Billy Mitchell and Bob Fox
Probably the most entertaining night out that you never knew you should experience, this unique combination continues to entertain people of all shapes and sizes with their wonderful selection of northern songs that can span Jimmy Nail's 'Big River' to Lindisfarne's 'Meet Me On The Corner' - and delivered with consummate musicianship.
BILLY MITCHELL has done it all as a performer and songwriter. He spent eight years as front man of the legendary Lindisfarne till their retirement in 2003. Billy Mitchell's influence on the latter-day line-up of the band helped them stay as respected and successful as it had been prior to his recruitment.
In the seventies he founded the seminal Jack the Lad, who were both musically deft & wondrous and also, clearly (some say),un-hinged. Their final album, 'Jackpot' has just recently had its debut on CD. Billy recently also released his first solo album, 'The Devil's Ground', and in one enthusiastic review of the album, was noted as - ...one of the finest singers on the planet.(Pete Fyffe)
He also recently performed on stage with Roger Daltrey of The Who, Paul Weller, Jools Holland and Brian Johnson of AC/DC at The Sage, Gateshead - a matter of weeks before his own sell-out show there with The Billy Mitchell Band.
One of Britain's most respected internationally-acclaimed musicians, Ralph McTell recently said of BOB FOX: As soon as I heard Bob Fox sing I realised that he must have one of the best voices in England. I have always regarded him as an artiste of great integrity and ability.
Bob has twice been nominated as Folk Singer of the Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and was invited to sing and play at Celtic Connections as part of a performance of the New Radio Ballads.
Special Guest on tour recently with the legendary Fairport Convention, the band also guested on album with Bob. Bob's masterful interpretation of traditional and contemporary songs is one of his greatest strengths and during his time performing with Stu Luckley, they won the Melody Maker 'Folk Album of the Year' Award.
Meanwhile, this unique combination have a souvenir of their performances now available on cd, proudly titled 5 Star B&B - a title that cannily reflects both the quality and wry humour of their musical collaboration and 'live' performance.'
I've just witnessed my favourite gig this year was one delighted reviewers response.