BRING IT ON HOME
To celebrate and sample finger picking acoustic guitar on the roots music scene in Britain today.
APM invited a selection of artists to lay down a couple of songs or tunes they played regularly in their live shows or meant something to them. Recorded live in the studio, each performing their songs in one go. No overdubs. No pressure !?! Three studios were chosen according to location of the artists, not quite Alan Lomax, but a way of reaching artists from Bristol, Birmingham, York, North London (originally Spain), Bromley, Rainham, Tunbridge Wells.
Find the album on our Shop page to sample the sounds.
An accompanying film asks the artists about their playing, and also influences and history. APM was curious to discover whether the music as once performed at Les Cousins, the Troubadour, Bunjies, Ealing Jazz Club, in the early to mid 1960s still informed the performers on the scene today. Maybe some have also explored further back, now that 1920s-40s American traditional music in recorded form is so easy to access. Perhaps it’s a combination. View the trailer below.
Andy Twyman – Blues 36 Resonator
Has a one man band act that is a unique blend of deep blues with comedy and rock & roll. A regular at the venue Ain’t Nothing But in London, as well as festivals around the UK. His distinct style has been heard and seen at Glastonbury Festival, on BBC Radio 2 and Channel 4. Also one half of Nothing In Rambling with Sister Suzie, an act to present music from the 20s and 30s championing the likes of Memphis Minnie. Also an accompanist to Dana Gillespie, and band member with Rosco Shakes. https://www.andytwyman.com/
Chris Corcoran – 1952 ES 150
Long standing guitar tutor and mentor to many, has appeared in several Guitar magazines and produced a Guitar Book which outlines his unique system for playing Blues Guitar. Runs his own big band performing all instrumental Blues, Jazz and Swing R&B to large audiences in Europe. Also a regular at Ain’t Nothing But, plus sell out band shows at the Pizza Express Live venues in London. New album ‘The Burner’ released in 2026. https://www.chriscorcoranmusic.com/
Oliver ‘Mississippi’ MacDonald – Custom Gibson J45
RnR magazine viewed his 2025 album Slim Pickin’ as “a true nugget of acoustic folk blues… all ten tracks represent 21st century blues of the highest order”. Wrote two new songs especially for this project.
A three times UK Blues Award Winner, performs with the Take Me To The River All Stars and played alongside Hi Rhythm, Carla Thomas, William Bell, Taj Mahal, Eric Gales. Recorded with Vaneese Tomas and Benny Turner (Freddie Kings brother). https://mississippimacdonald.com/
Elsie Franklin – National Steel Resonator
Originally from York and now since moving south a regular on the London blues circuit. Often praised for her authentic, yet unique take on early blues and jazz, drawing influence from legendary female blues artists such as Memphis Minnie and Bessie Smith. Taught by legendary blues musicians Steve James, Del Ray and her father Adam Franklin. https://www.elsiefranklin.com/
Remi Bankyln – 1950 Gretsch Corsair
Spanish born and now well established London-based blues vocalist and guitar player working in the early 1950s Chicago blues tradition. Inspired by the music of Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, Little Walter, Elmore James and others. “His sound is blues built for small rooms, late nights, and close listening.” Another regular on the London scene, plus shows across Europe and has shared the stage with likes of Big Joe Louis, Cedric Burnside, Mud Morganfield. https://www.facebook.com/remi.bankyln/
Dariush Kanani – Martin OM 28V
Performed, studied and taught with John Renbourn, Stefan Grossman, Clive Carroll and Wizz Jones. Toured the U.K. and Ireland extensively as Clive Carroll’s special guest and duo partner on Clive’s ‘Music Of John Renbourn’ tour. https://www.facebook.com/dariushkananimusic
“How refreshing to hear a young player who truly embraces the early British roots of acoustic guitar playing. His influences are pretty clear but he somehow captures the spirit of the great players like Bert Jansch and John Renbourn and makes it his own.” – Gordon Giltrap
Joe Wilkins – Gibson J50
An in demand session player and sideman, most notably in Elles Bailey’s band since 2014, including on two top 20 album chart albums. Also played on Nina Nesbitt’s Mountain Music chart topping album, on tours supporting Rag n Bone Man, Jools Holland, Don McClean.
His own roots are firmly set in Blues, Soul and Americana, but the eclectic range of musical styles that he’s covered throughout his career thus far have earned him a reputation as a unique and diverse musician. BBC Radio once described him as “a man who plays guitar like its straight out of a David Lynch movie”. https://www.joewilkinsmusic.com/
Abi Budgen – 1936 Kalamazoo & Eko Ranchero
Birmingham poet, Beatlemaniac, Sister Rosetta devotee and self-confessed country blues anorak. Well respected in the country blues community and beyond as a guitarist, singer, teacher and innovative songwriter, Abi’s fans include master musicians Ari Eisinger, John Miller, Phil Wiggins, and mentor and collaborator, Michael Roach. Abi is a regular tutor at Euroblues workshops and has performed at venues and festivals across the UK. https://abibudgen.co.uk/
“Wonderful! The torch is being passed. Full speed ahead!” – Stefan Grossman
Holly Carter – Blueridge BR163
Bristolian Holly Carter is a singer-songwriter, twice ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ at the Americana UK awards, and is one of the UK’s only professional female pedal steel players.
Drawing inspiration from a varied musical upbringing, her musicality entwines aspects of folk, roots and Americana to create a mix that echoes everything from the likes of Gillian Welch to Chet Atkins. https://www.hollycartermusic.com/