Steve Tilston at Bristol Folk House
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A gig held at Bristol Folk House on Saturday 9th December. The event starts at 19:00.


Steve Tilston returns to Bristol, the city that for many reasons has played a major part in his life and is his creative second home.

It was in Bristol that Steve recorded his first album An Acoustic Confusion on the fledgling Village Thing label; he wrote some of his best-loved songs whilst living in the city and it is 15th century Bristol that provides much of the backdrop for his novel All for Poor Jack.

Steve is one of our most celebrated songsmiths, widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music; the words, arrangements and quite superb guitar playing could be no one else. With a style drawing from folk, blues, jazz and classical, he’s honed a sound that is recognisably Tilston.

He’s the writer of the classic The Slipjigs and Reels, The Naked Highwayman and Here’s to Tom Paine and his songs have been covered by a who’s who of the folk scene. As well as a hugely successful solo career, he’s toured with John Renbourn’s Ship of Fools, traditional singer Maggie Boyle, in WAZ!, with Maartin Allcock and Pete Zorn, the Ballet Rambert, with daughter Martha and most recently as Tilston & Lowe with Jez Lowe. And has produced an enviable catalogue of eclectic work.

Accolades include, BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Best Original Song for The Reckoning; the subject of which is still sadly relevant today. Fatea Male Vocalist of the Year 2015. Numerous radio and TV appearances, notably Later with Jools Holland, BBC Four’s Songwriters’ Circle. He also gained further notoriety when the story of a long-lost letter from John Lennon hit the headlines internationally; inspiring the Hollywood movie Danny Collins starring Al Pacino.

On top form as he celebrates 50+ years on the road and his most recent release Such Times. Together with Bristol music scene stalwart and old mate, harmonica maestro Keith Warmington and regular accompanist, Yorkshire pal Hugh Bradley on double bass, he’ll share a selection of his best-loved songs and maybe a few new ones too.

“…songs of great heart, delivered with authority and instrumental panache.” The Scotsman

“The more you listen, the more there is to discover.” Bob Harris

“A great narrator on top form.” The Observer

“Classy, thoughtful, folk… I suspect Lennon would have approved.” The Guardian

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