whalebone

Whalebone is an acoustic guitar duo comprising Char Watson & Steve Downs. For 14 years they have been writing & composing instrumental music for steel string guitars, with nylon string, tenor, baritone, bouzouki & mandolin also featuring on occasion. 2019 / 2020 will see the duo writing and recording their next release ‘Totally Plucked’ and touring.

“Accomplished musicians with great chemistry and sensitivity to each other. Poignantly beautiful.” Taylor Guitars' Wood and Steel magazine.

Their music has it's roots in the Celtic Folk music of the British Isles, interwoven with strands of rock, Americana & Eastern European tradition, focusing on strong melodies and harmony, with the delicate interplay between two guitars at the heart of their sound. Alongside original compositions, Char & Steve have also arranged & recorded many classic rock tunes as instrumentals using the two acoustic guitar format – see the Classic Rock Acoustic Instrumental Covers Playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.

“It's no mean feat for an all-instrumental album to hold even the most sympathetic ear for the best part of an hour, but Steve Downs & Char Watson succeed with tunes & ideas to spare” – the UK's Acoustic Magazine

The early part of 2019 saw collaborations with poets Jean Atkin on the Arts Council funded project ‘Understories’ and Kate Innes with ‘Flocks of Words’. 2018 saw the group shortlisted for Musical Performance of the Year at the National Rural Touring Awards, & past accolades include runner up FATEA Instrumental album of the year, CKUA Top 10 album of the year and Penguin Eggs critics choice for top 10 albums of 2013 & 2016.

“Expressively beautiful..." Folkwords.