Folk jazz from Cornwall
Burton
Bradstock
English folk song, reimagined
Rooted in the oral traditions of rural England. Shaped by jazz harmony and restraint. A sound that feels both ancient and entirely present.
"A uniquely British take on jazz."
Proper Music Distribution
"A jazz cousin of Fairport Convention's Liege and Lief."
Jazzwise
"Great voice and rich, intense arrangements."
Royal Festival Hall
"A contemporary jazz and folk project of real note."
The Musician
About the project
Burton Bradstock is a contemporary folk-jazz project led by singer and musician Jimmy Cannon. The project takes its name from a village on the Jurassic Coast, a place that stands for something in English folk memory, and something of that spirit is in the music: quiet, particular, rooted.
Drawing on the oral tradition of jazz alongside the repertoire held in the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, the project presents new settings of traditional English song. Influences include Benjamin Britten's folk arrangements and the slow, patient art of letting a melody speak. The music is not interpretive for its own sake. It is built on four simple foundations:
The result is an intimate, lyrical listening experience. At home in village halls, arts centres, and jazz venues alike, it brings together audiences who care about craft, tradition, and the continuing life of song.
Listen
Burton Bradstock promo
Salisbury Plain, from the album All Upon a Lovely Summer's Day (F-IRE, 2012)
The musicians
Jimmy Cannon
Voice, concept, direction
Dorian Ford
Piano
Iain Ballamy
Saxophone (debut album)
Pete Berryman
Guitar (debut album)
History and return
The debut album All Upon a Lovely Summer's Day was released on the F-IRE label in October 2012, launched at PizzaExpress Jazz Club in Soho and followed by performances across London and beyond. The record was reviewed by Jazzwise, the London Jazz Blog, Jazz FM, and a range of folk and jazz publications, and received airplay on UK Jazz Radio.
The years that followed brought a busy performing life, regular appearances in London jazz venues, and a growing relationship with folk and roots audiences. Then, as for so many projects, the pandemic brought an enforced pause.
Jimmy has since returned to Cornwall, where his own musical roots were first laid down, and the project has been quietly reassembled. The repertoire is deepening, the collaborations are continuing, and Burton Bradstock is ready to perform again.
Booking and enquiries
Burton Bradstock performs in concert halls, arts centres, village halls, and intimate jazz venues. For touring, residencies, or rural arts schemes, please get in touch directly.