Andy Clarke

Andy’s roots go back to the 1960s where, as a child in his native Devon, he visited many folk song clubs with his father, himself a musician and singer in the area at that time. There Andy discovered a passion for traditional song. He cut his teeth as a performer in his late teens on the overseas forces folk club circuit, and upon his return to the UK he became involved in folk bands in and around Torbay, where he got involved with the running of a local folk club. (Andy now helps to run the Totnes Folk Club.)

In recent years Andy has gained much experience as a solo artist, performing in clubs & festivals all around the country. His programme often includes a selection from the manuscripts of Baring-Gould the 19th century West Country folksong collector. In addition to solo work, Andy collaborates with Jackie Oates & Steve Turner (The Eelgrinders) as the trio Wistmans Wood, and he provides the driving rhythm in the Mooncoin Ceilidh Band. He is a useful caller for ceilidh dances. From time to time he is called upon to MC at local folk festivals, and he also works with hurdy gurdy and cittern maestro Steve Tyler.

Andy is available to give workshops on topics such as accompanying Celtic music, playing the bouzouki, and English guitar style in dropped D tuning.