A duo who are always extremely popular at Rothbury Roots return to see the 2011 season out in great style.

CATHRYN CRAIG & BRIAN WILLOUGHBY grace the Roots stage on Thursday 24th November. Their careers span many musical genres. Cathryn has worked in the USA with The Righteous Brothers, Shel Silverstein, Jorma Kaukonen, and Chet Atkins and she has 3 well received UK releases, Porch Songs, Cathryn Craig and Pigg River Symphony. Brian began his career with Mary Hopkin and was Strawbs’ lead guitarist for 25 years. He has also played with Monty Python, Roger Whittaker, Joe Brown, New World and Jim Diamond. Both Cathryn and Brian have worked with Nanci Griffith.

In 1998, lyricist Michael Snow enlisted Cathryn to add vocals to Hard Luck Cafe, a song he and Brian composed for Black & White, Brian’s solo album. Impressed with her work, Brian invited Cathryn to assist with further tracks. It was during these recording sessions that Craig and Willoughby was born. With Brian in London and Cathryn in Nashville they still managed to build a fan base through tireless performances to enthusiastic audiences in the UK and further afield, so in 2004, Brian decided the time was right to leave Strawbs and concentrate on Craig and Willoughby.

Following the successful album I Will, the duo was joined in 2009 by Dennis Bryon (Bee Gees / Amen Corner) on drums, classical violinist Antonia Pagulatos and bass player / producer Phil Rynhart for their much acclaimed release, Calling All Angels. Alice’s Song from this album was one of Aled Jones’ “highlights of the year” on BBC Radio 2.

The talented combination of personnel on Calling All Angels has returned for the recording of BRIT AMERICANA, a journey which sees Craig and Willoughby become a full band, with Antonia’s emotive string arrangements, Dennis’ experienced percussion, and Phil’s deft production, forming a perfect scenario for Brian’s exquisite electric and acoustic guitar and Cathryn’s sensitive lyrics and soaring vocals.

This is sure to be a well-attended evening so book your tickets early on 01669 620470. Admission is £8, and the evening begins at 8pm.

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