's traditional fiddle like never before, in an intimate venue with Ryan Young. as he breathes new life into the rich tapestry of traditional Scottish music. Ryan's fiddle tunes will transport you on an evocative journey and elevate your soul. With a Master of Music degree from the famous Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Ryan Young has emerged as a rising star on the international music scene. His debut album, a mesmerizing collection of traditional Scottish tunes, was expertly produced and recorded by the renowned Boston-based music producer, Jesse Lewis, right in the heart of Glasgow. Released in 2017, this album is a testament to Ryan's profound musical prowess. The highly acclaimed follow-up 'just a second', also in collaboration with Jesse, was released in the UK in October 2023 By joining forces with Jesse Lewis, Ryan Young stands shoulder to shoulder with an elite league of musicians who have collaborated with the likes of The Silk Road Ensemble, Yo-Yo Ma, Bela Fleck, Jan Vogler, and Brooklyn Rider. Ryan has been touring extensively around the world, from Australia to Austria in 2024 - here's a chance to cstch him live in York in 2025.

Chris Brain renders songs embedded in folk tradition and the pastoral, with a contemporary resonance. Drawing inspiration from the outdoors and song writers such as John Martyn, Nick Drake and Joni Mitchell, Chris explores distinctive fingerpicking patterns and alternate tunings in his sound.

Christina Alden & Alex Patterson played the club only a few years ago and we're more than pleased to invite them back for another guest spot. They are multi-instrumentalists and songwriters from Norwich with music rich in intertwining harmonies, sensitive accomplished musicianship and a creative song-writing style that is delicate and moving. Deeply inspired by the world around them, they have a keen environmental eye to craft stories with the natural world at its heart, reflecting on the relationship between humans and the wild. 'A bright, lively collection of songs that plays so sweetly it evokes the sensation of a summer folk festival' - The Guardian

A real friend of The Black Swan Folk Club and one of the finest fiddle players in the UK, Tom has been guesting at the club for many years and here he is again, this time accompanied by genius pianist Michael Biggins. Renowned for his musical accompaniments, Tom has played on hundreds of albums. The list includes: Barbara Dickson, Richard Thompson, Allan Taylor and Lindisfarne. Whilst he has shared stages throughout the world with Stephan Grappelli, Sean McGuire, Mark O’Connor, Paul Brady and The Chieftains, Tom has never forgotten his roots and is as happy in the intimate atmosphere of a small folk club as he is at the largest festivals. Tom McConville is certainly a .world class act.

After a storming gig, just over a year ago, we couldn't wait to get these two back at The Black Swan Folk Club. They are simply one of the most exciting duos to emerge from the UK in recent times, and they combine heartfelt musicality, unparalleled virtuosity and vocal harmony. Using the folk music of the British Isles as a catalyst, Kit and Aaron create dynamic and effervescent interpretations of centuries-old material as well as original songs and compositions, all the while celebrating the timeless aural quality of a guitar, fiddle and vocals duet. BBC 2’s Mark Radcliffe is a champion of their work, saying “Kit and Aaron are reminiscent of the late Dave Swarbrick and Martin Carthy… I can give them no higher accolade. They deserve to be thought of as amongst the best”.

Another Black Swan favourite returns to the club. For almost 50 years BOB FOX has been regarded as one of “the iconic voices” of British folk song. HIs career began during the vibrant “folk revival” of the 60s and 70s and he has become one of the most highly rated and best loved singer/guitarists both in the UK and beyond. Masterful interpretation of traditional and contemporary song combined with an outstand-ing guitar technique has earned him countless nominations in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards over the years. Bob played the role of Songman for over 4 years in The National Theatre’s West End pro-duction of WarHorse and in two subsequent touring versions. He can also be heard singing extensively with John Tams and Barry Coope on the new Radio Ballads commissioned by the BBC, has completed several sell out UK tours as one of the Pitmen Poets and most recently has joined HOME SERVICE as lead singer. Don’t miss the chance to see and hear one of our finest exponents of story telling through song, expect to hear of love, joy, work and humour all accompanied by a wonderful guitar style that can both drive or embellish his supreme singing.

Back at The Black Swan an evening not to be missed. “Sam Carter is a brilliant guitarist and songwriter who combines the observational with social comment and personal reflection” — Songlines Midlands-born Sam Carter is a BBC Folk Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist renowned for his narrative-rich songwriting, which Uncut described as being “as penetrating as Richard Thompson’s best work”. For over 15 years, he has been stirring audiences from Camden to Canada, from major festivals to intimate clubs. Carter’s expressive fingerpicking led Jon Boden of Bellowhead to call him "the finest English-style fingerpicking guitarist of his generation," while Ivor Novello-winner Nitin Sawhney has praised his "killer voice." With a discography that spans six solo albums and two releases with the folk-rock band False Lights, Carter’s music reflects a blend of traditional English folk, shape-note singing, and rock. Notable highlights in his career include a spellbinding performance on Later… with Jools Holland, where he played songs from his shape-note-inspired album The No Testament alongside renowned fiddler Sam Sweeney.

Last seen at the Black Swan Folk Club in February 2016 not long before their founder member and inspiration Koady Chaisson unexpectedly passed away from a heart anneurysm at only 37 years old. The East Pointers have Koady to thank for being the kinetic force behind them. This JUNO-Award winning indie-folk trio combime to produce dancefloor-shaking electro-trad, a glorious combination of folk/pop' It has brought much joy to audiences around the world and now, even posthumously, Koady’s energetic fire continues to blaze their musical trail onward. They return to York to stir up a storm once again.