Nick Hennessy

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Nick Hennessey

A singer, songwriter and storyteller Nick is a dynamic and passionate performer with skills that draw an audience in. With a love for the traditional culture of the British Isles his craft draws together the note, the song and the spoken word into a unique and engaging style.

As both a singer and storyteller, his interest is to bring out the song in the story and the story in the song, something that has taken him to West Russia in researching the epic songs of the Finno-Ugric people, and to Finland where he won the 2000 World Championships in ‘runo-laulu’ (epic-singing). He has recorded a story from Kalevala for BBC Radio 4, broadcast in November 2007.

In 2007, commissioned by the Plymouth Theatre Royal he wrote “The Crossroads” a short play based on the ballad Tam Lin for the celebrated Playhouse Festival, which was subsequently performed at Plymouth, York Theatre Royal and Polka Children’s Theatre in London.

He has performed in venues as diverse as village halls, the South Bank and the Albert Hall and extensively at folk clubs and festivals, storytelling festivals and literature festivals throughout the UK. International visits have included Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Canada and two national tours of Japan with a forthcoming return tour to Finland planned for 2008.

He has three solo CDs available of harp, songs and ballads “Of Fire, Wind and Silver Stream” and “Pebble and Bone” and, released on Harbourtown records “A Rare Hunger” which has received critical acclaim both here and in the U.S.A and enjoyed airplay on the eclectic Late Junction on Radio 3.

Reviews

“A fine voice, pure and unforced. His fluid style and engaging presence is a winning combination…a compelling demonstration of storytelling’s many faces.” (The Times)

“A true artist.” (Living Tradition Magazine)

“ A masterful song interpreter “(Dirty Linen)

“His live performances are magnetic and involving. Nick’s vocal style is both engaging and fluidly expressive…with the decidedly contemporary combination of delicacy and strength that I associate with the likes of June Tabor.” (Traditional Music Maker)

“..a ballad singer, harpist and storyteller of considerable ability.” (Dirty Linen)

“…a voice of power and simplicity..” (New Folk Sounds)

“…a haunting voice holding you spellbound. Folk song at its best.” (Folk North West)

“A bard-like performer who makes you listen.” (Folk roots)

“..a confident performer of strong material…Very interesting! ..See him in action.” (Taplas)