Press Quotes - Simple Folk Album

"There Is No Denying The Warmth and General Musical Spirit That Shines Through Or The Ease and Assurance Of The Propulsive Percussive Acoustic Guitar Work So Confidently To The Fore Throughout" - Acoustic Magazine

"Good Songs And Performances..... I Can't Fault Chris' Guitar Style" - Maverick Magazine

"Ricketts and Willshire are a talented young duo who are preserving traditional shanties and folk songs that are slowly slipping away with time, by breathing new life into them with their own distinctive style. Their album Simple Folk contains everything that you would expect from a traditional folk album, plus a little more. From the opening chords of Briery Bush, through to the close of Wild Goose Simple Folk flows beautifully and seems to have a way of transporting you through time with it’s blend of classic shanties and self penned tracks. This album appeals to a wide range of music lovers." - Properganda (Nick Collins)

"Enthusiastic young folk duo doing something refreshingly different ...... Clear-sighted and with a real sense of commitment to dragging this repertoire into the modern world, this is a grower" - fRoots

"A great debut album (Simple Folk) with some interesting takes on trad standards like the "Briary Bush" and a very catchy contemporary song called Chase the Buffalo which shows Ricketts can offer diversity which will help him connect to a wider audience" - Darren Beech, Folking.com

"Chris accompanies himself excellently on the guitar and with Mark’s bass we get a well balanced sound to a well chosen collection of songs. I think Chris, with Mark’s backing, could develop to the status of a Kris Drever or Seth Lakeman." - Ken Miller's Folk Page

"The subtle arrangements are skillful and make for a pleasant listen." - Daniel Hintz, Folker.com

"'They managed great depths of emotion with a sparse arrangement that really heightened the drama of the song.'" - Folk World

Press Quotes - Live Performance

".....at times I am reminded of Martin Simpson and Steve Tilston in the style of guitar delivery, which is never a bad thing........The guitar playing and vocal stylings of Chris and Mark are thoroughly enjoyable, and it’s very easy to put this CD on repeat. As am album ’Simple Folk’ showcases some promising new talent in guitar-based folk, and looks a good launching pad for these two young performers." - Liz Osman BrightYoungFolk.com

"These guys are two of the most charismatic, infectious performers on the scene today – if they don’t go all the way, it’s a travesty" - Phil Daniels, Folking.com

"for anyone wanting to hear classic songs presented in a respectful, but still engaging way, I really cannot recommend this enough! " - Matt Merritt (Callupontheauthor.com, The News, Blues Matters, Artrocker)

"Youth is not wasted on the young when it comes to Chris Ricketts. He has a heart the size of a concert hall, a generous spirit to match and a drive and determination that wills him to win. Which he will." - John Tams

"These songs combine the groundwork of tradition with nonconformist modernity. If there is such a genre as 'earthy acoustic pop' or 'funk-folk' these guys are the first rate exponents. If not they've just forged their own style" - www.folkwords.com

"Chris Ricketts is the sort of artist who can hold a whole room spellbound with the sound of his voice alone. In this debut album, with collaborator and bassist Mark Willshire, he has successfully captured the energy and enthusiasm that makes going to his live shows such a joy. Despite the sparse arrangement of the songs (mostly just vocals, guitar and bass) the album has a warmth and intensity to it that is incredibly satisfying." - Kate Steaggles

"Wonderfully crafted songs played with elegance and beauty" - Adrian Holden, Artree Music

"Bringing folk and sea songs kicking and screaming into the 21st century " - Dave Forshaw, (Clennall Hall Folk Festival)

"The music produced by these two guys captures the direction that all acoustic musicians should aspire to. Their performances are well played, with confidence and authority, whilst original compositions are strong, and don't resort to cliched re-workings. Support slots to top performers such as Martin Carthy and Country Joe McDonald have already ensured the word is being spread by the greats of the genre too. Definately worth watching!" - John Roberts, Barking Spider Promotions

"Finely constructed [original] songs" - Steve Knightley

"a refreshing sound, which captures the spirit of traditional folk, but has a broader, almost pop appeal" - Steve Pitt (Promoter / Booking Agent)

"Heartfelt, Poignant" - Martyn Joseph

Promotional Photos

For press photos or additional information, please contact post@hobgoblinrecords.com