John Boden • Seth Lakeman • Ben Nicholls • Emily Portman • Jack Rutter

A Nautical Folk Collaboration Set to Headline Bromyard Folk Festival

The Sea Song Sessions is a captivating folk music collaboration featuring renowned British artists Jon Boden, Seth Lakeman, Ben Nicholls, Emily Portman, and Jack Rutter. Originally formed in 2021 for a special maritime-themed performance at the Folkestone Festival, the project evolved into a full-length album, released in September 2022 by Topic Records.

Bringing together traditional sea shanties, maritime ballads, and original compositions, the album showcases classics like The Rambling Sailor and Fire Marengo, alongside contemporary pieces such as Jon Boden’s Salvation Army Band Girl and Some Old Salty by Lal Waterson and Oliver Knight. Each musician adds their own distinctive style, creating a rich and dynamic collection of seafaring songs.

Following the album’s release, the group embarked on a unique tour, performing at harbors and maritime venues while traveling between locations aboard the tall ship Anny of Charlestown. Their work has been widely praised, with Tradfolk.co describing it as a “flavorful and immersive” tribute to maritime folk traditions, while KLOF Magazine hailed it as “a glorious album showcasing some of Britain’s finest folk musicians.”

This year, The Sea Song Sessions will be headlining Bromyard Folk Festival, one of the UK’s most celebrated folk events. Festival-goers can expect a stirring live performance filled with seafaring tales and rousing harmonies, bringing the spirit of the sea to the heart of Herefordshire.

Breabach, formed in 2005, has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most dynamic and innovative contemporary folk bands. The ensemble skillfully blends deep-rooted Highland and Island traditions with the vibrant musical scene of their Glasgow base.

Their lineup features Megan Henderson (fiddle, vocals), James Lindsay (double bass, vocals), Calum MacCrimmon (Highland bagpipe, whistle, bouzouki, vocals), Conal McDonagh (Highland bagpipe, whistle, vocals), and Ewan Robertson (guitar, cajon, vocals).

Over their 19-year journey, Breabach has released seven highly acclaimed albums, with their latest, Fàs (a Gaelic term meaning “growth”), debuting in 2022. This album draws significant inspiration from Scotland’s natural landscapes and showcases the band’s progressive musical elements. Their innovative approach has led to collaborations with BAFTA award-winning animator Cat Bruce on the short film Dùsgadh, as well as projects with indigenous Australasian artists Moana & The Tribe, Quebec’s Le Vent du Nord, and Cape Bretoners Beòlach during their residency at the 2019 Celtic Colours festival.

Breabach’s excellence has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the ‘Folk Band of the Year’ award at the BBC ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in 2022. They have also received nominations for ‘Best Group’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and ‘European Album of the Year’ at the Songlines Music Awards. Their performances have graced renowned venues worldwide, from the Sydney Opera House to Central Park in New York, and esteemed festivals such as the Cambridge Folk Festival and WOMAD New Zealand.

In September 2025, Breabach is set to headline Bromyard Folk Festival in Herefordshire. Attendees can anticipate a compelling performance that encapsulates the band’s signature blend of traditional and contemporary Scottish folk music.

As a duo Paul Downes and Phil Beer gained a strong reputation on the UK folk scene especially in the Midlands and their native Devon. They found further fame as members of Bill Zorn’s Arizona Smoke Review. Eventually their musical paths took different directions with Paul concentrating on his solo work and collaborations with the Joyce Gang and Mick Ryan. Both hailing from Devon, they have significantly influenced the British folk scene with their exceptional musicianship and harmonious vocals. Their partnership has produced several acclaimed albums, including Life Ain’t Worth Living (1973) and Dance Without Music (1976).

Beyond their work as a duo, both Downes and Beer have pursued individual musical endeavors. Paul Downes has collaborated with artists such as Pete Seeger and The Joyce Gang, while Phil Beer is renowned for his role in the folk band Show of Hands and has worked with acts like The Albion Band and The Rolling Stones.

Michael McGoldrick and Tim Edey are acclaimed Celtic folk musicians known for their exceptional instrumental prowess and dynamic performances. McGoldrick, born in Manchester in 1971, is a master of the Irish flute, uilleann pipes, and low whistle. He has been a pivotal member of influential bands such as Flook, Lúnasa, and Capercaillie, and has collaborated with artists like Mark Knopfler and Bob Dylan.

Tim Edey, originally from Kent, is a virtuoso guitarist and melodeon player. He has toured globally and recorded with prominent figures in Celtic and contemporary roots music, including The Chieftains, Christy Moore, and Sharon Shannon. Edey was honored as the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Musician of the Year in 2012 and received the Best Traditional Musician award from BBC ALBA/Scotland in 2020.

In December 2024, the duo released their collaborative album, Jamland, featuring a blend of traditional tunes and original compositions that highlight their combined musical expertise.

On February 1, 2025, McGoldrick and Edey are scheduled to perform at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall’s Strathclyde Suite as part of the Celtic Connections festival. This performance marks a reunion of old friends, promising an evening of musical virtuosity and innovation.