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.