Tim van Eyken
Those who saw Tim van Eyken win the 1998 BBC Young Folk Award knew there would be a glittering career ahead of this young musician with a passion for traditional English music. His career as a solo artist looked promising, but then an offer came along he just couldn't refuse: folk's first family invited him to become the fourth member of Waterson:Carthy and he has recorded and toured the world with them for the last 5 years. It was the apprenticeship of a life-time and the experience has not only honed his instrumental skill but also seen him develop in to one of the most assured and captivating singers around.
When Tim decided to form his own band he drew together a stellar cast from the folk world to help realise his dream. Joining Tim on fiddle is Nancy Kerr, whose partnership with James Fagan is established as one of the most acclaimed and enduring acts on the folk scene. No stranger to Folk Awards herself, Nancy has with James previously picked up the Best Duo and Horizon awards. On electric guitar is Olly Knight, Lal Waterson's son and collaborator on their landmark albums 'Once in a Blue Moon' and 'Bed of Roses'. Olly is also a successful composer, musician, arranger and record producer. On percussion is Pete Flood, currently riding high on the Bellowhead wave of success as well as performing with The Farmyard Animals and the Treecreepers. On double bass is Colin Fletcher whose sublime bass can also be heard in the Lisa Fitzgibbons band.
In just eight months Tim and his new band Van Eyken have made a huge impact on the folk world. Since making their debut performance at Wychwood Festival last June Tim and his all-star band have released the highly influential album 'Stiffs Lovers Holymen Thieves' which has received spectacular reviews in the mainstream press and been acclaimed everywhere from 'MOJO' to 'The Sun'. They have performed at most of the top UK folk festivals and are now winners of a prestigious Radio 2 Folk Award, with 'Barleycorn' picking up the award for Best Traditional Track at the 2007 BBC Folk Awards.
