Shows
3tynespodcastSinging for fun with Julie Finch and Let's SingToday, we visit Let’s Sing, a group led by Julie Finch that’s held twice a month in the West End Methodist Church in Hexham. The group is for anyone who enjoys a good sing and meeting friends. We’ll hear from Julie and some of the regulars who attend and we’ll join them in some popular songs.Everyone is welcome at Let’s Sing. If you’d like to find out when the group is meeting, check on the Facebook pages for local towns such as Hexham Matters or Corbridge Matters for contact details or you can e...
2026-03-1034 min
3tynespodcastBonus episode: Live from the Old Church Studio by Jason ArnupThis is one of an occasional series of bonus episodes in which I invite people who’ve been guests on the podcast to tell us about their newly-released music. Today, I’m talking to Jason Arnup, whose EP Live Session from the Old Church Studio features six classic Rock n Roll and country songs from his band’s set list.Thanks for listening to this bonus episode. Please have a listen to Jason’s album and, if you can, buy a CD from his website or at a gig. You can contact Jason via his website at www.jaso...
2026-03-0324 min
3tynespodcastA Tribute to Terry Conway (shorter version)Today, 3tynespodcast pays tribute to the Tynedale songwriter and singer, Terry Conway. Terry died of mesothelioma in 2013 and he is sorely missed by his fellow musicians in the North East, who regard him as a writer of great warmth and wit with a distinctive vocal style.This is a shortened episode that includes two of Terry’s most famous songs, Hawkhope Hill and Fareweel Regality. There is a longer version that features ten songs in full.The episode is introduced by Vic Gammon, who reflects on Terry’s reputation amongst his peers. I then chat to t...
2026-02-241h 11
3tynespodcastA Tribute to Terry Conway (full version)Today, 3tynespodcast pays tribute to the Tynedale songwriter and singer, Terry Conway. Terry died of mesothelioma in 2013 and he is sorely missed by his fellow musicians in the North East, who regard him as a writer of great warmth and wit with a distinctive vocal style.The episode is introduced by Vic Gammon, who reflects on Terry’s reputation amongst his peers. I then chat to the musician Liz Conway, who talks about her time with Terry, his philosophy of life and his music.During this episode, you’ll hear ten of Terry’s songs. I have...
2026-02-241h 47
3tynespodcastBonus episode: Vatican City Serenades by Marshall NattrassThis is the first of an occasional series of short bonus episodes in which I invite people who’ve been guests on the podcast to tell us about their newly-released music and play a few tracks. Today, I’m talking to Marshall Nattrass, whose album Vatican City Serenades celebrates his youth during the 1980s in his distinctive Americana style.Please have a listen to Marshall’s album and, if you can, buy a CD. You can catch him at a gig or contact him via Messenger on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035054347502) and via Instag...
2026-02-1723 min
3tynespodcastFlamenco guitar from the South Tyne with Steve SherrisMy guest today is Steve Sherris, an artist whose journey from the Scilly Isles to Alston brought flamenco guitar to the upper South Tyne valley. Steve is an accomplished guitarist who has spent a lifetime in bands and playing solo in bars. He is currently a member of recent podcast guests the Hilltop Hoolies and he sometimes performs flamenco guitar, accompanying his wife Alison as she dances. In this episode, Steve tells us how he learned this unique style of guitar in the Spanish communities where it was an integral part of culture, and he demonstrates some of the...
2026-02-1058 min
3tynespodcastThe Death of Parcy Reed, with Peter ArmstrongThe Death of Parcy Reed is an epic ballad which, in its fullest version, has 41 verses. Set in upper Redesdale, it tells of the brutal murder of a Borders official following his betrayal by those he thought friends, to a feuding clan from across the border in Liddesdale.To help me understand its importance and the wider context of Border ballads is Tynedale folk singer and poet Peter Armstrong. We dive deep into Border history, sharing our own experiences of living in Northumberland. We discuss the plot of the Parcy Reed ballad and, illustrated by...
2026-01-2753 min
3tynespodcastBonus episode: Peter Armstrong, poet and singerIn this short bonus episode, I talk to Tynedale singer and poet Peter Armstrong about his journey to become a singer of traditional songs and the challenges he and his colleagues have faced in managing the famous Bridge Folk Club in Newcastle. We reflect on the emerging generation of younger folk artists, styles of singing and the different ways in which poetry and song lyrics emerge from who knows where to land on the page.This episode is complementary to the one on the Death of Parcy Reed, in which Peter talks about the importance of Border...
2026-01-2718 min
3tynespodcastThe Hilltop HooliesToday I’m dropping in on the Hilltop Hoolies at one of their regular rehearsals in Alston, where I took the opportunity to record them live as they ran through some of their repertoire.The Hoolies were formed about 18 months ago by five musicians who were already familiar faces at local music venues. And they have all appeared on the podcast at some time: Fred Sheriff, Norm Emerson and Steve Sherris were in the episode about the Turks Head music session in October 2024 and Marshall Nattrass had an episode all to himself in July that same year. Th...
2026-01-1327 min
3tynespodcastThe harmonium and carols from the service at St Mark's Church, Ninebanks. Happy Christmas!Today’s episode takes a look at the harmonium in the setting where we are probably most likely to hear it: the parish church.The harmonium is the largest instrument of its type – essentially, a keyboard mounted in a wooden box that contains the movements and reeds. It may be a plain, portable box the size of a suitcase or a large and elaborate organ-like structure that you could imagine in a Victorian concert hall, or anything in between.It became common in small churches during a period when influential voices felt that the music in s...
2025-12-2349 min
3tynespodcastS.K.X Funkanauts: a unique data exchange with F2 and F3, translated by the AI entity MorleyToday my guests are SKX Funkanauts, a band of sonic kilohertz explorers from Aldermaran 4 who have chosen Northumberland as a base from which to transmit cosmic funky dance music back to their home planet. Our county has many admirable qualities but even its most ardent fans would struggle with the idea that it is the home of funk. So I met two band members, F2 and F3, at a secret location and, with translation by the AI entity Morley, I tried to find out more about their mission and their earthbound activities.The Funkanauts have made their...
2025-12-0945 min
3tynespodcastPete Ward: Bluegrass and ReligionPete Ward is a musician, theologian and author of a new book on the meaning of religion in bluegrass music to everyone who plays it, regardless of their faith or lack of one.In the book, Pete analyses the lyrics of bluegrass standards from the 1940s and 50s and interviews musicians about their response to the sentiments of the gospel bluegrass songs they enjoy playing. We talk about the history of bluegrass, the origin myth that has excluded the important contribution of African American musicians, and how religious experience can emerge through playing these familiar songs.
2025-11-251h 10
3tynespodcastMusic in AllendaleToday, I’m the guest of Music in Allendale, a small and warmly welcoming group of enthusiasts who arrange concerts of classical music in Allendale.Music in Allendale aims to bring classical music to the intimate setting of St Cuthbert’s Church to perform a varied repertoire by familiar and less well known composers. In September, I went to a concert by the Silja Trio – I hope I pronounced that correctly – and enjoyed music by Debussy, Faure, Piazzolla and Shostakovich. I am no aficionado of classical music and I did not know any of these pieces. But listenin...
2025-11-1139 min
3tynespodcastThe Hive Nenthead, featuring an organ recital by Brian CottleThe Hive in Nenthead is a community centre and arts venue in a restored Methodist chapel. In this episode, I talk to Katja and Mandy, two of the venue's directors, about its history and its present roles, and to hear its pipe organ played by Brian Cottle in just one of the many contrasting events on offer here.Nenthead is a former mining village in the valley of the River Nent, a tributary of the South Tyne, and high in the North Pennines at some 440m elevation. It is just inside Cumbria, very close to the borders...
2025-10-2842 min
3tynespodcastJason Arnup: the power of country musicBased in Bellingham, Jason Arnup and his band are much in demand for shows, events and gigs where his lively blend of country, rock and roll and popular songs make many an evening a great success. But it’s country music that runs in his veins and that is guiding his development as a songwriter.In this episode, Jason talks about what shaped his music, the joy of playing live and the importance of having band members you can depend on. We look at the necessary work that the audience never sees, the practical business of making a...
2025-10-1454 min
3tynespodcastBonus episode: Central Arcade - the full interviewWe featured an interview with the band Central Arcade on the 26th of August but there was much more conversation than was included in that episode. So today we have the interview in full, including more about the dynamics of the band and the experience of being in a band as it begins to establish its reputation.I talk to Connall, Ben and Joe from the band Central Arcade about life in an upcoming band, writing songs, gigging, marketing and balancing artistic ambition against income. It’s a hard, competitive environment and one that requires a complete co...
2025-09-301h 06
3tynespodcastHannah Fumoleau: the joy of singingToday, my guest is Hannah Fumoleau, a singing teacher who offers lessons at Hexham’s Core Music, in Newcastle and occasionally elsewhere.Growing up in a household full of music, Hannah’s first paid performance was at the age of twelve and, following a career in arts administration, she became a full-time singer and teacher in 2024.Hannah performs classical music but she is an enthusiastic teacher of all styles of music and of the art of singing itself, emphasising the value of fulfilment and personal goals for the student who is learning how to improve thei...
2025-09-231h 10
3tynespodcastSimon Frith, sociologist of musicToday’s guest is a sociologist who has spent many years studying popular music. Simon Frith is Emeritus Professor of Music at Edinburgh University, the culmination of an illustrious academic career, and he has written several books on popular music culture. He was the Chair of the Mercury Prize for 14 years from its inception in 1992.I first came across Simon’s work when he was a rock critic for the music papers and then the Sunday Times and Observer back in the 80s and 90s. When I discovered he lives in Tynedale, I couldn’t wait to ask hi...
2025-09-091h 12
3tynespodcastCentral Arcade - 'vocal, instrumental and lyrical skill'Today, I’m talking to Connall, Ben and Joe from the band Central Arcade about life in an upcoming band, writing songs, gigging, marketing and balancing artistic ambition against income. It’s a hard, competitive environment and one that requires a complete commitment to the band and a realistic long term view of what constitutes success.Central Arcade have had rave reviews for their energetic live performances and their original songs. We recorded this conversation on the day before they released their EP Master, which NARC Magazine described as ‘demonstrating vocal, instrumental and lyrical skill - and impres...
2025-08-2638 min
3tynespodcastBAAFest 2025 (preview) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 3tynespodcast.substack.com
2025-08-1912 min
3tynespodcastChris Kelly, musician and songsmithToday my guest is the singer songwriter Chris Kelly. Based in Hexham, Chris started playing music and writing songs in a school band that achieved significant local success. Sadly, as so often happens, the band split when the members left school and went their separate ways. Throughout his time studying music at university, Chris’s writing and style evolved in line with his solo performances and he is now known for his carefully crafted lyrics and personal songs.Chris recently released an EP of five songs called the Middle Of It All. It’s available on his page...
2025-08-1244 min
3tynespodcastThe 10 bells of St Augustine's Church, AlstonThis is a special episode devoted entirely to a performance on the ten bells of St Augustine’s Church in Alston, played on the carillon by Josephine Dickinson.The performance took place on the Saturday morning of the 2025 Alston Live Festival and was free to all who could hear it in and around Alston. It included over 20 classical, traditional and popular tunes chosen by Josephine. The performance lasted an hour – a physically demanding challenge that Josephine met with admirable determination and stamina.Thanks are due to Paul Frear and the organising committee of Alston Live Fest...
2025-07-291h 00
3tynespodcastHexham Bluegrass Festival (preview) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 3tynespodcast.substack.com
2025-07-2418 min
3tynespodcastStephen Fry's squeezebox guideStephen Fry is a musician born in Tynemouth who now lives in Tynedale, and who can trace his roots in folk music back several generations. He is a familiar face in Northumberland music circles through his solo performances, appearance at folk sessions and his membership of Hexham band The Cherrypickers.I asked Stephen to talk about the family of instruments known as squeezeboxes – the most familiar of which are the concertina, melodeon and accordion – and what follows is testament to his encyclopaedic knowledge of open reed instruments, illustrated by his masterful playing of several examples from his own...
2025-07-2253 min
3tynespodcastOpen mic sessionsToday’s episode is all about the open mic session – an opportunity for anyone to turn up and play the music of their choice to a supportive, if sometimes noisy, audience. Open mics could fairly be described as the roots of grass roots music: it is here that developing musicians and poets take their first steps as performers, with the opportunity to learn from their own experience and from watching more seasoned performers.First, we hear from Chris Kelly, a musician who MCs the Buskers’ open mic session on Sundays at The Tannery in Hexham, about the practi...
2025-07-0837 min
3tynespodcastCaroline Guirr - songwriter, performer, arrangerToday’s guest is multi-instrumentalist Caroline Guirr, a musician from the Tyne Valley whose work encompasses songwriting, performing, composing, arranging and producing both for her solo career, her duo with Tom Cantwell, various bands and for the Tyne Valley Big Band and the Prudhoe Community Band.Caroline is not one to shy away from challenging subjects in her music, which draws on her interest in jazz, pop and classical, which she uses to great effect in support of her thoughtful and personal lyrics.Caroline talks about her multifaceted career, her process of creating and publishing mu...
2025-06-2445 min
3tynespodcastDavid Francis: music for children and young peopleToday, I’m talking to David Francis, Lead Officer at Music Partnership North in Northumberland.Music Partnership North is the regional agency through which the Government’s plan for music education is delivered. David is an enthusiastic advocate for music education. He works with schools and outside formal education structures to support and facilitate music learning for young people. Many smaller schools and individual aspiring musicians look to these services for help with learning to play an instrument.The way the Government supports music education is currently undergoing change. Music teaching suffered a devastating decline when...
2025-06-1046 min
3tynespodcastThe carillonMusic can be found everywhere in our lives and it is often so prevalent that we may not notice it. But one musical form can be heard in most villages and towns and it is worth a momentary pause to listen – because then you will hear the sound of church bells.Today’s episode is devoted to the carillon – an instrument for playing church bells that is an alternative to bell ringing by pulling ropes. The carillon is often, but not exclusively, found in smaller churches with 4 to 12 bells; these may be buildings with towers that are too sm...
2025-05-271h 05
3tynespodcastDavid McCrackenToday, my guest is one of the most respected figures in the world of Northumberland folk music – the traditional singer David McCracken.David farms sheep and cattle on the hills above the North Tyne valley. He draws on a lifetime’s experience of making music with his family and community to create his own songs about rural life in the Borders and beyond. He composes entirely in his head and writes nothing down, learning and passing on songs through the oral tradition and performing in local shows, pubs and folk sessions. There are almost no publicly available reco...
2025-05-1331 min
3tynespodcastFrancesca Knowles, virtuoso drummerToday’s guest is the drummer Francesca Knowles. Fran plays with accordionist Amy Thatcher in a duo that was recently included in the highly selective roster of Northern Line musicians supported by Jazz North. The novel blend of jazz and folk, and of drums and accordion, plus the virtuoso musicianship evident on their first album, Emergency of a Female Kind, has received glowing reviews. The duo is now recording new tracks to be released later this year.Fran is also the drummer in Grace Petrie’s band and has played with many eminent musicians from the North East...
2025-04-2251 min
3tynespodcastSam ShieldsToday’s guest is Ovingham singer songwriter, Sam Shields - a familiar face in Northumberland performing solo with his guitar or with his band The Regiment.In this episode, Sam talks about his distinctive British take on Americana, the importance of authenticity, the joy of lyrics, managing social media and the pleasure – or otherwise – of hearing your own voice.Sam plays three songs specially for the podcast: Wasting My Time, Penny’s Daughter and Mother Nature. Some of Sam’s music is available on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music but the best way to hear him is to...
2025-04-0851 min
3tynespodcastBonus episode: Alston Live festival previewToday’s bonus episode is a preview of Alston Live Festival 2025. Paul Frear and Jess McCormack talk about this year’s line-up, how an effective social media campaign has boosted ticket sales and a new opportunity for sponsors.The festival will be held in Alston on the 18th and 19th of July. Everything you need to know about tickets and accommodation is on the website at www.alstonlive.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 3tynespodcast.substack.com
2025-04-0121 min
3tynespodcastThe Ukulele: Ian Brown, teacherToday’s show is all about the ukulele – possibly Northumberland’s most popular instrument along with the guitar and fiddle.The episode is divided into three parts.In the first, we talk to luthier and guitar player Paul Mason who, from his home in the North Tyne valley, has been making ukes for the past five years.In the second part, singer-songwriter and ukulele teacher Ian Brown gives me an introductory lesson in playing the uke – and I warn those who believe that listening to music should be enjoyable to avert their ears.Fin...
2025-03-2533 min
3tynespodcastThe Ukulele: Paul Mason, luthierToday’s show is all about the ukulele – possibly Northumberland’s most popular instrument along with the guitar and fiddle.The episode is divided into three parts.In the first, we talk to luthier and guitar player Paul Mason who, from his home in the North Tyne valley, has been making ukes for the past five years.In the second part, singer-songwriter and ukulele teacher Ian Brown gives me an introductory lesson in playing the uke – and I warn those who believe that listening to music should be enjoyable to avert their ears.Fin...
2025-03-2524 min
3tynespodcastThe Ukulele: Penny Grennan, singer-songwriterToday’s show is all about the ukulele – possibly Northumberland’s most popular instrument along with the guitar and fiddle.The episode is divided into three parts.In the first, we talk to luthier and guitar player Paul Mason who, from his home in the North Tyne valley, has been making ukes for the past five years.In the second part, singer-songwriter and ukulele teacher Ian Brown gives me an introductory lesson in playing the uke – and I warn those who believe that listening to music should be enjoyable to avert their ears.In...
2025-03-2524 min
3tynespodcastPreview: Allen Valleys Folk Festival 2025Today. I’m talking to Craig Atkinson and Peter Aldcroft, two of the team that organises the Allen Valleys Folk Festival, about their plans for 2025.Once again, this festival will offer a diverse range of musical styles, both traditional and progressive, that fall under the broad banner of folk, with ticketed sessions complemented by a number of free events in Allendale, including workshops, spoken word, an open mic, dancing and – of course – the famous Allendale wolf.There will be a local sale of weekend passes in St Cuthbert’s Church in Allendale between 10am and midday o...
2025-03-1823 min
3tynespodcastFiona Lander Today’s guest is Fiona Lander – composer, singer, multi-instrumentalist, jazz fan and teacher. Based in the North Tyne valley, Fiona is one half of the duo Landermason, performing traditional and contemporary folk in jazz, blues, classical and other styles. She also works with choirs – notably, the Northumberland-based Dark Sky Voices – and composes music for schools to perform and for commissions. She is a freelance music teacher and, in the little time left for leisure, she co-organises the annual Bellingham All Acoustic Festival better known as BAAFest.In this episode, Fiona recounts how her early talent for music and perf...
2025-03-1146 min
3tynespodcastSecular music in churchesIt’s now quite common for churches, whether grand or small, to host secular music events. But, not so long ago, this would have been unthinkable. The idea that churches should confine their activities to respectful worship is strongly rooted in centuries of tradition. And it is only in the past 10 to 20 years that a warm welcome has been more widely extended to people visiting a church for an event that is primarily for entertainment.This is actually a return to the ways in which a church originally served its community. To find out why this happening, an...
2025-02-2544 min
3tynespodcastLaura Tindall: studying music at middle and high schoolToday’s guest is Laura Tindall, Head of Music at the Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham.When we recorded this episode in the autumn of 2024, Laura had been in post for about 6 weeks. We talked about how music is taught in schools and in particular about what is included in the GSCE and B Tech music courses, including how both modern and classical music are covered and the importance of performance. We also considered the very important issue of what resources are available to students to support their studies.I hope this episode will pr...
2025-02-1139 min
3tynespodcastCalum TordoffToday’s guest is Calum Tordoff, a singer songwriter from the Tyne Valley who’s very familiar to audiences in the North East. His distinctive music deals with a disparate range of topics that incudes love, relationships, friends falling out of taxis and mates going off to sea. Calum’s influences lie in 60s pop as much as in the alternative folk scene and this is evident in his melodic style and authentic delivery.In this episode, Calum talks about his musical development, his inspirations and his enthusiasm for performing, and he offers some useful tips for aspiri...
2025-01-2847 min
3tynespodcastJulie Bartley, Rolling AudioMy guest today is producer, sound engineer and composer Julie Bartley.Julie is one of the few women successfully working in the male-dominated recording industry in the North East. She advocates to strengthen the role of women in music generally and has formed a network to support women in their careers.In this episode, Julie describes how a lifelong fascination with sound technology led her to switch from a successful career in nursing to retrain as an engineer. She has recorded her own songs and sound compositions – which you can hear in this episode - an...
2025-01-1436 min
3tynespodcastChristmas 2024Happy Christmas everyone! And my best wishes for a peaceful New Year.In this episode I encourage you to use Bandcamp as a way to help musicians make a living from their work. The link to the site is https://bandcamp.com/ And I am pleased once again to be able to thank the people who have helped me upload nearly 40 episodes since the first one was published in May 2023. They are:Mike ColemanPaul Frear (aka Uncle PAF) Craig Atkinson (Allen Valleys Folk Festival)Ian K Brown
2024-12-2406 min
3tynespodcastHexham Male Voice Choir and Ray Taylor, Musical DirectorMy guest today is Ray Taylor, Musical Director of the Hexham Male Voice Choir.The Choir has been singing for well over 70 years, covering a large catalogue of secular and choral music that includes popular modern song and familiar classics. It performs live several times each year, often together with other music groups and choirs. The current membership numbers just over 20.Ray became Musical Director in 2024, having been a member for about two years. He has a long track record as a member of several prestigious choirs and his vision for the Hexham Male Voice...
2024-12-1033 min
3tynespodcastKate LynchIf you’ve been to a gig, play or creative event in your local community hall, chances are that it was made possible by Highlights North. In this episode, Kate Lynch, Director of Highlights Rural Touring Scheme, describes the challenges faced by venues and performers in putting on gigs in rural areas, and how Highlights works to overcome them.Highlights is a charity that supports events in rural venues by connecting local people with musicians, actors and artists and removing much of the financial risk that comes with booking a performer. It is also very active in su...
2024-11-2634 min
3tynespodcastGary Southwell: luthierToday’s guest is luthier Gary Southwell.Gary makes fine classical guitars in his workshop in Redesdale. His instruments have been commissioned by, among many other eminent musicians, Julian Bream, John Williams and Paul Simon.He has pioneered the use of Fenland Black Oak (also known as Bog Oak), a type of dark, almost black wood that has been buried for thousands of years and is found in only a few locations in the country. The secret of drying it out in pieces large enough to use in guitar-making is known to a select few....
2024-11-1251 min
3tynespodcastBonus episode - a session in the Turks Head, AlstonCome on down and enjoy the rowdy atmosphere of a session at the Turks Head pub in Alston!The Turks Head is a pub in Alston, Cumbria, in the upper South Tyne valley (https://www.facebook.com/Turksheadalston). Run by Tom and Lesley Mearns, it is a friendly, traditional pub that is popular with visitors and locals alike. Informal music sessions happen in the bar on Sunday afternoons on a semi-regular basis – check on the Facebook page for information.On the day 3tynespodcast visited, four musicians arrived to entertain the customers: Paul Frear (Facebook: https://ww...
2024-10-2930 min
3tynespodcastThe Celia Bryce Band at WarkWark is a small village in Northumberland, and one of only four places where vehicles can cross the North Tyne upstream of Hexham. Its Mechanics Institute and Town Hall is the venue for some remarkable gigs organised by folk singer and songwriter Ian K Brown (who is a guest in another episode of the podcast).Musicians are drawn from across the North of England and the Borders to perform an informal concert to an audience that ranks as one of the friendliest you could hope to meet. Ian puts in a tremendous amount of work as promoter...
2024-10-2228 min
3tynespodcastAllen Valleys Folk FestivalThe North’s premier small folk festival was another triumph this year. Sold out well in advance, the three-day event hosted an eclectic range of musicians, dancers and poets, with plenty of opportunities for people attending the festival to join in at sessions and workshops - some of which were open to the public, like the family ceilidh on Saturday afternoon and the customary burning of the wolf in the town square. Music continued well into the night with dancing in the Village Hall with Panther Panther (https://www.pantherpantherav.com/music) and Turfu (https://www.youtube.com/@TURFUINSPACE) fo...
2024-10-081h 24
3tynespodcastCeilidh time with the Hexham Village BandToday we’re at a ceilidh at the Community Centre in Hexham, dancing to tunes played by the Hexham Village Band under the watchful eye of caller Joey Oliver.The Village Band was established in 2011 by David Oliver. It’s a community band, open to anyone who wants to play, regardless of musical accomplishment. Rehearsals take place once a week in Hexham and the tunes are learned by ear, not played from transcriptions. Any person and any instrument are welcome.At today’s ceilidh, there are about 20 musicians in the band playing traditional tunes on a vari...
2024-10-0124 min
3tynespodcastOne day at BAAFestThis episode is all about a day at the Bellingham All Acoustic Festival – better known as BAAFest – in early September, 2024.The festival has been a prominent feature of the Northumberland music calendar since its inception in 2010. It would not happen but for the commitment and enthusiasm of its founders, Paul Mason and Fiona Landers (who perform as Landermason). In 2024, the festival was held over three days and included three music stages, workshops, exhibitors and catering, as well as on-site camping and easy access to the town.3tynespodcast was there on the second day to chat to t...
2024-09-2445 min
3tynespodcastKatie Doherty: genre-defying folk artistKatie Doherty is a singer and song writer who lives with her family on a sheep farm in the north Pennines. With her band The Navigators, Katie is a frequent and popular artist appearing at grass roots venues and festivals in the Three Tynes area and beyond. Her music is often described as folk for its focus on storytelling and the use of melodeon and fiddle accompaniment to her piano. But it crosses many genre boundaries and can also be characterised as thoughtful writing and melody that addresses a wide range of subjects. She also writes music for theatre...
2024-09-1054 min
3tynespodcastPhil Ogg: distinctive singer and songwriter, music promoter and polymathHi Welcome to the 3tynespodcast. Today’s guest is the multitalented Phil Ogg. Phil Ogg was born in Prudhoe and has been a familiar presence on the music scene in Northumberland for many years. He has worn many hats during his career, including singer, songwriter and guitarist as well as community music enthusiast, lately evident in the many gigs he organises in the 3tynes area through his non-profit promotion organisation Twango. His distinctive musical style evolved from a classical music education informed by an eclectic range of interests and his thoughtful approach to creativity. Martin Stephenson has des...
2024-09-0340 min
3tynespodcastYakka Doon: a unique folk voice from the North PenninesYakka Doon is the stage name for the folk persona of Claire Welford, a singer and songwriter who lives on the edge of the North Pennines. Her distinctive voice and rich lyricism create a style that is unique in folk circles and one that rewards close listening. Claire also plays bass in the slowcore band The Last Path, a style that appears to be a complete contrast to Yakka Doon but one that has some common roots in the folk tradition. In this episode, Claire talks about how she developed as a singer and songwriter and why she sings...
2024-08-2730 min
3tynespodcastAllen Valleys Folk Festival: from a good idea to a premier event in the folk calendarIn this episode, we look at how a major folk music festival emerged in the town of Allendale, in the East Allen Valley. Craig Atkinson and Peter Alcroft talk about the development of the Allen Valleys Folk Festival to become one of the premier small events on the folk circuit. They reflect on how their experiences over the years has enabled to the 2024 festival to field a roster of local and national artists supported by events in the town itself.The festival dates for 2024 are Friday 27th to Sunday 29th September. You can find more information at h...
2024-08-2027 min
3tynespodcastKim Bull: making and playing the Northumbrian pipes. Part One.Kim Bull is a player and maker of the Northumbrian pipes, a type of bagpipes unique to Northumberland that is small and characteristically sweeter-sounding than the familiar Highland pipes.For many years, Kim was renowned as a national-level coach in canoeing and kayaking but, having been a recreational piper since acquiring a set for his wedding, he switched career when the pandemic lockdown severely curtailed outdoor sports. He has now built a new reputation as someone who can repair and service other people’s pipes and make his own sets from the raw materials.In th...
2024-08-1348 min
3tynespodcastKim Bull: making and playing the Northumbrian pipes. Part Two.Kim Bull is a player and maker of the Northumbrian pipes, a type of bagpipes unique to Northumberland that is small and characteristically sweeter-sounding than the familiar Highland pipes.For many years, Kim was renowned as a national-level coach in canoeing and kayaking but, having been a recreational piper since acquiring a set for his wedding, he switched career when the pandemic lockdown severely curtailed outdoor sports. He has now built a new reputation as someone who can repair and service other people’s pipes and make his own sets from the raw materials.In th...
2024-08-1331 min
3tynespodcastKim Bull: making and playing the Northumbrian pipes. Part Three.Kim Bull is a player and maker of the Northumbrian pipes, a type of bagpipes unique to Northumberland that is small and characteristically sweeter-sounding than the familiar Highland pipes.For many years, Kim was renowned as a national-level coach in canoeing and kayaking but, having been a recreational piper since acquiring a set for his wedding, he switched career when the pandemic lockdown severely curtailed outdoor sports. He has now built a new reputation as someone who can repair and service other people’s pipes and make his own sets from the raw materials.In th...
2024-08-1324 min
3tynespodcastCelebrating Etheldreda - Under The Sun 2 music festival and a special performance of ArrivalToday, June 22nd, we’re joining Hexham Abbey and the people of Hexham to celebrate the memory of Etheldreda with the Under the Sun music festival and an evening performance of Arrival, a specially developed work of movement and song about the experience of migration and finding a new home.Etheldreda was an East Anglian Princess who was forcibly married to Ecgfrith, Prince of Northumbria. He became king in 670 but they divorced and, in 672, Etheldreda gave the lands we now know as Hexhamshire to Wilfred, Bishop of Northumbria, who founded the Abbey in 674.The Under th...
2024-08-0627 min
3tynespodcastAlston Live 2024Today we are at Alston Live – the first of the five larger music festivals that are held in the three Tynes area each year. The festival featured 17 bands playing an eclectic range of music on Friday the 19th and Saturday the 20th of July in the Potato Market, Town Foot, St Augustine's Church and the Town Hall.There is, of course, no substitute for being there – the clue to enjoying Alston Live at its best is in the name – but you can get a flavour of the festival from the videos posted on its Facebook page. D...
2024-07-3038 min
3tynespodcastVic Gammon: music historian and folk legend (Part One)Vic Gammon is a distinguished music historian, teacher and a composer and player in the traditional folk style – a man who, in a very full musical career, has played with folk aristocracy including Martin Carthy and Judy Collins. Vic has worked in music education for most of his life. He was a music teacher in Huddersfield before joining the University of Leeds to manage the BA in Popular and World Musics. In 2004, he became Senior Lecturer in Folk and Traditional Music at the International Centre for Music Studies at the University of Newcastle.Vic’s inter...
2024-07-2331 min
3tynespodcastVic Gammon: music historian and folk legend (Part Two)Vic Gammon is a distinguished music historian, teacher and a composer and player in the traditional folk style – a man who, in a very full musical career, has played with folk aristocracy including Martin Carthy and Judy Collins. Vic has worked in music education for most of his life. He was a music teacher in Huddersfield before joining the University of Leeds to manage the BA in Popular and World Musics. In 2004, he became Senior Lecturer in Folk and Traditional Music at the International Centre for Music Studies at the University of Newcastle.Vic’s inter...
2024-07-2327 min
3tynespodcastBAAFestYou can find more information about BAAFest, including details of the line up, venue and dates, at https://baafest.com/ and Facebook. As well as several stages of music, festival goers can enjoy on-site workshops and craft stalls, and real ale from Bellingham’s very own First and Last Brewery.The music from this episode is from Enough Now by Will Good and The Mattes.Follow 3tynespodcast on Facebook and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, vi...
2024-07-1611 min
3tynespodcastIan K Brown: folk singer, UkemeisterIan K Brown is one of the most familiar singer songwriters on the Northumberland folk circuit. His style of carefully crafted folk songs, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, has won many fans at festivals and clubs throughout the country. He is instrumental in organising local festivals and has worked with the eminent folk singer Maddy Prior and bassist Rick Kemp. He organises gigs at Wark every two months, featuring a touring band and a support set from himself with the accompaniment of singer Louise Ainsley. Ian is also renowned as a ukelele teacher, giving regular classes and workshops at...
2024-07-0935 min
3tynespodcastMarshall Nattrass: the romance of AmericanaMarshall Nattrass is a singer-songwriter from Hexham. In his long career he’s played in bands but he has been a solo singer for many years and is now a well-established performer in the festivals, pubs and bars of Northumberland and Tyneside. Marshall’s music draws on the romance and lived experience of Americana to tell tales of heartbreak, redemption, love and hope. He now plays mostly original songs, as you can hear on his 2024 album Vatican City Serenades.You can find Marshall’s music on the usual streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, and on Ban...
2024-07-0234 min
3tynespodcastDavid Oliver: traditional music in the community (Part 1)David Oliver is an eminent musician in Hexham. He is a champion of community-based music, having established the Hexham Village Ceilidh Band (https://www.facebook.com/groups/hexhamvillageband) and the Hedgehog Skin’s Ceilidh Band (http://hedgehogsskin.co.uk/).David’s enthusiasm for traditional music began in earnest when, on his first night at university in Leeds, he and fellow novices were welcomed to their college with a lively rapper sword dance. Working as a secondary school teacher, he went on to play and promote traditional dance music In 1993 he was appointed Education Director of Folkworks, based in G...
2024-06-2534 min
3tynespodcastDavid Oliver: traditional music in the community (Part 2)David Oliver is an eminent musician in Hexham. He is a champion of community-based music, having established the Hexham Village Ceilidh Band (https://www.facebook.com/groups/hexhamvillageband) and the Hedgehog Skin’s Ceilidh Band (http://hedgehogsskin.co.uk/).David’s enthusiasm for traditional music began in earnest when, on his first night at university in Leeds, he and fellow novices were welcomed to their college with a lively rapper sword dance. Working as a secondary school teacher, he went on to play and promote traditional dance music In 1993 he was appointed Education Director of Folkworks, based in G...
2024-06-2535 min
3tynespodcastAllen Valleys Folk Festival previewAllen Valleys Folk Festival takes place on September 27th - 29th. More info at https://www.allenvalleysfolkfestival.co.uk/Follow 3tynespodcast on Facebook and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 3tynespodcast.substack.com
2024-06-1912 min
3tynespodcastAllen Valleys Folk FestivalAllen Valleys Folk Festival takes place on September 27th - 29th. More info at https://www.allenvalleysfolkfestival.co.uk/Follow 3tynespodcast on Facebook and Instagram.
2024-06-1812 min
3tynespodcastDean Parker: songwriter, guitarist, producer (Part 2)Dean Parker is a songwriter, guitarist and music producer based in Newcastle, and Studio Manager and Music Advisor at Hexham’s Core Music.Dean’s music is carefully crafted, characterised by inventive melodic turns and meaningful lyrics. With his band, he self-organised a trip to play in the musical shrines of Austin, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee and is now gigging in the North East and across the UK. In this episode, Dean talks about his approach to songwriting, his career as a session musician in London’s intensely competitive scene, and his return to the North E...
2024-06-1131 min
3tynespodcastDean Parker: songwriter, guitarist, producer (Part 1)Dean Parker is a songwriter, guitarist and music producer based in Newcastle, and is Studio Manager and Music Advisor at Hexham’s Core Music.Dean’s music is carefully crafted, characterised by inventive melodic turns and meaningful lyrics. With his band, he self-organised a trip to play in the musical shrines of Austin, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee and is now gigging in the North East and across the UK. In this episode, Dean talks about his approach to songwriting, his career as a session musician in London’s intensely competitive scene, and his return to the Nor...
2024-06-1127 min
3tynespodcastAlston Live FestivalAlston Live Festival will take place on July 19th and 20th. More info at https://alstonlive.com/Follow 3tynespodcast on Facebook and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 3tynespodcast.substack.com
2024-06-0409 min
3tynespodcastPaul Frear: politics and songPaul Frear is a singer-songwriter from Alston, Cumbria, in the upper South Tyne valley. His political stance and direct, guitar-based delivery have prompted comparisons with Billy Bragg, an influence Paul readily acknowledges along with another political and musical inspiration, The Clash. Paul is instrumental in organising the annual Alston Live Festival (https://www.facebook.com/AlstonLiveFestival).Paul is active in the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign (https://otjc.org.uk/) and in 2024 he toured venues in County Durham and Yorkshire as part of the 40th anniversary commemorations of the 1984 miners’ strike and the confrontation between miners and po...
2024-05-2844 min
3tynespodcastHexham Bluegrass FestivalThe 2024 Hexham Bluegrass Festival will take place on July 26th - 28th. More info at https://www.bluegrassinhexham.uk/2024-festival.Follow 3tynespodcast on Facebook and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 3tynespodcast.substack.com
2024-05-2114 min
3tynespodcastHexham Morris welcome summerHexham Morris welcome summer with traditional song and dance at dawn, May 1st 2024.Morris dancing is an English tradition that dates back at least five centuries. Its origins are uncertain but it has long been a presence at holidays and celebrations. Morris was danced in Northumberland until the 19th century but fell into decline. It was revived in the late 1970s and has since gone from strength to strength. Hexham Morris now comprises two teams – one men’s, one women’s – each with their own repertoire, though they usually dance together locally, nationally and abroad. The Hexham men’s team dan...
2024-05-1423 min
3tynespodcastPodcast launches May14thThe 3tynespodcast launches on May 14th with an episode about Hexham Morris dancers welcoming the summer with traditional song and dance. It’s said that if they don’t perform this tribute on May 1st, then summer will not arrive. Those of us who live in Northumberland have good reason to think they might have missed a few years here and there – but not this year, and the podcast was there at 5.30 am. with the lads and lasses of Hexham Morris on Hadrian’s Wall, to welcome the sunrise There are some great episodes lined up for th...
2024-05-0702 min
3tynespodcastTrailer - The Ballad Of The Three TynesAn epic tale of the birth of the North Tyne, the South Tyne and the Tyne, without which we would not be here.Follow 3tynespodcast on Facebook and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 3tynespodcast.substack.com
2024-05-0303 min3tynespodcastTest episodethis will be removed within a couple of daysFollow 3tynespodcast on Facebook and Instagram.
2024-03-2129 min
3tynespodcast3tynespodcast - anything music in West Northumberland and the Alston area (trailer)A fortnightly podcast in which we talk to anyone and everyone involved in grassroots music and music culture in the areas in and around the valleys of the North Tyne, South Tyne and the Tyne in west Northumberland and the corner of Cumbria that is Alston.Follow 3tynespodcast on Facebook and Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 3tynespodcast.substack.com
2024-03-1402 min