"I loved listening to mam and dad’s records when I was very young (Beatles, Everly Brothers etc) – the vocal harmonies were always fascinating to me. I started playing ukulele then guitar aged 12/13 – a teenage highlight was winning a Butlin’s talent competition at 17 whilst struggling through my ‘A’ Levels!

When I was 20 I joined a band playing bass guitar and singing backing vocals and after that played regularly in working men’s clubs across the north east and Cumbria. I’ve had ‘day jobs’ in manufacturing and then teaching, all the while listening to popular music and prog rock such as Yes, Genesis and Jethro Tull.

My music has also developed through a long-time association with prolific local songwriter John Wrightson and his musical partner Joan Edmundson and their close links with folk circuits in the north east. In particular I’ve benefitted from John’s strong focus on performance arrangements of his own very good songs!

Over the years I have worked with many skilful musicians but none so astute, exacting and fun as Bert Louissen, with whom I share many musical ‘obsessions’.  We’re absolutely on the same musical wavelength!"

Kenny.

"From a very early age I was interested in a wide range of music styles: jazz, classical, and especially pop music (Beatles, ELO, Crosby Stills and Nash, Genesis, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder). As a child I learnt how to play piano and guitar but only started to sing solo in my late 20s - a highlight was entering a talent show impersonating Stevie Wonder!

I took a degree in teaching classical music but afterwards I focussed on various bands where I played piano, guitar, bass and vocals and was involved in various radio, TV and theatre shows. My main professional career in the Netherlands was as a solo performer at wedding receptions and social functions. My only 'day job' was a year working on the assembly line at the Phillips factory!

After moving to the UK in 2020 I’ve been welcomed into the brilliant folk and acoustic scene in the north east and through this have met Kenny Jobson. We have a shared enthusiasm for the same types of music and Kenny’s abilities mean we can build song arrangements in a fast and fun way, but always with more to explore."

Bert.