the dance gazette (the royal academy of dance magazine), autumn 2014

appalachian summer

It was one winter in the 1970s when Randy Wilson’s friend Joe said they should go up to the Carcassonne square dance in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. It had been snowing heavily, Randy says. ‘I said, “Joe, it’s snowing, I don’t think there’ll be anyone up there.” And he said, “oh no, when it’s snowing there’ll be more people there.”’ MORE

songlines magazine, february 2015

The Americana Dream

The newness of the music and the just-born nature of the configuration gave the international debut performance by Sara Watkins, Aoife O'Donovan and Sarah Jarosz ("just call us a band") at Glasgow's Celtic Connections in January a sense of urgency and excitement that was obvious the moment the three women appeared on stage. MORE

SONGLINES MAGAZINE, MAY 2017

AN OPEN EAR – JAYME STONE

Rose Skelton speaks to Jayme Stone about reinterpreting folk songs collected in the US and Caribbean. MORE

dance gazette (royal academy of dance), Autumn 2014

Appalachian summer

In America's remote mountain communities, old-time dance survives. MORE

the observer magazine, 23 July 2011

on top of old smoky

There's no better way to appreciate the Appalachians than to travel with a banjo – but be sure to watch out for hungry bears and bugling elk. MORE

Songlines Magazine, July 2011

The songs in her head

Rose Skelton is charmed by Sarah Jarosz, the young Texan girl who is wowing audiences with her dazzling musicianship and songwriting. MORE

songlines magazine, april 2010

A long trip home

The banjo is a much-loved and increasingly popular instrument, but its history is less well-known. Rose Skelton talks to banko protagonists Bela Fleck, Jayme Stone and Otis Taylor, who are all intent on highlighting its African roots. MORE