About This Event

‘A concoction of an extraordinary magnetism … The affection between the two players is obvious, two generations joined by their shared love and knowledge of the maverick musician [John Martyn]’ – At The Barrier 'Her articulate picking, with suggestions of folk and jazz, frames intelligently written songs’ – Guitarist Magazine Raised in the East Yorkshire flatlands on the fringes of Hull (UK), Katie Spencer’s landscape has always been that of open skies and widening rivers. It is this sense of space and movement that flows through her assured guitar style and songwriting. Now, as Katie steps into this new era with a third album, her focus turns to those deeper inner spaces, inviting the listener to engage with her heartfelt and intricately-crafted songs. As a pairing, Katie Spencer & Alan Thomson (fretless bass) curate a special one-of-a-kind evening celebrating the music of John Martyn, alongside interpretations of Katie’s original compositions. Alan Thomson is a world- renowned fretless bass player, he spent many decades touring and writing with John Martyn. Some of his other credits include Martin Barre, John Jorgenson & Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle. The evening will feature songs from their 2021 EP ‘Hurt In Your Heart’. The release was celebrated for its dreamlike qualities and expansive reinterpretations of Martyn’s songs that that reached deep into the heart and soul of the music. ‘Katie captures the feel of Martyn’s most sublime work perfectly.’ – Northern Sky ‘It would take a brave artist to cover John Martyn’s atmospheric late-night classic, Small Hours. So, step forward, Katie Spencer.’ – Iain Anderson, BBC Radio Scotland Katie’s original writing, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice. Artists like Joni Mitchell, Judee Sill, Julie Byrne and perhaps most evidently Michael Chapman, weave into her sound. Katie absorbs these influences into her songwriting and with her distinctive deep vibrato and crystal-clear guitar style, she makes the music inimitably her own. Katie released her third album What Love Is in October 2025, entering the Official Folk Album’s Chart at #12. It is an intimate collection of ten songs produced by Matt Ingram (Laura Marling, The Staves). Recorded in London’s Urchin Studios and featuring prominent players Giacomo Smith (clarinet), Max Clilverd (pedal steel), Tom Mason (double bass) and Matt Ingram (drums, synth). What Love Is evokes the spirit of Joni Mitchell’s finest later works, always honouring without emulating. Lyrically mature and at times pastoral; the album is melodically sophisticated and unflinchingly honest. She moves effortlessly from wide-open jazz- tinged soundscapes, influenced by Pharoah Sanders and John Abercrombie, through to the folk-baroque fingerpicking style that her fans admire her for. Her singing is powerful yet warm, true and pristine in delivery. The musicianship throughout the record feels liberated by Katie’s innovation and confidence, and the result is a master-class of inspired and beautiful-sounding craftmanship. ‘Fresh as a sweet Sunday morning’ – MOJO ★★★★ ‘… a fine singer-songwriter, and an excellent guitarist’ – Songlines ★★★★ ‘… a world-class folk guitarist’ – fRoots 'Katie’s guitar playing has echoes of my dear friend the late great Bert Jansch. Like a musical weaver she threads her poetic lyrics through the guitar’s strings and produces tapestries of song.' – Ralph McTell Katie has toured extensively and is a powerful and confident presence on stage, delivering her finely-tuned music with humour and insight. It is often said that Katie draws audiences into her mesmerising and musically articulate world with gentle affection and care. Her impressive live touring schedule is testament to this, and has seen her headline some of the most prestigious venues in the UK, including St Pancras Old Church and The Trades Club in Hebden Bridge, and perform at many respected major folk festivals such as the world- renowned Celtic Connections and Cambridge Folk Festival. Her live history also features many overseas adventures including extensive tours in Europe and Australia (including Port Fairy Folk Festival). In 2025, Katie continued to tour widely in the UK and Europe, and was also invited to represent Britain and perform at theprestigious Folk Alliance International in Montreal, Canada. She recently became the owner and endorsee of a custom-built signature guitar, specially crafted for her by distinguished luthier Tom Sands. Her debut album Weather Beaten (2019) was praised for its “unique song-craft, spell-binding musicianship and crystal sonic clarity,” as she brought together fans of music from all backgrounds and walks of life. This was followed by The Edge of the Land (2022), which reached #14 in the Official Folk Charts upon release. This record also features Tom Mason on double bass, with additional percussion and piano provided by Arran Ahmun and

Line-up

Frequently asked questions

Staying overnight?

Hotels within walking distance of Backstage at The Green Hotel.