Describing herself simply as a “modern English musician”, Eliza Carthy is one of the most recognisable faces of the English folk revival and one of the most impressive and engaging performers of her generation. Born into a renowned musical family—daughter of Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson—she has carved out a singular path over three decades, continuously expanding the boundaries of traditional music.

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In her illustrious career  she has earned an MBE, two Mercury Prize nominations and a plethora of other accolades. She has toured all over the world; danced with Hugh Masekele in Ghana; crossed the Prairies, the Alps, and the waters of Lake Titicaca, all for the sake of playing the fiddle and spreading the word of English traditional music.  Upon the occasion of her fiftieth birthday, has decided to step out in the way only she can...

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She played the very first GTSF in 2007 and a couple of times since, notably with the Wayward Band in 2013 which remains one of the most exilerating performances we've ever had. This time she's back with her touring band, The Restitution. The music will comprise a set made up of songs from 'Queen of The Whirl', her award-winning 30th Anniversary album, and entirely new material from her new project Frenemies, which will be released next year. Frenemies represents the next stage in Eliza's original songwriting and will feature the musicians from outside the folk scene that Eliza has been lucky enough to work with over her many years of collaboration and excellence.

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The Restitution is a dynamic force of contemporary folk musicians, featuring Dave Delarre (guitars), Ben Seal (bass), Phil Alexander (piano), and Willy Molleson (drums), and together, they create an exciting and captivating musical experience.

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On stage, Eliza’s energy, electric fiddle, and fearless genre-mixing shine amid her band’s tight, dynamic sound. She’s equally at home swinging through music-hall numbers as she is delivering heartfelt ballads or calypso-infused tributes to her mother’s love of The Mighty Sparrow.

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‘The Restitution blew everyone away with an uncompromising and powerful set as fiery as Eliza’s flame red dress’

Songlines | Cambridge Folk Festival

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"The awe-inspiring wonder and all-round life force that is Eliza Carthy"

For Folk's Sake

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‘flamboyant, impassioned’

MOJO 4****

 

‘visionary... a career milestone’

RnR Magazine 5*****

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