What they said about….

Kathy Wallis and Jon Heslop

"Strong voices, new songs and themed sets combine in Kathy and Jon’s performances to give audiences a richer, more satisfying experience. The songs are allowed to say more and the total is much more than the sum of the parts."

- Paul Wilson, The Wren Trust.

"Their songs and tales of Cornwall and of the sea are a wonderful mixture of humour, pathos and sympathy cleverly blended to create some of the most sensitively written songs I have heard for many years. Compelling listening for even the most critical folkie!"

-Barry Day, organiser, Cotswold Capers Folk Festival

"Prepare to be entertained, educated, entranced and enchanted! The skills that this duo of folk performers bring to cubs, festivals and concerts always leave audiences wanting more.

Jon Heslop is rapidly becoming known as one of the best singer/songwriters of the present time. His songs are appearing more and more on the albums of some of the best known folk artists and are frequently heard being sung in folk clubs by those who have ‘nicked’ them from either his albums or performances. However, to hear these songs sung from the heart by the man who has experienced the feelings that engendered them is an opportunity not to be missed. He writes and sings of his experiences in both the mining and fishing communities of South Wales and Cornwall with such wonderful expression that he transports the listener to those communities and their emotions.

Kathy Wallis is not only blessed with a wonderful singing voice, she also has the ability to cast a spell over her listeners - whether it be by song or by storytelling. Although originating from the South East of England, Kathy has surely taken on the attributes of the Celts of Cornwall, their present home. She weaves a story, with or without music, in such a magical way that even the wee folk could not fail to be enchanted. She won the Storytelling Competition so consistently at the Chippenham Folk Festival that in the end they had to concede and award her the Storytellers Staff permanently!

Jon and Kathy bring with them such a love and a wealth of knowledge of the folk songs, customs and traditions of Britain from pre-history to the present day that they cannot fail to enthuse their audience with their skills, enthusiasm and talent."

- Pauline Iason, Leader Five Bar Gate Ceilidh band, ex Executive Chippenham Folk Festival

"Hilarity to seriousness, Jon with his own songwriting visions of true life incidents composed and sung with passion. Kathy with stories and songs to please all, young and old. A night to be remembered and cherished by all."

- Mo Saddler, organiser, Newport Folk Club.

"Listen closely to Kathy and Jon for there’s a lot of talent waiting to be heard in their singing and storytelling."

- Alan White, organiser, Wareham Wail Festival

"Take one guitar, one song bird, one singer/songwriter who writes beautiful thought provoking songs which live forever and one storyteller - what have you? Jon and Kathy of course! Known and loved throughout the folk circuit.

Seafaring songs, gripping eerie stories, songs of mines and miners, the plight of the whales, soul searching lyrics of love, labour and longing, never at a loss for a song to appeal. Kathy and Jon have the ability to hold any audience for as long as the landlord will allow everyone to stay."

- Verna Connelly, organiser, Upton upon Severn Folk Festival

"Adopted Cornish Folk, true Celtic ambassadors, Kathy and Jon have been taken into the hearts of all who know them. As entertainers of the finest calibre they deserve the excellent reputation they have built up over the years."

- Gay Hartley, organiser, Mendip Packet Folk Club

"I never expected anything less than brilliance as I’ve seen them perform in Cornwall - I was not disappointed."

- Mike Gibson, organiser, Uxbridge Folk Club

"I was so impressed I asked them to sing at my wedding service."

- Carol Terry, organiser, Uxbridge Folk Club

"On St Tibbs’ Eve, take a pinch of Starry Gazey pie, a large helping of alcoholic mince pies and a sip or two from the Wassail bowl. Add a dash of Padstow Carols and some disappearing sherry. Then Bring in the Green to garnish and you have the perfect recipe for a Cornish Christmas."

- Dusty Withers, organiser, The Village Folk Club, Catisfield

"Jon Heslop and Kathy Wallis are an interesting and stimulating musical partnership. They have a unique repertoire firmly based in the English vocal tradition, but which encompasses appropriate contemporary material in that style. Many of their songs are written by Jon, who has the ability to identify themes that combine topical relevance with traditional resonance’s and present them in a way that is appealing, effective and widely applauded by other songwriters as well as folk audiences at large.

Jon’s deep voice, underpinned by competent guitar work, can carry a surprising delicacy when required, but is equally at home in a rousing chorus song or providing a bass counterpoint.

Kathy’s voice has a wide range of both pitch and dynamics. She can put all the intensity and power you will ever need into a gospel song or a chorus. But, in the next breath, her voice can acquire an intimacy that is ideal for quieter material and for story telling.

Good research enables Kathy and Jon to place their material in context and leads to a particularly intelligent and enjoyable set design. Indeed, they are probably at their best when able to develop a theme and make full use of their varied talents and repertoire. It’s a scenario in which good humour and good music march hand in hand."

- Mike O’Connor, Songwriter, Story teller and producer

"Jon and Kathy offer a complete package. Songs of depth and insight that you’ll be humming for days afterwards. Stories to make you realise there’s more to life than at first sight.

Jon’s songs hit a chord in all of us. If you care about life, you’ll love his songs - just listen. Jon has taken our tradition and woven new songs from new depths, to make us think again about what really matters. Sung in his dark brown baritone, Jon’s songs will bring tears to your eyes and then Kathy’s crystal clear voice soars above to give a magical lift and make you tingle all over again.

Emotionally drained from the last song you realise it’s still Jon and Kathy, now having a laugh with them, at life’s little foibles or just some homespun comment that, after laughing, will have you thinking for a long time to come.

Kathy, a fine exciting singer in her own right, brings silence to anywhere she tells her stories. Sometimes sad, sometimes amusing, always enchanting in the true meaning of the word.

And through it all there’s humour - dry , witty and always that twinkle in both their eyes, that invites you into their hearts. I’ve been there - I loved it.

Jon and Kathy tell life like it is, from the heart - with love."

- Andy Jackson, organiser Miskin Folk Weekend