Jack Francis & Hattie Whitehead

Folklore Sessions Presents;
In association with Songbird Medicine Show

Jack Francis + Hattie Whitehead
November 26th, The Folklore Rooms
£14adv
18+

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jack Francis’ second album ‘Early Retirement’ is another example of his impressive work. Shining a spotlight on Francis’ unique brand of Soulful Folk, ‘Early Retirement’ explores a broad range of influences, touching on great British, Irish and American songwriting.

The lyrical content demonstrates the writer’s acerbic wit and attention to detail and compounds his experience navigating modern society and fallen dreams. The singles from his sophomore record were picked up on national radio and championed by the likes of BBC Radio 2, Radio X and BBC Radio Scotland - the album itself appearing in both the Official Americana and Official Folk Charts upon its release in March 2024. The song ‘Failure’ was subsequently nominated for ‘Song Of The Year’ at the UK Americana Awards in 2025.

CLASH – "Soulful, country-folk - somewhere between Ron Sexsmith and Hamish Hawk.”

Louder Than War – ‘This album is more than a bit of a triumph… this whole album should be declared an area of outstanding natural beauty.”

AmericanaUK – “Jack Francis is an outstanding songwriter… this is thoughtful and ambitious work that comes highly recommended"

6 months after the release of debut album Bloom, Hattie Whitehead finds herself in a place of momentum and deeper creative clarity. Described by Jazzwise as “one of the greatest singers I have ever heard,” Hattie continues to carve out a distinctive space with her outspoken voice and emotionally honest songwriting.

Bloom, produced by John Reynolds (Sinead O’Connor), was praised as “emotionally engaged, well-voiced, and decently written” (Arts Desk), “sophisticated listening” (Fatea Magazine) The album’s intimate exploration of grief, growth, and female empowerment resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, receiving 5 stars from RnR Magazine and confirming Hattie as an artist unafraid to bare vulnerability with poise and depth.

The Telegraph - "Hattie Whitehead has rich, honeyed vocals as well as a talent for writing enthralling melodies and soul baring, honest lyrics.”

Jazzwise - “Hattie Whitehead is one of the greatest singers I've ever heard”