John Kirkpatrick

John Kirkpatrick MBE, 78 and still rocking it, is one of those rare musicians who is not only renowned as a maestro but has also defined the national sound of his chosen instruments: the English squeezeboxes (aka the melodeon, Anglo concertina, and button accordion).

Who says he’s Number One? No less than the most eminent names of the golden age of English Folk, all of whom chose "JK" as their box-man: Martin Carthy (Brass Monkey), Richard Thompson, Ashley Hutchings (various Albion Bands), Steeleye Span, and many more. Even the next generation—Andy Cutting, for example—speaks of him as a primary inspiration.

The concert in the Bell Back Bar will be an intimate affair. Expect John to play a wealth of tunes, most of them English and with a strong dance element (he’s been a Morris Man since the age of 12), and to sing plenty (he was lead vocalist of the unique Home Service from 2016–21). Doubtless, he’ll also tell us plenty about the music in the classic folk club style. In the absence of a dedicated folk club or regular traditional gig in the area, The Bell has picked up this opportunity because we believe audiences in the city need to hear the great players, not just the most famous.

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