Winchester Folk Club

Andy Cutting is a rarity. A musician’s musician: a soulful and technically outstanding melodeon practitioner with an ear for a fine tune. Many of his tunes have been purloined along the way: some considered contemporary classics on the folk scene. But then, Andy is also a warm and emotive perfomer, modestly engaging his audiences with his self-deprecating wit and then flooring them with downright staggering musicianship. There are few melodeon players who put so much feeling into their playing, whether it be a set of dance tunes, or accompaniment to a slow English ballad.

Andy has been consistent musical force since he came swiftly to prominence with the innovative Blowzabella. As well as a thorough grounding in the English tradition, Andy’s influences extend way beyond these isles, particularly to the music of Central France and to the storming Quebecois tradition. These influences will be well-known to all those familiar with Andy’s duo with English fiddle player, guitarist and singer, Chris Wood. Wood & Cutting became one of the most influential, and enduring duos on the scene; paving the way for the explosion of many of today’s thrusting young newcomers.

Andy’s commitment to, and sense of pride in traditional music, as well as his sensitivity and understanding of the form, has made him one of the folk scene’s most wanted, playing with Kate Rusby, John McCusker and Under One Sky to name but a few. There is also a growing demand for him to play outside this genre. He has recorded with Sting, John Illsley (Dire Straits), and was recently asked to join The Who for an acoustic concert in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. As well as his ongoing work with Chris, Andy is currently working with Martin Simpson, June Tabor and Blowzabella.

In my musical life I’ve been lucky to work with a few musicians that I would call a genius, Andy Cutting without a doubt is one of these people. He is not only a true master of his instrument but a very inspiring musician to play with and be around. I’ve learned loads just by listening & watching Andy play. To top it all off, you couldn’t meet a nicer fella. John McCusker

Hearing Andy Cutting play is like going through the wardrobe and finding Narnia. His music is glorious, joyful, moving, subtle, emotionally charged, a totally spell-binding experience that is never long enough. June Tabor

Andy is the consummate accompanist, harmonically, rhythmically and melodically and an exquisite soloist. There is no one I’d rather work with. Martin Simpson

Andy is a top drawer player who speaks with his hands. I had no idea how lucky I was to work with him until long after we had gone our separate ways. Chris Wood




Supported by Jigfoot – English folk – with swing!


Jigfoot create inventive arrangements of English dance tunes, played with energy, wit and swing.  The distinctive Jigfoot sound combines a robust and rhythmic approach with excellent musicianship.

We specialise in tunes from southern English sources, although we play tunes from other areas of the country too.  Whether we’re discovering lesser-played melodies languishing in tune books or rehabilitating tunes that have fallen out of fashion, we are always mindful that these tunes are, above all, dance music.  All of the band either dance or play regularly for dancing, and understand how the music and the dance work together, whether it’s morris, e-ceilidh, or ballroom classics.

“… a style that mixes traditional folk with gypsy jazz and undertones of baroque.  Their compelling sound was given real body by the inclusion of a cello” Lymington Folk Club

“reworked traditional tunes that jump and leap with infinite energy”FolkWords