TIFT MERRITT
Since hitting the radar in 2002 with her refined and delicate debut Bramble Rose, country singer-songwriter Tift Merritt has upped the ante with producer George Drakoulis (Black Crowes, Tom Petty), releasing a similarly candid but wholly more energetic roots-rock album, Tambourine. Her soulful voice and accomplished live performances have drawn comparisons with Dusty Springfield.


Useful links:
Tift Merritt Official website

CERYS MATTHEWS
Famed for her indie hits with Britrock darlings Catatonia and seasonal duet with Tom Jones, Cerys Matthews has since steered an altogether rootsier course, working in Nashville with acclaimed producer and steel guitarist Bucky Baxter to create solo debut Cockahoop. Her Cambridge show will preview material from eagerly-anticipated follow-up Never Said Goodbye.


Useful links:
Cerys Matthews Official website

SETH LAKEMAN
With more than a decade-and-a-half's experience writing and performing, Seth Lakeman knew better than to let a Mercury nomination (in 2005 for Kitty Jay) go to his head. He followed it up with the warmly received Freedom Fields, honing his ear-catching brand of impassioned and beautifully realised modern folk songs, which thrill both on record and on stage.


Useful links:
Seth Lakeman Official website

JULIE FOWLIS
The precise and disarming Gaelic vocals of North Uist's finest export, matched by her fantastic multi-instrumentalism, made her showcase performance a highlight of last year's festival. She has since reaped both the Gaelic Singer of the Year prize at the 2005 Scots Trad Music Awards and the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Horizon Award 2006 for best emerging artist.


Useful links:
Julie Fowlis Official website