Kevin Roberts at Rothbury Roots is delighted to announce the return to Roots of the wonderful young duo MEGSON, crowning jewels of the contemporary folk scene, on Thursday 11th September 2008. “I was listening to The Bob Harris Show early in 2006 when I was spellbound by one of the most beautiful songs I had ever heard, sung with one of the most gorgeous female voices I had ever heard. That was my introduction to this wonderful duo, and their first album “On The Side”, and I am very proud to be bringing them back to Northumberland”.

No less than Seth Lakeman has said, "For my money Megson are amongst the most exciting trailblazers of British Contemporary Folk."

The combined talents of Teesside’s Stu Hanna and Debbie Palmer make up this superb duo. With two full albums under their belts, their debut “On The Side” and the follow-up “Smoke of Home”, and a self titled EP, all of which have received rave reviews, they have a third full album due in September. They are fast making waves amongst the British folk / roots scene with their captivating songs, poignant lyrics, beautiful harmonies and impeccable musicianship.

In 2004 Stu & Debs were living in London and, armed with a selection of original and traditional songs, they began to play the London acoustic scene soon picking up a strong following. Since then, Megson have gone from strength to strength playing up and down the country at festivals, folk clubs and acoustic venues.

Highlights so far have included a slot in the club tent at Cambridge Folk Festival 2005 which led to a review in County Music People where they were described as ‘enthralling’. Other notable gigs include supports to Karine Polwart, Bob Fox and being asked by Seth Lakeman to provide support on his ‘post Mercury nomination’ 2005 tour. More recently, award winning roots duo ‘Show of Hands’ invited Megson to perform at their 2006 Abbotsbury summer festival and have since regularly asked them to be their support act. They have just played the 2008 Cambridge Folk Festival.

Megson released their debut album ‘On the Side’ in 2005 and one of the fans of the album included Bob Harris who played tracks on his Radio 2 shows and commented ‘how gorgeous was that...absolutely beautiful’. It was also well received in various magazines with reviews including fRoots ‘a strong professional debut’, Maverick ‘impeccable vocals with inspired acoustic based arrangements, NetRhytms ‘they have a distinct approach that makes their album stand out from the crowd’ and website FATEA ‘a truly remarkable album that sweeps across you with the freshness of a spring breeze’.

Their new album ‘Smoke of Home’ was an impressive follow up, released in 2007. It coincided with a live session on the BBC 2 Radio Bob Harris show before Megson took to the road to appear at clubs and festivals throughout the UK. Festival appearances included Wimborne, Saul, Cambridge, Sidmouth, Shrewsbury among others.

Their eagerly awaited third album, “Take Yourself a Wife”, is released on September 29th, and it is hoped that early copies will be available to the Roots audience at this gig. It features a collection of songs from songwriters from the North East covering 250 years of tradition, all with new Megson arrangements.

Supporting Megson will be the brilliant singer-songwriter, GARETH DAVIES-JONES, who toured with Megson earlier in the year which included an appearance at The Sage, Gateshead. From Northern Ireland, now based in Northumberland, Gareth Davies-Jones is currently one of the UK’s best-kept musical secrets. But not for much longer. With his third album, Water + Light, Gareth is poised for a breakthrough into the mainstream that will ensure his powerful songs and affecting performances are heard by more than just a handful of discerning listeners.

For tickets to this outstanding evening, bookings can be taken in advance by telephoning The Queens Head on 01669 620470. Tickets are priced at £7.

For more information on Rothbury Roots and to see the full programme for 2008, have a look at www.rothburyroots.net