Cathryn

As a Nashville session singer, Cathryn Craig has worked with and recorded for artists as diverse as Mickey Newbury, Bobby Bare and Shel Silverstein. She sang with Jorma Kaukonen on his Relix releases. Along with Tom Paxton, Emmylou Harris, Josh White, Jr. and Dennis Locorriere she sang on Bob Gibson's last ever CD MAKING A MESS. Her early stage experience was with Bill Medley where she sang Bobby Hatfield's Righteous Brothers' duo parts and she is on the Bill Medley SWEET THUNDER album. She can be heard singing "Spring Always Comes" on the soundtrack of Peter Bogdanovich's movie, A Thing Called Love (River Phoenix's last film). She has appeared on television with her friend, the legendary Chet Atkins. She has written songs with notable writers such as Tommy Boyce, Dean Dillon, Richard Dobson, Sandy Knox and Shel Silverstein.

When Cathryn signed to Goldrush Records in Perth, Scotland her highly acclaimed debut album PORCH SONGS (GoldCD001) was actually recorded live on the back porch and is considered a classic in acoustic/roots circles. Her second album CATHRYN CRAIG (GoldCD002), also recorded live, has gone a long way in developing Cathryn's reputation as one of the finest acoustic performers and songwriters touring today.

PIGG RIVER SYMPHONY (GoldCD007) is her latest release and is a beautiful interpretation of songs from the Appalachian mountains, the boyhood home of her father. It includes songs and stories by Cathryn's family which document the authenticity as well as magnify the poignancy of this work.

Critical acclaim for her albums, together with the dynamism of her live concerts, sharing the stage with the likes of John Prine, Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark has continued to build her profile. Cathryn is included on VIVA AMERICANA (BOKA001CD) with exclusive tracks from the cream of new alternative artists, The Derailers, Bob Neuwirth, Gretchen Peters, Kate Campbell and Chip Taylor. Featuring alongside Mary Hopkin as lead vocalist on STRAWB Brian Willoughby's debut solo album BLACK & WHITE (PYOCD001) has led to the successful team of Cathryn and Brian performing together in concert.

Their co-written "Alice's Song" appears on 'Baroque & Roll'(WRCD2004) by the Acoustic Strawbs and Cathryn is a guest vocalist on 'The Complete Strawbs'(WCCD2001).

Brian

Guitarist BRIAN WILLOUGHBY began his professional career with MARY HOPKIN in 1971 and has recorded and toured with a range of artists, including MONTY PYTHON, SWEET's BRIAN CONNOLLY, JOE BROWN, JIM DIAMOND, NEW WORLD and ROGER WHITTAKER.

Since 1978 he has played lead guitar with STRAWBS and is featured on HALCYON DAYS, GREATEST HITS LIVE (also available on Video and DVD), RINGING DOWN THE YEARS, DON'T SAY GOODBYE, THE BEST OF BRITISH FOLK ROCK, THE KING (featuring MADDY PRIOR), THE COMPLETE STRAWBS and the forthcoming Polygram / A&M BOXED SET.

The acoustic duo DAVE COUSINS & BRIAN WILLOUGHBY have recorded two albums, OLD SCHOOL SONGS and THE BRIDGE. They provide the opening track RINGING DOWN THE YEARS on the SANDY DENNY tribute record GEORGIA ON OUR MIND. In 2001, COUSINS, WILLOUGHBY and DAVE LAMBERT as THE ACOUSTIC STRAWBS, produced BAROQUE & ROLL and now tour internationally.

Brian featured as lead guitarist in STRAWBS-associated bands HIGH SOCIETY and THE MONKS, whose SUSPENDED ANIMATION won him a gold award in Canada.

Playing acoustic guitar on the NANCI GRIFFITH album OTHER VOICES TOO, Brian also toured with her in 1998. (British concert video available on Elektra). In January 2000 Nanci and Brian recorded again and appeared together on British television.

BLACK & WHITE is a record of Brian's songs, co-written with Nashville's CATHRYN CRAIG, MICHAEL SNOW and BILL LLOYD. The album features CATHRYN CRAIG on vocals, with a guest appearance by MARY HOPKIN

Review

This was a most beguiling combination: the mix of Strawbs guitarist Brian's awesome guitar skills with the overpoweringly wonderful voice of Nashville diva Cathryn (a fine rhythm guitarist herself) had the audience (and even the bar-staff) spell-bound, and made for an evening of truly beautiful music. Whether singing her own songs, their co-written material, or traditional American numbers, Craig kept the emotional level high throughout; and the pair's accumulated decades of experience is reflected in the low-key warmth and professionalism of their stage presence. We all felt drawn into the experience, and once again substantial CD sales showed that you, our knowledgeable audience, know real quality when you see it. Few would argue against a return visit from Cathryn and Brian, and we've invited them to do so, perhaps next year, when their busy schedule allows.