“…all in all an inspired ensemble so obviously playing for joy”

From deep roots in their hometown’s vibrant music, song and dance scene, to smashing concert appearances in the UK and abroad, Sheffield-based Melrose Quartet have attracted a reputation for making music that truly connects with people. All four are internationally renowned singers, instrumentalists, writer/composers and teachers and in 2017 they were proud to be named the new patrons of Whitby Folk week.

The Melrose Quartet perform a diverse repertoire – carousing chorus songs, lively dance tunes, ancient stories and modern pieces written in celebration of everything from weddings & birthdays to issues that affect all of our 21st century lives. This is music for everybody.

Melrose Quartet are known for their outstanding workshops ranging from harmony singing to accompaniment, and they also can offer The Melrose Ceilidh Band, with the addition of Nigel Holmes on Bass. This is a ceilidh with a difference, as the band use singing as well as instruments for the dance music, to great effect.

James Fagan (voice, bouzouki, guitar)

Bouzouki wizard, multi-instrumentalist and singer of traditional and contemporary songs especially from his native Australia. He has toured internationally with Nancy Kerr, Cara Dillon, Bellowhead, Glorystrokes and  duo The James Brothers.

Richard Arrowsmith (voice, melodeons)

Box virtuoso and bass singer of great warmth and depth, Richard is recognised as one of the finest players of traditional dance music on the scene. Alongside his work with Jess in duo, trio and full band form (Arrowsmith : Robb, Hekety, Crucible) he is also principle musician for morris side Pecsaetan, and a founder member of metal/ceilidh band Glorystrokes.

Nancy Kerr (voice, fiddle)

BBC Folk Singer of the Year 2015 and well-loved for her appearances with The Sweet Visitor Band, Martin Simpson, The Full English, Shake the Chains and The Transports among others – and especially for her multiply awarded duo with husband James Fagan. Nancy’s latest project is band The Magpie Arc.  

Jess Arrowsmith (voice, fiddle)

Highly renowned singer and fiddler Jess performs with husband Richard as a duo, in ceilidh band Hekety, and in transatlantic trio Arrowsmith : Robb with Ian Robb of Ottawa, having formerly sung,  played and toured internationally with Crucible. Jess dances with morris side Pecsaetan, and is artistic director of youth folk group NYFTE.