Scotland born and now Canada-based, this legendary interpreter and songsmith's love of traditional music was first inspired by his family. His father played the concertina, and popular songs, Scottish songs and old-time favourites were often sung at home. After graduating from the Glasgow School of Art in sculpture and ceramics, Enoch formed the traditional Scottish group, The Reivers, with Josh MacRae, Rena Swankie and Moyna Flanagan. The group researched the history, lyrics and music of Scottish folksongs which were published by The Scotsman. Scottish Television then signed the band to perform these old songs every week to a new and ever-widening audience. The band's live shows and steadfast interest in promoting traditional music formed the foundation of the Scottish folk music revival that took place in the 1950s and 1960s. Later, when Enoch moved to London, he kept this music alive and well with his folk band "The Exiles", with fellow Scotsmen Gordon MacCulloch and Bobby Campbell.
Enoch Kent's own songwriting craft was further developed through The Singers Club (aka "The Critics Group") which he co-founded with internationally renowned folksingers, Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger. Since immigrating to Canada in the 60s, Enoch performed in many folk clubs and festivals across the country to wide acclaim. During that time, he focused on live performance and decided to put recording aside for awhile. However, after a 36-year recording hiatus, at the age of 70, Enoch well made up for lost time with his return to the studio and the release of four outstanding CDs on the Canadian indie label SecondAvenue Records: "I'm A Workin' Chap" (2002), "Love, Lust & Loathing" (2003), "For The Women" (2005), and "I'm A Rover" (2006). These albums have been garnering rave reviews, extensive airplay and tour opportunities across Canada, the US, UK and Germany, and include such gems as the "The Farm Auction", (recorded by Garnet Rogers, The McCalmans, Jean Redpath and others), "No More Cod On The Banks", "The Widows O' War", and "Edinburgh Maggie". Enoch's music is treasured by traditional music enthusiasts with a passion for story-songs, love & betrayal ballads, and gritty politics. While his songs are deeply rooted in the traditional Scottish style, much of his subject matter is Canadian, giving his music a unique cultural blend. What's more is Enoch's natural storytelling style complemented by a ferocious wit and kitchen-range warmth.
Enoch was recently nominated for the Canadian Folk Music Awards category of Best Singer-Traditional.
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EPK Press Kit
Look out for the new album of traditional and contemporary songs from Enoch which will be released in the summer. It features Pat Simmonds (Spraoi, Jon Brooks) and Kelly Hood and will be released on the Exile Music lable .
