Graham O’Callaghan

Originally from Devon, Graham O’Callaghan has been described as having one of the finest voices in the tradition. His work as an unaccompanied solo performer has enabled him to explore song with a greater freedom to sing the words rather than to just sing the song. It has been 50 years since he began his involvement with traditional folk song and 25 years since his last recording. His immersion back into the folk scene since returning from France has led to him to make a new recording, Reflections, in which he revisits some of the memorable moments and friendships he has had the pleasure of experiencing along the way. Graham explains further; ‘Every word, every note and every rest can enhance or destroy the narrative in the song. Not just with the accepted ballads, but all songs. They were written in isolation, never intending to be a ‘bit part’ in a folk singers’ repertoire, never written to lighten a social gathering nor were they written to gratify the audience of a local folk club or concert hall. What I try to do is to re-inject the poetry of the words back into the song and help people to appreciate why they were first written.’

‘The male equivalent to June Tabor.’ Green Man Review USA
‘Graham has style, commitment, knowledge of the music and an obvious love and enjoyment of singing.’ Roy Harris, The Living Tradition