Both Peter Knight and John Spiers have made long lasting and significant contributions to the English folk scene via their work with Steeleye Span and Bellowhead respectively, and each in their own way has changed the perception of what traditional music can be, introducing it to much wider audiences. As members of the Gigspanner Big Band, they have expanded those boundaries ever further.
‘Folk A-Listers’ ‘Folk Royalty’ ‘Folk Icons’ are terms frequently applied to them, but what it means in reality is that they bring the best of traditional music to any stage they play.
The exquisite explorations of the liminal space that exists between traditional and classical music is what makes the music of Peter Knight and John Spiers so compelling and beguiling, ultimately rendering genres irrelevant.
In the words of Tradfolk: As a duo, they have developed into thrilling exponents of traditional tunes and songs, repurposing the material as jumping-off points into the most enchanting exploration.
It’s largely through touring as a duo that they’ve been able to cultivate what has become an extraordinary partnership, giving them the confidence to record their latest studio album, Both in a Tune, chosen as one of the ‘10 Best New Albums from Around the World’ by the influential music journal, SONGLINES.
The pairing of violin and melodeon is a classic one, but in the hands of Knight and Spiers, improvisation and invention meet the listener at every turn. Together they have created a musical document that resonates with history, but also something to inspire future generations of musicians to engage with Britain’s folk music heritage
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Photo Elly Lucas
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