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When some artists are referred to as "legends" it is usually measured in years, or based on the quality of their music. Few are measured in both time and quality. One artist that has been judged by both is Iain Matthews. 

As a founding member of Fairport Convention back in '67, Matthews appeared on the bands' first three recordings (Fairport Convention, What We did on our Holidays and Unhalfbricking) until musical differences caused him to leave in '69 during the recording of their third album. 

In order to facilitate and develop his growing fascination with American singer/songwriters, in 1969 he formed his own band, Matthews Southern Comfort, This group spawned a massive European hit with the Joni Mitchell song "Woodstock". However, within a year, Matthews felt restricted and began his solo career, signing with the Vertigo label and a new era began. After 2 albums for the company, once again, he felt the need for newer pastures and in 1972 Plainsong, a quartet, was formed with friend Andy Roberts, where together and to high critical acclaim, they chronicled the exploits of American aviator, Amelia Earhart. 

Within a year Matthews was again on the move, this time changing continents in a move to Los Angeles, where he established an artist, producer relationship with ex Monkee, Michael Nesmith. Intending to make the one album, stay for a year and return to Britain, Matthews eventually became a US resident, staying for the next 28 years; along the way, recording a further 15 solo albums, plus several more with Plainsong and a couple with former Pavlov's Dog founder, David Surkamp, in the short lived Hi-Fi. 

n 2000, he returned to Europe and for the next 4 years worked closely with Dutch singer/ songwriter, Ad Vanderveen and together with Eliza Gilkyson, they formed the trio More Than a Song, recording and releasing 2 albums. 3 years ago Matthews released his 11th solo work, Zumbach's coat. 

On his latest album, Joy Mining (with the Searing Quartet), Matthews says:"It's the best work I have ever done, without a doubt. It took me forty years to find this place and now I'm here, I wonder where the hell I've been looking all those years."

Joining the bill as support is Sussex-based Mary Leay, an exciting new urban folk artist with a timeless and authentic quality both in her voice and songs. Leay is a powerful lyricist with an ability to make you feel she's talking only to you. She already has writing and vocal credits on several films including the autumn 2009 release 'Heartless' starring Jim Sturgess. Most recently she's been writing and recording towards a debut album at the studio of legendary artist Steve Winwood. There are no gimmicks in Mary's music, no clever tricks, just a rare honesty and beauty that has captured the hearts of those that have discovered her so far. Watch out for this one!