Folk band

Unearthed

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About Unearthed

An instrumental folk duo performing a mixture of original and traditional music: background music for fetes, weddings, celebrations & more!
Folk band
Gloucestershire
Public liability insurance of £5 million

Whistle and recorder player John Davis has been playing music all of his life, and folk music for much of that time. He is known for playing either quickly or too quickly, depending on who you ask. He started playing with Nathan King about twenty years ago and, much to his surprise Nathan still puts up with him. As well as performing with Unearthed he also plays with the Plump Hill Band, and accompanies singer-songwriter Clint Mann. He feels slightly odd writing about himself in the third person like this. Guitarist and Lutanist Nathan King is a familiar figure in the Cheltenham music scene. Multi-instrumentalist, music teacher at The Music Junction, and co-owner of Cotswold Strings, he plays in a number of groups and ensembles, from folk to jazz. It is somewhat of a mystery how manages to find time for all his various projects. We suspect he has found a way to survive without sleep.

Unearthed's Reviews

From customers:

MF
Mitcheldean F
1 year ago

One of the standout performances of the night came from Unearthed, an instrumental folk duo comprised of whistle player John Davis and guitarist Nathan King...Their rendition of traditional and original tunes captivated the audience, engaged by tight guitar accompaniment and fast whistle playing that just got unbelievably faster. No wonder that Unearthed drew some of the loudest applause of the evening.

S
Shipfest
1 year ago

Nathan (guitar) and John (recorder), known as Unearthed, played at our village festival in July 2023. For those of us that gave up the recorder at ten, it was a reminder of what a capable, versatile and enjoyable instrument it can be (in the right hands). The duo played a mixture of songs and styles, slower songs and faster jigs and other danceable tunes, older and newer, borrowed and original tunes. Outside of the performance they were punctual and helpful, and it really was a great pleasure to have them here.

Encore badges
1st Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over a year

Unearthed's Song list

Traditional:
Lonesome Boatman
Nyth a Gog
Shebag and Shemore
Riverfield
Micheal Turner's
Grandad's and Over the Waterfall
Campbell's Farewell to Red Gap
Irish Washerwoman
Hullichan
She Moves through the Fair
Dusty Windowsills
Sailor's Hornpip
Speed the Plough
Out on the Ocean
Carolan's Concerto
A.M. Shinnie
...and many, many more...!
Contemporary:
Mrs Saggs
Tell Her I Am
History Man
Jump at the Sun
Cats of Camazen
Pressed for Time
Originals:
Flash in the Pan
Lakeside
Piper's and The Old Bridge
Twilight
The Long Road
English Masquerade
Ember
Firelight
Spinning on the Spot
Ruskin Mill
Chickens in the Dirt
How at the Moon

Unearthed's Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Up to 1 hour£187.50
Up to 2 hours£187.50
Up to 3 hours£250

Add-ons

Barn Dance With Caller
+£262.50
Customer questions

Do you have different line-up options?

Yes. We also work with a caller, to play at English Barn Dances.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

Not a problem - we are happy to be as flexible as possible!

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

We can provide recorded music (by other artists) before and between sets. We cannot provide a DJ!

How much time do you need to set up?

Ideally an hour, but we can do it in half an hour if necessary.

Can you roam around while you perform?

Yes, if we are performing accoustically.

Can I pick the songs you play from the set list?

Yes

Is all of the equipment (e.g. PA & lighting) included in your quote?

PA is included. We do not have lighting.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

We are an instrumental group, but are happy to learn any particular folk tunes you may want to hear!
Musicianship
Genres:
Folk, Traditional English folk, Traditional Irish folk, Ceilidh, Originals
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Types:
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Event types:
Concert, Wedding, Wedding proposal, Hotel / Restaurant event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Recording session, Cruise, Birthday party
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