Martin Carthy is an English folk singer and guitarist who has remained one of the most influential figures in british traditional music, since he emerged as a young musician in the early days of the folk revival.

He is a renowned solo performer of traditional songs in a very distinctive style, accompanied by his unique acoustic guitar playing rendered on his trusty old Martin Guitar.

He has also been involved with many musical collaborations. He was an early member of the UK folk rock group Steeleye Span and was part of the innovative Brass Monkey ensemble which mixed traditional acoustic instruments and a range of brass instruments.

For many years Martin Carthy has enjoyed a creative partnertship with fiddle playter Dave Swarbrick and, more recntly, Waterson Carthy has provided the forum for a successful partnership with partner Norma Waterston together with their daughter Eliza Carthy.

For further details see this article on the BBC Folk database http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/folk/artist_database/pages/carthymartin.shtml