Press

Tom Kitching and Gren Bartley are one of the brightest young acts on the folk scene today. Playing music from a remarkably broad range of sources, their new album ‘Boundary’ crosses genres with a healthy disdain for arbitrary pigeon-holing of styles and traditions. Some songs just need to be sung.

'The instruments spark, with the combination of the bright fiddle and the acclaimed finger picking style of Bartley giving a lovely flow to the tunes' - Maverick Magazine

Having met at Loughborough University, through presenting a folk show on the campus radio, the duo grew out of a wish to perform the music they loved. Over time, Gren developed a distinctive passionate song writing style that manages to push boundaries, whilst staying respectful to the traditions.

'Bartley proves to be an accomplished songwriter, with a restful voice that lulls its way into the mind and heart.' -Allmusic.com

Tom’s fiddle style has grown with the material, switching between a delicate, subtle accompaniment to a fiery torrent of sound.

'Tom must be one of the best young fiddlers in England, with a fluid style equally at ease with the English, American and Irish traditions' - Living Tradition

The range of material is the key to a performance from Tom and Gren. Equally at home with original songs, or old English dance tunes, it’s more than just something for everyone. Rather, they’ve developed a voice that suits the material and gives it a fresh edge. Combine this with the rapport they’ve developed, both with the music and for each other, and you’ve got a lively, engaging duo who are capable of performing to any audience.

"Their own compositions really do sparkle with commitment and creativity in their bright eyed and idiomatic playing" Froots

"(I was) ...knocked out by the intricate pretty arrangements and songs from Tom Kitching and Gren Bartley delivered in deep rich tones (they will no doubt soon own quite a few well-won ornaments on their mantlepiece)" - North Devon Journal

'The arrangements are dense and interesting featuring Bartley’s intricate picking and finger style guitar as the main accompaniment to his singing and Kitching’s fine instrumental playing.' Penguin Eggs, Canada

'A fresh faced marriage or British Folk and barnstorming bluegrass, Rushes is an impressive first splash by a duo who look destined for great things' - Properganda

'You've a duo certain to create a stir with their refusal to be easily pigeonholed' - Rock and Reel Magazine

'There'll be many giving (Rushes) the big thumbs up! And I, for one, will be with them. Great stuff.' Steve Henderson - Folk Northwest