Welcome to Unearthed


Unearthed are an instrumental folk duo based in Gloucestershire, the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean.

We perform a mixture of traditional, contemporary and original folk music on lute and recorder.

We can provide background music for festivals and fetes, weddings and anniversaries, local celebrations, folk clubs, school events, conferences, and much more.

Read on to learn more about us, listen to our music, and see us in action!

 

"A reminder of what a versatile and enjoyable instrument the recorder can be in the right hands!"

Shipfest '23

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About Us

John Davis

John has been playing music all of his life, and folk music for much of that time.

He is known for playing either quickly or too quickly, depending on who you ask.

He started playing with Nathan King about twenty years ago and, much to his surprise Nathan still puts up with him.

As well as performing with Unearthed he also plays with the Plump Hill Band, and accompanies singer-songwriter Clint Mann.

He feels slightly odd writing about himself in the third person like this.

Nathan King

Nathan is a familiar figure in the Cheltenham music scene.

Multi-instrumentalist, music teacher at The Music Junction, and co-owner of Cotswold Strings, he plays in a number of groups and ensembles, from folk to jazz.

It is somewhat of a mystery how manages to find time for all his various projects.

We suspect he has found a way to survive without sleep.

Testimonials

Read what people have been saying about us!

 

One of the standout performances of the night came from Unearthed, an instrumental folk duo comprised of whistle player John Davis and guitarist Nathan King...Their rendition of traditional and original tunes captivated the audience, engaged by tight guitar accompaniment and fast whistle playing that just got unbelievably faster. No wonder that Unearthed drew some of the loudest applause of the evening.

Mitcheldean Festival '23

 

Nathan (guitar) and John (recorder), known as Unearthed, played at our village festival in July 2023. For those of us that gave up the recorder at ten, it was a reminder of what a capable, versatile and enjoyable instrument it can be (in the right hands). The duo played a mixture of songs and styles, slower songs and faster jigs and other danceable tunes, older and newer, borrowed and original tunes. Outside of the performance they were punctual and helpful, and it really was a great pleasure to have them here.

Shipfest '23

 

Upcoming Gigs

Saturday 9th July '22: Coleford Festival (with Mitcheldean Folk Club)

Saturday 4th March '23: Ceilidh (Private Event)

Friday 14th July '23: Mitcheldean Festival

Saturday 15th July '23: Shipfest

Saturday 16th September '23: Harvest Supper (Private Event)

Saturday 4th November '23: St Stephens, Cheltenham: Afternoon Concert

Saturday 13th January '24: Shipton Reading Room, near Cheltenham, with Keith Hyett.
Click Here for tickets!


Saturday 17th February '24: The New Inn, Gloucester Folk Trail, accompanying Clint Mann

Saturday 16th March '24: Lea Village Hall (venue tbc): English barn dance

Saturday 13th April '24: Highleadon Village Hall, with Keith Hyatt

 

Or, if you can't wait that long to see us, check out the videos below!


"Lakeside"
Performed at Mitcheldean Festival 2023
Video by Jenni Davis


"The Long Road"
Performed at Mitcheldean Festival 2023
Video by Tracey Dixon

Contact Us

If you'd like to book us, learn more about our music, or want to get in touch for any reason, we'd love to hear from you! Just fill in the form below, and we'll get back to you. Or you can email us at info@unearthed.live.

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