Churchfitters

The Churchfitters are an English folk group, and were founded in 1978 by singer/songwriter Anthony McCartan from Belfast and multi-instrumentist Geoff Coombs from Essex (later a founding member of the band Kip Keano), after a band they had previously both toured with collapsed.

Rosie Short joined soon after its formation having previously been playing in a London-based traditional Irish outfit. During the years that followed, the group frequently changed its line-up, as well as having many guest performers including reed maker Chris Apps. She plays whistle, flute, saxophone, banjo, dulcimer and ukulele, and more!

They enjoyed great success, frequently touring East Anglia, before slimming down to a duo (Anthony and Rosie) in order to tour extensively throughout Europe and even as far as Australia.

In 1993 the duo decided to move to Brittany, France and was joined by Rosie's brother Chris who had been in London playing in World, Irish and Bluegrass groups. Chris plays fiddle, mandolin, whistle, and musical saw.

In 1999, after 19 years of touring, they recorded their first studio album "the parting glass" in Vern-sur-Seiche. This was followed by Strange News in 2001 and the live album This Fine Night in 2003 taking tracks from their recent tour of France.

From their base in Brittany they then toured as a trio throughout France and Europe until Anthony's death after a long battle with cancer on 4 September 2004.

Shortly afterwards Boris Lebret (double bass, homemade bass, six-string bass banjo, bing-bong-box and percussion) and Topher Loudon (vocals, bouzouki and guitar) joined the group & they have since produced four new albums. New Tales for Old (2005), Amazing (2007), Sing (2009) & Amongst the Green (2012).

Topher Loudon left the band and Margaux Scherer (percussions, drums and backing vocals) joined Churchfitters in a new album Get Wise (2014)

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Churchfitters.

• Official website