Folk at the Unicorn : Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin

Event information

Recently described as, "Authentic, haunting roots music from a first class duo" (Seth Lakeman), Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin are two musicians with a fast growing following on the folk and roots scene. Having just completed two tours with Show Of Hands, they have been receiving very warm reviews of their début album, Singing The Bones, including selection for a fRoots magazine compilation; and airplay on Mike Harding, who said, "I was completely knocked out by this duo... just a terrific album... absolutely great, wonderful" (4/5/11, BBC Radio Two).

Fast becoming recognised as one of the finest slide guitarists the UK has produced, Phillip Henry is also a virtuoso on the harmonica. Regarded as, "one of the most extraordinary musicians around" (Steve Knightley, Show Of Hands), he brings together folk melodies of the British isles, blues, gospel and Indian music in his moving and original compositions and arrangements. His incredible beatbox harmonica technique is legendary on the festival circuit, and never fails to get the crowd on their feet and jumping.

Hannah Martin is a singer, songwriter, fiddle-and-banjo player from Devon. Recently commended by Mike Harding for her "really fantastic singing" (4/5/11), her songs weave folklore and legend old and new with beautiful melodies, while retaining a strong sense of the living tradition.

In 2008 Phillip travelled to Calcutta to study under the tutelage of Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya, India's premier slide guitarist, leaving behind the duo The School of Trobar, formed with his old friend Tobias Ben Jacob. In Phillip's absence, Tobias began to work on some new material with a local fiddle player he'd met called Hannah. When Phillip returned, this project evolved into the band The Roots Union, who spent three years on the road, playing countless gigs and festivals, and gaining a loyal fan base. Their many adventures together included appearing live from Maida Vale studios for a special edition of BBC Radio Three's Late Junction; and enjoying a stint of recording work in Nashville, Tennessee. On meeting, Phillip and Hannah instantly recognised a very powerful musical connection, which became a big feature of the band's sound. Unfortunately the band came to an end in 2010, but Phillip had long been gigging as a solo act alongside his other projects, and invited Hannah to continue working together as a duo.

Then, one sunny Sidmouth Folk Week in 2010, Phillip and Hannah were spotted busking in the back of a pub by Steve Knightley. Seeing the duo's potential, he invited them to fill some support slots for Show Of Hands. This was the beginning of an incredible year for the duo, joining Show Of Hands for a full concert tour, and culminating with an appearance as part of the headlining Saturday night Ham Marquee gig at Sidmouth Folk Week 2011.

Phillip and Hannah continue to go from strength to strength, and in between their hectic touring schedule they recorded their second studio album, with the working title Mynd, in 2012.