The last few years have been a whirlwind of activity for you. In terms of performance, what have been the highlights?
Being able to play more shows with the band has been fantastic, I'd pick out the Tron Theatre show at Celtic Connections earlier this year, the Purcell Room Show in March, and Shrewsbury Folk Festival as recent highlights. In addition I've been lucky enough to share stages with Martin Simpson, Nic Jones, Chris Wood and members of Bellowhead all in the last few years and they're all highlights too!
You recently appeared in BBC 4’s The Enigma of Nic Jones. Nic has certainly shaped the folk landscape of the country over the years, but who would you say your greatest musical influences are??
Nic is of course a big influence, as is Neil Young, Tom Waits, Martin Simpson, Chris Wood, Richard Thompson, Tim Eriksen.
If you could jam with any artist, past or present, who would it be?
I'd assemble a super group that I could play with including Oscar Peterson on piano, Hendrix on lead guitar, Elvin Jones on drums, Ray Brown on bass, Wayne Shorter on saxophone, Freddie Mercury on vocals. It might end up a horrendous cacophony actually but I'd be enjoying myself!
What was the last CD you bought?
Big Sur by Bill Frisell
What was the last gig attended?
I saw Low at the Barbican earlier this year, they're my favourite live band by a long chalk.
Your music recommendations for 2014?
My favourite people to watch this year have been Low, Lau and Bill Frisell. Go and watch these people live when they're out touring next year.
What advice do you have for aspiring young musicians out there?
It's your love of what you do that will shine through to your audiences far more than any level of technical prowess. Do everything you can to protect and nurture your enthusiasm for what you do.
