The Folk Detectives

“A cheeky and comic romp … overflowing with comedy, music, song, and lively audience participation.” Sidmouth Herald. Every so often an act comes along which enthralls audiences and changes the face of music. This is not such an act. The Folk Detectives are Matthew Crampton and Paul Hutchinson, ditching any reputation they have built as singer-storyteller and maestro accordionist in this misguided assault on accepted wisdom. Their mission as Folk Detectives is ‘to uphold the lore – the Folklore.’ They forward outlandish theories. Morris dancing, for example, actually originated in ancient Egypt and is closely linked to the building of pyramids. Yes, really. Oh, and Little Musgrave was not so little after all. If this were not bad enough, The Folk Detectives present their nonsense in a format for which they are ill suited – a podcast, recorded before a live audience. Their previous twelve pilots all failed, thanks to technical incompetence, audience revolt or guests not turning up/suing the producers. But hope springs eternal – and Crampton & Hutchinson firmly believe their new thirteenth pilot will secure the truth and success they so desperately crave. You should exercise great caution in attending any event run by The Folk Detectives. But should you risk it, expect wild lecture, strange songs, radio ads for dodgy sponsors, Paul’s ‘session tips’, and the likely non-appearance of notable guests. You have been warned.