Jo began singing as an unaccompanied singer but since the release of 'Saltwater & Stone' wherever possible she is accompanied by a fine mix of Orkney musicians including husband Roger on bodhran, Graham Simpson (acoustic guitar), Fiona Driver (Fiddle) & Derek Curtis (irish wooden flute & whistle), Gavin Firth (guitar) & Shoot the Piper. This is an area she wishes to explore more.
Influences
In no particular order: Maddy Prior, Karan Casey, Mary Black, Kate Rusby, Karine Polwart, Emily Smith, Sara Daniels, Cara Dillon, Nancy Kerr, The Bothy Band, Maura O'connell, Dolores Keane, Niamph Parsons.
I sing for the love of traditional song & music. Having grown up with the English Folk scene all around me it was Maddy Prior who first inspired me. I have been particularly influenced by the Irish tradition because of their great 'story telling' gift through song. In more recent years I have listened to more Scottish singers since moving to Orkney. So many great artists & songs to learn! I cannot imagine a world without traditional music, it fills my soul.
Jo grew up in the south of England and ever since she can remember she heard folk music around her. She was encouraged to play music at school and went on to play classical flute. For many years her family holiday was spent at 'Sidmouth Folk Festival', so she was exposed to varied folk music at a young age. It wasn't until her late twenties that she developed a love for traditional Irish music after meeting Roger and friends Sara and Les Daniels.
Through this meeting Jo was encouraged to sing. They went to many Irish sessions together and she sang regularly at the 'Blue Anchor Folk Club' in Byfleet, where her confidence grew.
Jo and Roger moved to Orkney in 2002 and Jo has grown as a performer since then, regularly appearing at the local Folk Festival as well as concerts and ceilidhs around the islands. People respond to Jo's pure vocal style and enjoy the tales she tells through her evocative songs. She sings mostly unaccompanied but occasionally is backed by a selection of fine local musicians.
Jo has recorded two songs since moving to Orkney, 'The Constant Lovers' on 'Orkney Sessions' & 'Teddy O'Neil' - 'Orkney Folk' CD for the 25th Orkney Folk Festival.
Jo has recently recorded her debut CD 'Saltwater & Stone' which is a collection of songs she has been singing over the last 13 years. Although mainly an unaccompanied singer, an eclectic mix of some of Orkney's finest musicians are accompanying Jo for this recording. 'The songs are an honest interpretation of the stories I love to sing about'.
'Saltwater & Stone' was launched at this years Orkney Folk Festival in May 2009 & has been received well to critical acclaim. Read more in Jo's blogs..
"Jo Philby has chosen a broad selection of her favourite songs from the folk tradition and really made them her own with clear, well measured vocals and a sensitive, uncluttered approach to instrumental accompaniment. This is a recording Jo can certainly be proud of!” Emily Smith - Scots singer of the year 2008
"Jo Philby's debut album 'Saltwater and Stone' is a treasure trove of carefully chosen songs from the living well of folk music. Jo's sweet singing is a pleasure to listen to in any weather, her sheer delighting in and love of songs and singing them is obvious throughout this recording.
Jo has managed to gather around herself sensitive musicians who share her understanding of the songs and the music which, as part of everyday life, enrich our experience of the world and can serve to lift us above and yet further into the ordinary.Saltwater and Stone is a gem that will not not tarnish in salt water nor be worn out by stone." Ger Wolfe - Singer/Songwriter
"A singer whose passion for song lies in the Irish and english traditions. Jo has a skilful way of holding an audience spellbound as she weaves tales with her pure vocal style. Her fine song selection shows how an unaccompanied set can have new life and vibrancy."
"Jo shows that this art form, if approached with complete commitment, satisfies as much as any other."
"A clear and tuneful voice."
Jo is also a keen gardener and wildlife enthusiast. Jo & Roger live in a beautiful part of Orkney West mainland and have a smallholding there. They have chickens, ducks, gloucester old spot pigs, a jacobs sheep and a golden retriever called 'Selkie'. They also run their 'Fluke Jewellery' business from there and are members of the Orkney Craft Trail. 'Come and say hello if you are in Birsay!'
FÁILTE and thanks for the friendship. Hope you enjoy our tunes on
Uilleann Pipes & Fiddle when you get a chance to have a listen
:-)) Sláinte from Ireland, F&E @ www.neffbros.eu
Jo! Do you like Nerine Lilies? Do you have any? Would you like some? I have spare ones if you want them, enough for a nice clump. Would look lovely in your border! X
eeugh I'm so ill I cancelled all my lessons, so no food for a week now! Gav says they only heard about cc the night before the final concert so you never know... X Fi PS wish I could breathe!
HI' Great my space thingy! I think you will have a lot of intrest with such a beautiful voice as yours. Please don't deny the public an album in the near future. Also, you make the best roast pork i have ever tasted! All good wishes 4u [G]
Hi Jo Great to hear from you and welcome to myspace! Its a shame that we won't be up at Orkney this year, hopefully we'll get back soon enough. Have a super time. Love to yourself and Roger, Claire
Hiya Jo - It was indeed a great start to the Sessions - And I loved your new Songs - Im getting Festival Fever Noo thank goodness Ive taken holidays - I chust dont have the power Captain heehee - CheersNoo - John xxx
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