Jo Philby

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 is currently recording 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' is due to be launched at this years Orkney Folk Festival in May 2009 so watch this space...
"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!'