"The harmony work is sharp and unfussy, the words are worth listening to, the tunes are good and the group convey a real energy and enthusiasm in their singing." -- Nick Beale, Folk Roots, UK.

When Artisan hung up their tonsils in November 2005 they weren't adamant about saying: Never again, but they knew they were going to wait for the right time to do a reunion tour. A combination of Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival's persistent invitations, and especially their upcoming 25th anniversary event, and Artisan's own itchness to sing some harmonies again has persuaded them out of retirement - briefly. They are getting together to record another studio album for release in July 2010, plus they'll release the Best Of Artisan retrospective that was talked about a few years ago. Then they'll be available to play some festivals and a few clubs and concerts from 1st July through to September 17th 2010.

Artisan If you want them at your festival or event please contact Jacey now. The tour is almost full.

The songs are, as much of Artisan's material, humorous but with a deeper meaning lurking below the surface. You'll have your fun but you'll come away with a deeper understanding of the issues being sung about. And, as always, the harmonies of Jacey Bedford, Brian Bedford and Hilary Spencer are as wonderfully tuneful and rhythmic as any to be found on the folk scene today.--Dirty Linen, USA

A Brief History of Everything Artisan-ish

Gestated in 1984 and birthed in 1985 as a fun thing to do, Artisan kept getting invited to play more and more gigs until finally they kicked their day jobs into touch and went full time in 1989, playing folk clubs and festivals in the UK with a few side-trips to Belgium and Germany. In 1994 North America beckoned, first Canada and then the USA. Audiences loved them. In the next eleven years, between touring up and down the UK they did thirty North American tours playing everything from house-concerts to big outdoor festival stages such as Vancouver and Winnipeg Festivals and the Philadelphia Folksong Festival, playing to 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 people at a time. They even toured to Australia via Hong Kong. Heady stuff.

And it was still fun.

Fourteen albums and a concert DVD later they decided that you can have too much fun, sometimes. Travelling takes its toll (more than the singing) and they all had a hankering to do something a bit different. Brian's recording studio, Hilary's duo gigs with Grant Baynham (as Quicksilver) and Jacey's writing and folk agency all drew them to the conclusion that it had been twenty great years, but it was time for a rest. That was 2005. They did a farewell tour, a massive closing concert (DVD still available) and retired (dis)-gracefully to work on other things.

Still friends.

Five years later and they're starting to hanker after being out there again. For a short tour at least. Catch them while you can in July, August and September 2010.

A history of Artisan

"Our Back Yard is a treasure box of social commentary done a cappella. If you're intrigued with lyrics and the purity of the human voice, it's for you."--Crossroads Magazine, USA

"I would cheerfully sell my soul to the Devil for Hilary Spencer's voice."--Claire Giles, Shirefolk, UK.

"Tremendous in their sheer ability to sing and entertain."--Venue Magazine, UK

"A velvety tenderness that no other harmony group comes near." --Taplas Magazine, (Wales) UK.

For more reviews click here

Artisan at Summerfolk, Owen Sound, Ontario, 2010

This page was created by Jacey Bedford. Last updated 13th June 2010

Artisan (UK) Reunion Tour Summer 2010

1st July to 17th September 2010

(Yes it really will be five years since they retired! And now they're BAAACK!)

A Brief History of Everything Artisan-ish

Artisan (UK)
Reunion Tour Summer 2010