Singing It All Back Home

The Appalachian ballad form has been liberally sprinkled throughout Naomi Bedford and Paul Simmonds’ albums to date. For the next project, they have recorded a full set. 

This is no museum piece. In keeping with the folk tradition, the songs have been revised and re invigorated whilst staying true to the heart of the stories. 

The project began with a very simple premise; to rediscover, explore and celebrate the ballads that had been such a strong influence throughout Bedford’s childhood. It’s only the most vital works that can survive nearly three centuries as living, still valid pieces and the Appalachian ballads are certainly that.

Greatly aided by the marvellous Shirley Collins, who generously donated her time, encouragement and research materials, and by Folk Award winner Ben Walker on production and multi instrumental duties, the material was chosen, rehearsed and recorded live in the summer and autumn of 2018 in Brighton. With a cast that also included Justin Currie, Rory McLeod and Lisa Knapp, the album moulds influences from England, Scotland and South East USA to stir the great melting pot of folk and roots styles.

Launching officially at home of folk music Cecil Sharp House in London on June 6th, the project will then tour throughout the UK in 2019. With new arrangements and the power of Bedford’s evocative voice, these legendary songs continue their transatlantic voyage.

‘A partnership that is complementary in every respect’ Songlines Magazine

‘Easy to get besotted with’ Froots Magazine

‘Thrills, soothes and haunts in equal measure’ Uncut Magazine

Naomi Bedford and Paul Simmonds released ‘Songs My Ruiner Gave To Me’ in October 2017. Featuring contributions from Andy Summers, Justin Currie and Folk Award winner Ben Walker among many others, it is an eclectic, roots based look at love, madness and obsession and ranges from the jug band holler of ‘Still Want You Blues’ to a gothic folk adaptation of a little known Percy Shelley poem, ‘Young Parson Richard’, stopping off at many points in between.
At the heart of the album are Naomi and Paul. Partners in real, as well as musical, life; the album is their mission, their story and, appropriately, a true labour of love. 

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Acclaimed 2nd album featuring BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominated track 'Spider and the Wolf'' among many other highlights.

"She is incapable of doing anything that isn't good" Shirley Collins

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Award winning first album from Naomi Bedford and Paul Simmonds featuring contributions from Paul Heaton, Alasdair Roberts and Justin Currie.  
 

Produced by Gerry Diver this album focused on murder, death and sorrow using a combination of traditional ballads including 'Lord Thomas and Fair Elendor' and original songs such as Naomi's 'February' and Paul's 'Daddy's Got A Gun'.  

"An English Emmylou..."  Justin Currie ~ Del Amitri   

"Her voice is standout brilliant..." Mark Freegard ~ Producer   

"Dreamy, Fantastic voice" Peter Buck ~ REM    

"What a voice" Mike Harding

"Achingly expressive" Maverick Magazine   

"A favourite voice of mine, I love to hear her sing. "  Shirley Collins   

"Intoxicating." Chris Difford

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Previously Unreleased Debut Album from 2008 also featuring Paul Simmonds, Gerry Diver and Bobby Valentino.

"Fantastic Vocals" Peter Buck ~ REM 

"Great Voice" Jools Holland"

We thought she had a fantastic voice" Phil Hartnoll, Orbital 

"Beautifully Dreamy Vocals" Muzik Magazine