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 'Anchor Folk Club' in Byfleet, where her confidence grew. Jo and husband Roger moved to Orkney in 2002 and Jo has grown as a performer since then, regularly appearing at the Orkney Folk Festival as well as numerous community events and concerts 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 just recorded & produced her debut CD 'Saltwater & Stone' which is a collection of songs she has been singing over the last 13 years. It ranges from the very first traditional song learnt ‘Do You Love an Apple?’ & includes songs from some of her favourite singer/songwriters including Emily Smith, Kate Rusby, Karine Polwart… Although mainly an unaccompanied singer an eclectic mix of some of Orkney's finest musicians are accompanying Jo for this recording. Including; Fiona Driver (Fiddle), Graham Simpson (acoustic guitar), Gavin Firth (acoustic guitar), Derek Curtis (Flute, whistle), Roger Philby (Bodhran), Mark Shiner (Clarsach Harp), Elma Cullen (Backing Vocals), Phil Anderson (Bass & Keyboard). 'Saltwater & Stone' was launched at the 2009 Orkney Folk Festival.
Jo has just recorded & produced her debut CD 'Saltwater & Stone' which is a collection of songs she has been singing over the last 13 years. It ranges from the very first traditional song learnt ‘Do You Love an Apple?’ & includes songs from some of her favourite singer/songwriters including Emily Smith, Kate Rusby, Karine Polwart… Although mainly an unaccompanied singer an eclectic mix of some of Orkney's finest musicians are accompanying Jo for this recording. Including; Fiona Driver (Fiddle), Graham Simpson (acoustic guitar), Gavin Firth (acoustic guitar), Derek Curtis (Flute, whistle), Roger Philby (Bodhran), Mark Shiner (Clarsach Harp), Elma Cullen (Backing Vocals), Phil Anderson (Bass & Keyboard). 'Saltwater & Stone' was launched at the 2009 Orkney Folk Festival.