About

Martin Carthy in the studio, recording this albumPhoto by Ben Seal

This special release revisits his iconic 1965 debut album, featuring newly recorded arrangements of its classic tracks, reimagined with the wisdom and experience of six decades in folk music - and a couple of very special guests.

Fans can expect fresh interpretations of beloved songs like Scarborough Fair and High Germany, infused with Carthy’s ever-evolving artistry while staying true to the deep tradition he has championed throughout his life.

This album not only honours his roots but also reaffirms his enduring influence on the folk genre, offering both longtime listeners and new audiences a chance to rediscover the timeless magic of his music.

CD Release Available here 21st May 2025
Digital Release Available on all online platforms 5th August 2025
12" Vinyl Release Available here 26th August 2025

Track List

Album cover artwork
  1. The Trees They Do Grow High
  2. Ye Mariners All
  3. Lovely Joan
  4. Dream Of Napoleon
  5. Eighteenth of June
  6. The Handsome Cabin Boy
  7. A-Begging I Will Go
  8. High Germany
  9. The Famous Flower of Serving Men
  10. Scarborough Fair
  11. The Ballad of Springhill

Recorded, mixed and produced by Ben Seal – Piggery Mobile Studios
Mastered by Nick Cooke
Co-produced by Eliza Carthy
CD artwork – Tim Youster / Dan MacDonald

Released by HemHem Records Limited ℗ & © 2025

HemHem Records logo

Thank you!

A huge THANK YOU to all of our wonderful supporters!

Word cloud of donors, 3 of 4 Word cloud of donors, 4 of 4 Word cloud of donors, 2 of 4 Word cloud of donors, 1 of 4 Martin Carthy with Chris Salt at the Mercury Music Prize Launch Ko-fi link for Carthy

Songs of Martin Carthy
Tour Update

Following the recent announcement regarding Martin Carthy’s health, we wanted to share a clear update on the forthcoming Songs of Martin Carthy tour — and, for the first time, confirm who will be appearing at each date.

As many will know, Martin has recently been diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. While it was initially hoped that he might be able to tour in Spring 2026, it has since been decided that performing would not be advisable for his health.

The tour will now be led by Eliza Carthy, joined by family, friends, and long-time collaborators, performing songs drawn from Martin’s extraordinary body of work. Rather than a cancellation, the tour continues as a celebration — one shaped by care, respect, and gratitude.

In Eliza’s words:

“A month ago, Martin, at 84, was diagnosed with late-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. While his doctor initially suggested that Dad would and should be able to tour in the Spring, and we were hoping to use the tour to say goodbye to Dad’s many fans, it now appears that this won’t be possible or advisable for his health.
Dad sends his love and regrets to everyone hoping to see him one more time. I will fulfil these shows, and will try to honour his legacy as much as possible. Our family thanks you for your patience and love.”
Tour update flyer

A Celebration of Songs and Community

Each night of the tour will feature a different combination of performers, reflecting the breadth of Martin’s influence and the community that has grown around his songs over more than six decades. Some artists appear throughout the run; others join for selected dates. No two nights will be quite the same.

Below is the full performer listing by date and town.

Date Town Performers
13-Feb Glasgow Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart, Kate Young
14-Feb Kendal Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart
15-Feb Edinburgh Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart, Tim Van Eyken, Kate Young
20-Feb Durham Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart, Tim Van Eyken
21-Feb Scarborough Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart, Tim Van Eyken
22-Feb Sheffield Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart, Tim Van Eyken, Martin Simpson
25-Feb London Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart, Graham Coxon, Jon Wilks, Angeline Morrison, Gwena Harman, Rowan Gatherer
26-Feb Southampton Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Graham Coxon, Jon Wilks, Angeline Morrison
28-Feb York Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart, Jon Wilks
01-Mar Barnoldswick Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart
05-Mar Oxford Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart, Jon Wilks, Sheema Mukherjee
06-Mar Peak District Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart
07-Mar Isle of Man Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart, Tim Van Eyken
14-Mar Birmingham Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart, Tim Van Eyken, Jon Wilks, Angeline Morrison
15-Mar Walton-on-Thames Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart, Tim Van Eyken, Jon Wilks, Angeline Morrison
20-Mar Laugharne Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Angeline Morrison
28-Mar Alnwick Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy
29-Mar Leeds Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Tim Van Eyken
03-Apr Bradford-upon-Avon Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Tim Van Eyken, Tim Eriksen, Jon Wilks
04-Apr Bristol Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart, Tim Van Eyken, Graham Coxon, Jon Wilks, Tim Eriksen
05-Apr Cardiff Finn Curran-Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Nick Hart, Tim Van Eyken, Graham Coxon, Jon Wilks, Tim Eriksen
09-Apr Letterkenny Eliza Carthy, Tim Van Eyken, Tim Eriksen, Jennifer Reid
10-Apr Greystones Eliza Carthy, Tim Van Eyken, Tim Eriksen, Jennifer Reid
12-Apr Dublin Eliza Carthy, Tim Van Eyken, Tim Eriksen, Jennifer Reid

Performers vary by date. Line-ups subject to change.

The family would like to thank everyone for the warmth, generosity, and understanding shown since the announcement. We hope this tour offers a fitting tribute — not only to Martin’s songs, but to the friendships, collaborations, and shared nights of music that have surrounded them for so long.

Keep an eye on socials for further updates!

Tour Dates & Ticket Links

Date Venue Link Guest
13-Feb Oran Mor, Glasgow Oran Mor SeeTickets Eliza Carthy
14-Feb Brewery Arts, Kendal SeeTickets Eliza Carthy
15-Feb Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh Assembly RoxySeeTickets Eliza Carthy
20-Feb Redhills, Durham WeGotTickets Eliza Carthy
21-Feb SJT Theatre, Scarborough SJT Theatre Eliza Carthy
22-Feb Greystones, Sheffield WeGotTickets Eliza Carthy
25-Feb Cecil Sharp House, London Ticket Link Eliza Carthy
26-Feb Turner Sims, Southampton Ticket Link Eliza Carthy
28-Feb NCEM, York NCEM Eliza Carthy
1-Mar Barnoldswick Music and Arts Centre Barnoldswick Eliza Carthy
5-Mar World's Music at Oxford Tickets available from 06/02/2026 Eliza Carthy and Sheema Mukherjee
6-Mar New Mills Art Theatre, Peak District TicketSource Eliza Carthy
7-Mar Erin Arts, IOM TicketSource Eliza Carthy
14-Mar Mac, Birmingham  Mac Eliza Carthy
15-Mar Riverhouse Barn, Walton on Thames Ticket Link Eliza Carthy
28-Mar Alnwick Playhouse Alnwick Eliza Carthy
29-Mar Leeds City Varieties Leeds City Varieties Eliza Carthy
3-Apr Wiltshire Music Centre Ticket Link Eliza Carthy
4-Apr Lantern, Bristol Beacon Bristol Beacon Eliza Carthy
5-Apr Acapela Cardiff Acapela Eliza Carthy
9-Apr Regional Arts Centre, Letterkenny Ticket Link Eliza Carthy
10-Apr The Whale Theatre, Greystones Ticket Link Eliza Carthy
12-Apr Whelan’s, Dublin TicketMaster Eliza Carthy

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