Peter Knight's Gigspanner

The exquisite explorations of the liminal space that exists between traditional and classical music is what makes the music of Peter Knight and John Spiers so compelling and beguiling, ultimately rendering genres irrelevant. The duo has developed into one of the most thrilling exponents of traditional tunes and songs, repurposing the material as jumping-off points into the most enchanting exploration. It’s largely through touring as a duo that they’ve been able to develop what has become an extraordinary partnership, giving them the confidence to record their latest studio album, Both in a Tune. Released in 2022, it was chosen as one of the ‘10 Best New Albums from Around the World’ by the influential music journal, SONGLINES. While Peter Knight, as part of Steeleye Span’s classic 1970s line-up, helped invent a brand of folk rock that is still influential today, John Spiers as co-founder of the almighty Bellowhead has had an equally profound impact on the landscape of traditional music over the last two decades. The pairing of violin and melodeon is not a new one, but in the hands of Knight and Spiers, improvisation and invention meet the listener at every turn. Together they have created a musical document that resonates with history, but also something that should inspire future generations of musicians to engage with Britain’s folk dancing heritage, and the beautiful, mysterious tunes that can be found within that heritage. These uniquely gifted musicians make a sublime pairing, and create a live performance to be remembered for a long time.