 |  | |
| | WINNERS | | |  FOLK SINGER OF THE YEAR
June Tabor
June Tabor's uncompromising, passionate approach to folk song has spanned three decades. Though fêted as an unaccompanied singer, her collaborations with Maddy Prior Martin Simpson, plus projects involving jazz, classical and rock music have widened her acclaim. June's recent album, An Echo Of Hooves, ranks among her best work.
Official Website
BEST DUO
John Spiers & Jon Boden
This young duo has been gathering plaudits since a debut album in 2001. They scooped the Horizon Award last year, and their second album Bellow was a major hit of 2003. They're both also members of the Eliza Carthy Band.
Official Website
BEST GROUP
Danú
Irish act Danú were named the Best Overall Traditional Act of 1999 by Irish Music magazine. Loyal to the tradition but with a fresh, contemporary approach, the band is enjoying an inspired new incarnation which produced 2003's great album, The Road Less Traveled. Danú were recipients of the Best Group award in 2001.
Official Website
BEST ALBUM
Sweet England - Jim Moray
Styled as a 'techno-traditionalist' for his ground-breaking fusion of English traditional music and contemporary electronica, Jim Moray has won mainstream media attention since his appearance in 2001's Young Folk Award final and his Horizon nomination at 2003's Folk Awards. Still only 22, Jim continues to push the boundaries of folk music with his new band and multimedia presentations.
Official Website
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
Co. Down - Tommy Sands (performed by Danú)
One of Ireland's most powerful singer-songwriters, Sands' songs have been recorded by major artists, translated into many languages and included in the syllabus of German schools. In 2002, The University of Nevada awarded Sands an honorary doctorate for his outstanding work as musical ambassador for peace and understanding. His song There Were Roses was nominated for last year's award.
BEST TRADITIONAL TRACK
Hughie Graeme - June Tabor
HORIZON AWARD
Jim Moray
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR - MARTIN SIMPSON
Martin Simpson
Equally gifted in the traditional music of Britain and the country blues of America, Simpson started playing professionally at 15, later working with June Tabor, Richard Thompson, Martin Carthy and the Albion Band while continuing to release challenging solo CDs. Last year's Righteousness & Humidity has been acclaimed as a landmark album. This is the second time he's won this award.
Official Website
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Dave Swarbrick
Legendary fiddler Dave Swarbrick's career spans five decades of solo work, a celebrated partnership with Martin Carthy and membership of Fairport Convention, Whippersnapper and Band Of Hope. One of the folk world's most colourful characters, Swarb inspires huge affection and respect. Dave was unable to attend the ceremony due to ill health and the award is received on his behalf by long time friend Martin Carthy.
Swarb's Website
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - SONGWRITING
Steve Earle
Steve Earle emerged in the mid-'80s as a figurehead of the New Country movement, though his maverick stance and turbulent lifestyle ensured he remained at odds with the Nashville mainstream and the law. Since cleaning up, he's been more prolific than ever, maintaining a fiercely political stance not seen since the glory days of Dylan.
Official Website
Unofficial Steve Earle Site
BEST LIVE ACT
Show of Hands
This category was decided by a public vote. Devon acoustic roots duo Steve Knightley and Phil Beer have previously been nominated for Best Group and Best Live Act. Their blend of strong contemporary songwriting and traditional instrumentation has twice sold out the Albert Hall as well as many other venues in the 13 years they've performed together.
Official Website
GOOD TRADITION AWARD
Celtic Connections
Now in its 11th year, Glasgow's Celtic Connections spans almost three weeks, a dozen city venues and the cream of international artists as well as the best newcomers in traditional music. Its vibrant musical programme plus projects such as specially-commissioned works, theatre productions and the Celtic Art Trail display the festival's strong commitment to the promotion of Celtic culture.
BBC Scotland's Celtic Connections Site
FOLK CLUB AWARD
Rockingham Arms, Wentworth
The Rockingham Arms near Rotherham has hosted the folk club run by lifetime music fan Rob Shaw for 27 of its 30 years. A welcoming atmosphere, excellent sound and Rob's diverse programme of folk and roots music attract a loyal regular audience as well as visitors from as far afield as Newcastle and Devon. This award is voted for by artists who play the folk clubs regularly.
| |  | |
| | |
|
|
Folk Awards 2004 Home
