Yorkston joins KK Martyn Festival

Scottish musician James Yorkston is the latest name to be added to the bill of the second John Martyn Tribute Festival, which…

Scottish musician James Yorkston is the latest name to be added to the bill of the second John Martyn Tribute Festival, which takes place in Thomastown, Co Kilkenny on September 15th and 16th.

Yorkston, who is a key player in the eminent Fence Collective, will be joined by a number of musicians including Galway musician Cian Finn – whose father, Martin Finn from De Dannan, was a friend of Martyn’s – Mundy, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Mik Pyro of Republic of Loose, Ultan Conlon, Leslie Dowdall of In Tua Nua, Jacqui McShee of Pentangle, The Man Whom and more.

All of the acts paying tribute to Martyn, who lived in Ireland until his death in 2009, are fans of the folk singer, whose 1973 album Solid Air is regarded as highly influential. In fact, as well as being a "huge fan", Yorkston spent time on tour with Martyn in 2001, after sending a copy of his single and a request for a support slot at his Edinburgh gig. He was subsequently offered the support slot for all 30 dates on the UK and Irish tour, after which he was signed to Domino Records. Tickets for the festival are on sale now. johnmartyn.com

Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy is a freelance journalist and broadcaster. She writes about music and the arts for The Irish Times