Martyn Wyndham-Read + Claire Doherty @ The Dog
8pm, Saturday 21st February 2015

By Sandra Nixon
Posted Thursday, January 1, 2015

Martyn Wyndham-Read

English by birth, Martyn first developed his great interest in folksongs of the outback when he went to Australia in the early 1960's. There, while working on the South Australian sheep station "Emu Springs", he gained first hand experience of life as a bush worker and at the same time fell in love with Australia and it's music.

During his subsequent travels he spent much of his time seeking out and learning old songs directly from drovers, cane cutters and other bush workers. As the folk song revival gathered pace in Australia, Martyn found himself singing these songs to audiences all across the Australian continent and after seven years down under, he returned to England where he performed these songs to an appreciative British audience. Concert tours spreading his style of music to the far corners of the world have been the norm since then. Martyn has been involved in the folk scene for over 40 years and has released more than 30 albums, many considered classics of their genre. One of the most engaging performers you're ever likely to see, his exceptionally intimate performance combines songs, humorous bush poetry recitations, stories and anecdotes of outback life and comments on Australian history and culture.

support Claire Doherty

Claire fell for the violin after watching a segment on Sesame Street showing the creation of an instrument. After pestering her parents, as only a four year old can, they agreed to allow her to learn. All in spite of the prospect of tortured eardrums for years to come. But the gamble paid off. Young Claire took to the violin and also to the challenge of playing folk music, especially traditional Australian tunes.

Today, at 13, Claire has become a familiar face at many folk music gatherings. Whether busking, performing a blackboard gig, playing with the Bush Music Club or just sitting in at a session, Claire has continued to hone her skills, expand her repertoire and catch the ear of many a seasoned folkie, including Martyn who met her at the National in 2011 and has kept in contact. Add to this a peppering of Australian Bush poetry and Claire is testimony that Australian Bush traditions still have a future in our young.

 

photos -

Martyn - Sandra Nixon, Loaded Dog 2011
Claire - Sandra Nixon, Turning Wave Festival 2014

Claire & Martyn - Naomi Doherty, National Folk Festival 2011