Live & Local: Kelly Oliver

Kelly Oliver is a superlative, sweet voiced singer-songwriter, guitarist and ‘pretty damn fine’ harmonicist steeped in the folk traditions of Ireland. Her award-winning albums have seen her hailed as ‘a vital voice in British folk music’ (Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2), and as an international rising star she has collaborated with industry stalwarts such as Phil Beer (Show of Hands).

Oliver’s distinctive vocals, harmonica mastery and sparkling pop sensibility consistently wows audiences; her brand of old/ new folk is a force with which to be reckoned.

– She hails from rural Hertfordshire; however, it was not until she returned to her Grandmother’s hometown of Tralee, Ireland that she discovered her deep affinity with the traditions of folk music and what would become her signature sound.

– Oliver’s work straddles both the old and the new; she collaborated with industry stalwarts like Phil Beer (Show of Hands) on her second album ‘Botany Bay’, while her sparkling pop sensibility brings a fresh new take to traditional material.

– Her distinctive vocals and mastery of the harmonica consistently wow audiences, as does the inclusion of the delightfully titled ‘stomp box’ in live shows.

– Deemed a ‘fantastic new talent’ by Chris Hawkins at BBC 6 Music, she’s also toured internationally and been included in ‘The Sunday Times Essential New Releases’.

– Oliver is an award-winning artist, receiving both the ‘Best Female Solo Artist’ and ‘Breakout Artist’ in the 2015/ 2016 NMG Awards, as well as ‘Best Female Artist 2016’ in the FATEA Awards.

‘Quite an amazing young songwriter.’ Mike Harding

‘Crystal voice… confident harmonica… intricate guitar.’ Folk Radio UK

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