Brian Peters

Exploring Britain's Ballad Tradition

April 24, 2010 - 8:00 pm

$12.00 in advance/$15.00 at door

"Brian Peters plunges deep into the ancient songs, finds their power, mystery, evil, drollery and courage, and brings them to us fresh"
Cornell Folksong Society, USA

"Brian Peters entranced the audience with a programme that included several of the ballads. His performance brought home every nuance of the stories, whether Grand Guignol or cheeky humour. The audience 'got it' because he 'gave it' to them via his passionate and totally engaged delivery." The Living Tradition, UK

Brian Peters is a performer of traditional folk music who combines a high level of skill on three different instruments with a great voice and an energetic stage presence.  He's a leading English squeezebox player, doubling on melodeon (button accordeon) and anglo concertina.  a fine guitarist well-versed in open tunings, and a passionate singer who can convey drama or emotion, while his carefully-constructed accompaniments blend adventure and sophistication. Described as "One of British folk music's finest ambassadors", Brian started out in the folk clubs of England and has taken his performances to stages all over the world, touring regularly in Europe and America, and always retaining a deep commitment to the musical traditions of his native country.   

Click to visit Brian's MySpace where you can hear songs and see videos of his performances.

 Brian believes strongly in the power and relevance of the old songs and bases his set around them, but he's no diehard, and covers the work of writers from Leon Rosselson to Lyle Lovett and Robin Williamson, as well as contributing songs of his own. He specialises in the great ballads of the British Isles: "Brian Peters plunges deep into the ancient songs, finds their power, mystery, evil, drollery and courage, and brings them to us fresh", declared one American writer.

On the instrumental side, he has been a mover in the creation of a distinct identity for Northern English dance music, researching, playing and teaching rare tunes from centuries-old manuscripts, as well as composing many tunes in traditional style. He's also become known for daring forays into ragtime, blues and rock'n'roll on his squeezeboxes, and his stage set achieves startling variety, without ever betraying his traditional roots.Brian presents his material with warmth and unforced humour to appeal to the casual listener as well as the committed folk fan.