Grapevine Music Agency - representing some of the finest roots musicians from the UK and North America. Folk, Blues, Country, Americana.

World class fiddle player joins raconteur for a spellbinding journey across international boundaries from traditional folk to jazz and beyond.

Simon, nephew of legendary Fairport Convention fiddle player Dave, learnt violin at the age of 13 and has successfully conquered folk, jazz, Eastern European and almost any other style possible. Often this is borne out by his own compositions in which he manages to show all of these influences. It is also what makes his playing unique.

In the 1970s, at three weeks' notice, he was commissioned to write a twelve piece score to accompany a play by Nigel Williams, for which he received rave notices in the national press. Since then he has spent his life performing and recording with a variety of artists.

Just over a year ago, Simon formed an acoustic five-piece band, which included Robbie McIntosh (Paul McCartney Band, Norah Jones, John Mayer band), performing mostly his own compositions.

What may be lesser known is Simon's virtuosity on guitar and mandolin, which are other ingredients to the making of a fascinating and eclectic night's listening.

Kenny is a self-taught singer, guitarist and banjo player, who has been performing for even longer than Simon - he began playing around coffee bars in a skiffle band, and went on to play guitar in dance bands throughout South Wales. Listening to acoustic and folk artists, Ken felt a certain affinity with this musical genre, which led to him forming a folk trio, playing both traditional and contemporary music.

A move to Dorset in the 1970s provided an opportunity to hook up with Simon. After working together in folk clubs around Dorset for seven years, the partnership culminated in the release of Ken’s album, Fine Friends. Simon, and acclaimed guitarist, Robbie McIntosh feature on the record, which moves between mellow self-penned ballads and sensitive interpretations of songs by Don McLean and Sandy Denny.

As a performer, Kenny is equally at home on a theatre stage or in the intimate atmosphere of a small venue. His reputation for quirky humour goes before him, and those who have seen him before wait in anticipation for the next off-the-wall quip!

The combination of warm vocals and sensitive guitar playing, punctuated with witty observations on life, makes sure that the rapport between performer and audience is very firmly established.

Our View: Nobody ever believes that there can be two exceptional fiddle players from the same family – but it’s true. Simon is every bit as good as his uncle but he has a much broader repertoire. Kenny, as well as being a fine singer and guitarist, is one of life’s real characters – a natural comedian who can reduce even the severest audience to stitches.