Richard writes big bold songs and is unique among English folk artists with a distinctive style deeply rooted in northern traditions. A gifted songwriter, he also delivers fresh interpretations of carefully selected traditional material.

It’s clear that Richard has a love for the tradition. His songs enthrall, and some have even been described as ‘spine tingling’. On his guitar playing he argues that he is purely accompanying the song, but he is clearly a master of many styles and tunings, giving him a unique sound. He composes earworm melodies with a narrative firmly rooted in the British tradition.

In his work with the highly versatile and gifted instrumentalist Chris Parkinson, Richard’s great lyrical power and inspired guitar playing are matched perfectly by Chris’s magical and sometimes exquisite accompaniments. Richard’s repertoire of original, traditional, maritime, industrial and humorous songs, and uplifting romantic ballads, couple with an infectious enthusiasm for his subject, makes him a stand-out singer in the folk genre and song-writing genius. He has featured on Radio and TV, recorded 14 albums and worked with a diverse range of musicians and artists including Sir David Attenborough on his project ‘Eye of the Wind’.