Carrie Martin at The Lantern Theatre + Jon Cocker

Carrie is a true born and bred Yorkshire lass, born in Hull. She first picked up a guitar at the age of four and made her first public performance at the tender age of nine, playing at a school concert, later in clubs alongside her father, who worked the circuit as a guitarist and vocalist.

After some years out raising her children, 2014 saw the release of her first full album, “What If”, on which she was joined by guest musicians Gorddon Giltrap, Oliver Wakeman (son of Rick) and Ric Sanders from Fairport Convention.

“Seductive Sky” was the next release in 2018. This time the sound was much richer, with a full band treatment on several of its tracks, once again there were guest players, Gordon Giltrap MBE, Oliver Wakeman, and Elliott Randall. The album demonstrates a quantum leap in terms of the subtlety and craftsmanship of her songwriting, both musically and lyrically.

“Seductive Sky” followed in 2020, and “Evergreen” in 2023.

Carrie's live performances with just guitar and voice are a force to be reckoned with, weaving intricate melodies creating a heartfelt sound.

“Phenomenal” - Rick Wakeman CBE

“Martin is equally skilled on guitar, on vocals and as writer. The voice is distinctive - the crystalline purity and range of a Kate Bush, the depth and delicacy of a Sandy Denny. And the songs to which she applies them stand up with any of her peers. The chord sequence f the title track evokes Joni Micthell’s Hejira album.” - Trevor Raggatt, RnR Magazine.

“It’s pretty obvious from the moment you hear Carrie Martin sing that she is an outstanding vocalist with passion in each breath. Don't be too sidetracked by that voice and stage persona and well-crafted songs, because you might just miss the fact that she is a fine guitar player as well!” - Gordon Giltrap 

Jon Cocker plays a warm, full-sounding blend of alternative/folk acoustic music. He grew up in Sheffield (UK) and played in bands in Leeds and Norwich, inspired by artists such as The Allman Brothers. He uses his band experience to combine a full guitar sound with insightful, emotive vocals, playing at festivals such as Wild Paths in Norwich alongside the likes of José González. Performing regularly in Leeds, Sheffield and surrounding areas, his debut EP was likened to Nick Drake, Neil Young, and Jeff Buckley, and captures all the emotion possible in this age of time pressures and distraction. His second album, ‘Two’, expands on this, with a slightly more uplifting edge. Jon balances thoughtful nature-inspired vocals with his Sheffield city roots, to produce a subtle yet euphoric sound appreciated at gigs across the UK.

"Jon Cocker is an authentic … Cocker’s got some of Young’s twang and a touch of Buckley’s rare vibrating sustain. Sparse production is all that’s needed to aid in the illumination of this brilliant performance. Cocker effectively captures their aura in song." - The Wild Is Calling 

”Cocker’s excellent acoustic guitar playing, freewheeling sense for melody, soulful vocals, and intimate recordings on not only “Green Blue” but his entire self-titled EP make it easy to draw comparison between him and Nick Drake. As he sings “All my love fades to grey”, you feel the muted reality of heartache: no spectacle, just a lingering lack of colour." - Counterzine

"This musician from the United Kingdom has definitely deserved your attention. Especially if you want to spend some little time for your summertime sadness. His voice sounds so alive. As a contrast for modern autotune addiction, these waves go through the ears right into my heart." - Faeton Music