About Me
Judy Dinning was born and raised in rural Northumberland, daughter of a farmer. Both sides of her family are steeped in Northumbrian and Scottish history from the sea to the land. Judy still lives in Northumberland.From her earliest years she had a passion for music and singing and eventually she began singing and piano lessons with a local teacher in Hexham. Winifred Cooper instilled in Judy a love of all types of music although her teaching was of classical pieces. Judy went on to gain a London College Diploma in Voice. She also was a member of the Stage Society in Hexham and an offshoot group ‘The Cooptimists’ - a concert party - run by their producer, Mary Newman - so at 16 was treading the boards of the local WI halls - all great fun.But always around her was the traditional music of the North East. After a few tentative visits to Hexham Folk Club in the 1970’s and picking up her first guitar, Judy began singing solo and with local folk group Passport, (Alan Lynch, Richard Chamberlain (Chippy) and John Parkin) influenced by the singing of Sandy Denny, Judy Collins, Barbara Dickson, Allan Taylor and many others from both the UK and USA, songs both traditional and contemporary.Since those early days at Hexham Folk Club, Judy’s love of acoustic music has not diminished, and she went on to record and tour with Dave Smith (guitar) eventually releasing the album ‘Waiting for the Change’ on Rubber Records in 1982.After a family break Judy returned to folk music in the early nineties with the encouragement of Jim & Jacquie at the Kings Head in Allendale - a bit of a hot bed of acoustic music then - they promoted many gigs at the pub. Here Judy as well as playing at the folk club was asked to support many great performers including Fairport, The Strawbs, Pentangle and Ralph McTell and also play there in her own right and eventually with Lucky Bags.Lucky Bags evolved through a chance meeting at Allendale with Liz law. An all girl group with Julie Ann Kay, Zena Tubmen , Liz Law and Emma Welton was formed. With an eclectic mix of instruments, natural harmony and material they embarked on a madcap journey of touring and recording (hence the name) and went down a storm. Two albums on Fellside Records (Food for Thought, Delight and Disorder) and many forays through the UK and Europe followed.Judy had known Jez Lowe for many years and in 1997 Jez asked her to join The Bad Pennies (Jez Luton and Billy Surgeoner, Simon Haworth joined soon after
Jez Luton left the band). With Jez the touring was worldwide and extensive and she recorded three albums with him (Parish Notices, Live at the Davy Lamp, Honesty Box). During this time she played many international festivals and made many friends and contacts across the world in Australia, Canada, Europe and the USA.For six years Judy played in the Bad Pennies and in 2001 after some solo gigs and the desire to record in her own right she decided to ask around for advice.
Dave Tearney her Dutch agent and an old friend suggested a partnership with Kenny Speirs who was leaving the John Wright Band at the same time. Coincidentally, Bob Gilchrist Kenny’s agent (and also Judy’s in the UK) suggested the same idea. The rest is history, and since playing their first gig in March 2002 Real Time have become one of the most respected bands on the folk circuit.As well as playing in Real Time, Judy has been involved in the Northumbrian Anthology project in Newcastle. Judy enjoyed recording and performing many Northumbrian songs for this collection which is organised by Mawson & Wareham Music and supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund. In 2004 Judy released a spin off solo album ‘Fine Times’ on MWM. This is a collection of North Eastern songs both traditional and contemporary and produced by Pete Scott and Judy and featuring Pete (guitar), Johnnie Dickinson (slide guitar), Neil Harland (bass) and Tony Davis (keyboard).
