Eliza Carthy, currently one of the most succesful and visible English folk artists, plays the viola on some of her recordings. So does her colleague and producer Ben Ivitsky, who when I saw them at the Derby Flowerpot (pictured above) produced some of the warmest supporting sound any singer could ever wish to have. They span the divide between traditional and contemporary folk music by playing with a variety of line-ups and guests.

For more information, visit their websites at http://www.elizacarthy.com/new_site/ , http://www.elizanet.org.uk/ , and http://www.scoraig.com/arts/laboum