Jackie Oates and Jon Wilks with Owen Spafford
We are honoured to welcome two of the most respected UK folk artists, Jackie Oates and Jon Wilks, to the Sound Lounge for what promises to be a sublime night of music and musicianship.
Jackie Oates is known for her exquisite vocals, expressive fiddle playing and moving original songwriting. She is one of the country’s best loved folk performers who never fails to move her audience. She has released seven albums of her own and has collaborated with UK folk glitterati including Rachel Unthank & The Winterset, The Imagined Village, Alasdair Roberts and John Spiers.
Jon Wilks is is a prominent fingerpicking guitarist and singer who performs traditional English folk songs and broadside ballads, as well as his own songs. His background as a journalist (a former editor of Time Out magazine and contributor to Dazed & Confused, The Guardian and other publications) means that he has a great eye/ear for a story, and this shows in his live performances which always develop into an amusing mix of folk song performance and storytelling.
Their collaboration has resulted in a musical partnership that resonates with both modern and traditional audiences, characterised by soulful harmonies, intricate instrumental arrangements, and a shared passion for storytelling through song.
On the night, Jackie and Jon will be joined by Owen Spafford, a virtuoso fiddle player from Leeds. His modern take on traditional music with Louis Campbell has generated ecstatic reviews. Owen was also an All-Britain Fiddle Champion at the fleadh. He has a deep love for traditional Irish music which is what he will be playing tonight.
