A genre-defying Folk troubadour, Chris made rapid progress through the UK folk and roots scene with his song writing, with a variety of styles across the roots lexicon of traditional & contemporary folk, Americana, Country and Blues. Chris is no stranger to Baldock Folk Club, having played here many times and our audience is always enthralled by his rich vocals, complex guitar playing, and loop pedal alchemy. His naturally laid back, unostentatious style creates the perfect ambience for an intimate and inclusive live experience drawing listeners in with tales of both the everyday and the unexpected.
Born and raised in Cambridgeshire, Chris cut his teeth playing for pints in local drinking establishments along the river Great Ouse in 2014. Fast forward to an award-winning singer songwriter, Chris has performed at Folk Festivals, Clubs and Theatres in the UK as a Headliner, in Double Bills and as support for major acts on the UK Folk Scene. Runner up in the Bury St Edmunds song competition he went on to win the Sheringham Showcase to open for Fairport Convention at Folk on The Pier 2018 and the Lichfield Folk Festival song writing competition 2019. Chris has played Cambridge Folk festival 3 times including a packed out set in The Den.
Now playing headline gigs, Chris supports some of the greats including Peter Knights Gigspanner Trio, Peter Knight & John Spiers, Jim Moray, Trials of Cato, Boo Hewerdine, Lucy Ward, Grannies Attic, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Edwina Hayes and Ange Hardy. Chris released his first studio album ‘From the Shadows’ and the single ‘Bird of Paradise’ in 2019. Both were well received. In September of 2022 Chris released his second studio album ‘In Plain Sight’ to critical acclaim.
We are delighted to welcome back to the club Karen Macwhinnie, who wowed the audience with her incredible voice when she and the band played here last year. Originally from Scotland, but long-based in Cambridgeshire, Karen has spent years singing Americana Country, jazz, folk and blues, and has a love of songs with a heartfelt narrative which she delivers in a powerful and sensitive vocal style. As luck would have it, Karen’s favourite songs are shared with Matt Kelly and Gary Woolley who have played together as duo Kelly and Woolley for twelve years. Singer songwriter Gary Woolley draws inspiration from the English folk tradition and the wealth of North American singer songwriters. Matt Kelly is a multi-instrumentalist and song writer who plays in several orchestras and bands, including Thursday’s Band.
Together the trio deliver fine renditions of well-known songs with beautiful arrangements and fine harmonies.