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Derek & Julia Batters met at the start of the millennium. Both brought a love of folk tradition to the relationship and now perform together as a shanty duo. Julia (melodeon) originated from a musical family in London. She used to sleep in her carrycot on top of the family piano! Derek is an accomplished singer from Lancashire. He first found his voice in his teens singing lead parts in school operatic productions before becoming involved with folk music. But don’t let their history put you off, the growing interest in this type of music has produced many new performers, but few of the quality of this pair.
The saucy nature of many shanties is enhanced by the interplay between the couple giving a performance that is both warm and humorous as well as musical. For those who love traditional music delivered with strength, clarity and simplicity this couple will never fail to delight.
The couple are equally at home in a variety of venues from the main stage to the more intimate surroundings of a public house. Their enjoyment of the music is infectious and stands them in good stead whether performing in their own right, or hosting singarounds.