| KATHRYN ROBERTS | |
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It's long overdue that Kathryn returns to her roots as a folk singer of the highest calibre. Not since her renowned award winning partnership with Kate Rusby has Kathryn focused on the folk clubs that nurtured her musical career. As the lead singer for the well-known Folk-Rock Crossover band 'Equation', Kathryn has toured the world with the group and continues to play to packed houses from Los Angeles to Lisbon. Although commitments with the band mean that opportunities for folk club appearances are limited, playing the clubs is something close to her heart. Kathryn Roberts hails from Barnsley in South Yorkshire. From a well-known musical family, she has simply always sung. She grabbed national attention in partnership when, with her long time friend Kate Rusby, the duo's only album was voted 'Folk Roots' album of the Year in 1995. The previous year Kathryn was awarded the prestigious BBC Radio 2 'Young Tradition Award'. These accolades brought opportunities for her to take her talents as far as Malaysia, Poland, Shetland and countless other crazy places. The creation of the band 'Equation' (initially the combination of Kathryn, Kate and the three acclaimed Lakeman Brothers), in late '95 brought a window of opportunity that has grown ever wider for Kathryn. Although early line-up changes brought confusion and apparent controversy, the band has since recorded three highly praised albums and has staunchly built a strong, loyal fan base. Equation currently spend most of it's time in the United States where they have been embraced with celebrated enthusiasm. |
| SEAN LAKEMAN | |
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Sean Lakeman, from the edge of Dartmoor in Devon has played guitar since the age of six. He was recognised from an early age as one of the most talented and promising young guitar players one the folk scene. Sean partnered Tom McConville during his self-confessed three 'lost' years at Music College. He was also asked to be a member of the BBC Folk on Two 'Young Tradition Band', alongside previous winners of it's award, Luke Daniels, Simon Thoumire and Catriona MacDonald. The group was assembled to showcase the best young traditional musicians in the UK. The Early 90's witnessed the emergence of the precocious 'Lakeman Brothers', with Seth (violin) and Sam (piano). This trio wrote and produced their applauded album 'Three Piece Suite' (1995), upon which Kathryn was guest singer on two tracks. It was the success of this session that produced the idea of what was to become 'Equation'. Sean shares Kathryn's affection of folk clubs as his early career was also launched upon the folk club circuit, both as an accompanist to Geordie fiddle favourite Tom McConville and with his two siblings as 'The Lakeman Brothers'. |
