Eliza Carthy Band @ Cambridge Folk Festival 1998

About This Footage

The 1998 Cambridge Folk Festival footage of Eliza Carthy Band is a rare gem, offering a glimpse into the formative years of one of British folk's most innovative and influential acts. At this point, Eliza Carthy was just 22 years old, already established as a fiddle-singing pioneer in her own right. Her father, Martin Carthy, and mother, Norma Waterson, were both renowned folk musicians, but Eliza's unique voice and playing style had begun to make waves in the scene.

The footage itself is a testament to the band's energy and chemistry on stage. With Ben Ivitsky's debut performance on bass, Saul Rose's melodeon, Lucy Coe/Adams' backing vocals, Donald "Drummy" Hay's drums, and Eliza Carthy at the helm with her fiddle and voice, they create a dynamic that is both traditional and forward-thinking. The setlist features two tracks: "Tune" and "Adieu Adieu", showcasing the band's ability to blend folk's rich heritage with modern sensibilities.

What makes this footage particularly significant is its timing. 1998 was a pivotal year for Eliza Carthy Band, marking the beginning of a ten-year partnership that would yield some of their most critically acclaimed work. The album "Angels and Cigarettes" (2000) would go on to receive widespread praise, and subsequent releases like "Anglicana" (2005) and "Dreams of Breathing Underwater" (2011) solidified their reputation as one of the leading lights in British folk.

The Cambridge Folk Festival itself was a hub for innovation and experimentation in the late 1990s. The festival's eclectic lineups and willingness to showcase new talent created an environment where artists like Eliza Carthy Band could flourish. This footage serves as a reminder of the festival's importance in nurturing emerging talent and pushing the boundaries of traditional music.

Watching this clip, viewers will gain insight into the early days of one of British folk's most beloved acts. They'll witness the raw energy and camaraderie that defined Eliza Carthy Band's live performances. The footage is a time capsule of a pivotal moment in their development, capturing the essence of their unique sound and style.

Eliza Carthy's voice, in particular, stands out as both distinctive and expressive. Her fiddle playing is equally impressive, weaving together traditional and modern influences with ease. The supporting cast – Saul Rose's melodeon work, Lucy Coe/Adams' backing vocals, Ben Ivitsky's bass, and Donald "Drummy" Hay's drums – all contribute to a rich tapestry of sound.

The Cambridge Folk Festival footage is not only a testament to Eliza Carthy Band's artistic merit but also a reminder of the importance of independent musicians in shaping their own careers. In an era where streaming platforms dominate the music landscape, it's heartening to see artists like Eliza Carthy continuing to thrive outside mainstream channels.

As we watch this 1998 footage, we're reminded that even the most influential acts begin with humble beginnings. This clip is a snapshot of a pivotal moment in Eliza Carthy Band's journey, one that would ultimately lead them to become one of British folk's most respected and beloved acts.

Curated from public records and music databases.

About Eliza Carthy

Eliza Amy Forbes Carthy, MBE is an English folk musician known for both singing and playing the fiddle. She is the daughter of English folk musicians Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson. Carthy is recognized as a fiddle-singing pioneer.