Conway Hall opens its Folk Unplugged Spring Season with dynamic duo Brookes Williams & Aaron Catlow, support by singer-songwriter Hannah Scott.

Brooks Williams & Aaron Catlow create joyous and virtuosic music that not only tugs at the heart-strings but also gets you up on your feet. AmericanaUK writes, “how such a complete and sensational sound can come from just two voices and instruments is awe-inspiring.”

With three albums under their belt, Ghost Owl in 2021 (nominated “Instrumental Album Of The Year” by Fatea) and Ready For The Times in 2022 (“a cracker,” says Living Tradition), and Greens And Blues in 2024, Brooks Williams and Aaron Catlow are moving deeper into their sound. There is literally no one else on the scene playing this kind of music. You see fiddle and guitar and you think you know what to expect, but Williams and Catlow deliver something completely different.

Aaron Catlow is half of the Bristol-based duo Hawes And Catlow, with guitarist-singer Kit Hawes. He is also the fiddler in UK festival favourite Sheelanagig. Catlow’s other credits including playing with Grammy Award-nominated Yola, Mad Dog Mcrea and Afro Celt Sound System.

Cambridge UK-based, Georgia US-born, Brooks Williams has a long-standing solo career in both North America and the UK and is also known for his collaborations with the likes of Dan Walsh, Sloan Wainwright, Hans Theessink, Boo Hewerdine, Guy Davis and Rab Noakes, among others. He is named one of WUMB-FM Boston’s Top 100 All-Time Artists. Fatea refers to him as “one of those select few ‘how on earth does he do it?!’ artists.”

“One of the best nights ever. Great songs, great fun and wonderful musicianship. Do not hesitate. Go and see Brooks and Aaron while you can. You will have the best time.” – Grateful Fred’s, The Atkinson, Southport

The best stories elicit profound personal reactions and in the 15 years she has been writing and performing, contemporary folk artist Hannah Scott has become a consummate storyteller. Her music is shaped by human stories, with family, in all its chaos and glory, sitting at the heart of her work. Her lyrics are powerful and poignant, and her voice feels strangely familiar, though you can’t quite put your finger on why. Her writing may be deeply personal but her music has a universal appeal that extends beyond the melodies you catch yourself humming days after listening to her songs.

Hannah is currently working on her third studio album due for release in the autumn of 2024 and the first she will self-produce alongside acclaimed engineer/producer Adrian Hall (Tori Amos, Anna Calvi). These songs are inspired by the greatest of human emotions – love, parenthood, grief – and an unwavering yearning for life, even during its darkest moments.

“She reduces women and children to tears – in a good way.” – Paul Lester, The Guardian