Nancy Kerr & James Fagan

Nancy Kerr and James Fagan are, quite simply, giants of the folk scene. Nancy has few equals as a singer, songwriter and fiddle player, while James is an astoundingly talented and in-demand bouzouki player, guitarist and singer. Twice winners of the BBC Folk Award for Best Duo, their performances together are astonishing for their energy and virtuosity. Both Nancy and James grew up steeped in the folk music tradition. Nancy, daughter of folk singer and songwriter Sandra Kerr, began her career in a duo with Eliza Carthy, releasing two well-received albums. James cut his teeth performing in his native Australia with his mother, father and sister as The Fagans. The pair began working together in the mid-1990s and, since 1997?s Starry Gazy Pie, they have released a string of albums that combine reworkings of traditional songs, folk standards and Nancy?s enticing original compositions. Their 2019 release, An Evening With Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, showcases their seemingly telepathic on-stage musical connection. Nancy has also released two albums under her own name, 2014?s Sweet Visitor and 2016?s Instar, which feature James on bouzouki, guitar and vocals. As well as performing as a duo, Nancy and James have played with the cream of the folk world, including Martin Simpson, Cara Dillon, Maddie Prior, Bellowhead, Seth Lakeman, Leon Rosselson and many others. They comprise half of Melrose Quartet, with Jess and Richard Arrowsmith, and Nancy is a member of folk-rock supergroup the Magpie Arc. James presents a weekly folk music show on the Sheffield Live! community radio station.