But Cathryn Craig has come a long way from those days as a voice-for-hire.

Now she is a big noise in her own right, teaming up with master guitarist Brian Willoughby.

The duo have built up a loyal following among fans on both sides of the Atlantic with a tasty selection of songs which reflect both Brian's wide experiences of playing on the British pop scene and Cathryn's country roots.

They go deep too. For she has worked with musicians as varied as Mickey Newbury and Jorma Kaukonen, Shel Silverstein, Tom Paxton and Emmylou Harris.

She even sang on Bob Gibson's last ever album, Making a Mess.

When the time came to begin hogging the spotlight, she put out debut album Porch Songs which is considered a classic in acoustic/roots circles.

Guitarist Brian is well known as a fundamental part of the British band, Strawbs. But his professional career began back in 1971 when he was recruited by Mary Hopkin.

He has since toured with a wide range of artists, including Monty Python, Sweet's Brian Connolly, Joe Brown, Jim Diamond, New World and Roger Whittaker.

He joined the Strawbs in 1979 as lead guitarist.

As a duo, Dave Cousins and Brian recorded Old School Songs and The Bridge. They also provided the opening track Ringing Down The Years on the Sandy Denny tribute record, Georgia On Our Mind.

In 2001, Cousins, Willoughby and Dave Lambert as Acoustic Strawbs, produced Baroque and Roll and toured internationally until August 2004.

Brian featured as lead guitarist in Strawbs-associated bands High Society and The Monks, whose Suspended Animation won him a gold award in Canada.

Playing acoustic guitar on Nanci Griffith's Other Voices Too, Brian also toured with her.

Brian released Black & White, a record of not only his own songs but also several co-written with Cathryn, Michael Snow and Bill Lloyd. The album features Cathryn on vocals, with a guest appearance by Mary Hopkin.

Alice's Song, written by Cathryn and Brian, was released in the UK as a single by Acoustic Strawbs, in aid of The National Autistic Society.

In February and March last year, Brian was back on the road, accompanying Nanci Griffith on UK promotional dates, including a live broadcast on Radio 2 with the BBC Orchestra.

Cathryn and Brian's song for international peace, Rumours Of Rain, will be used in a documentary to raise money for child war victims. The recording also features Tom Paxton, Nanci Griffith, Ralph McTell and Martin Carthy, along with members of Lindisfarne, Pentangle, Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and Strawbs.

Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby are at the Rock@Maltby, Wesley Centre, Blyth Road, Maltby next Friday, June 27. Tonight's guest is Kris Drever.

SINGER-songwriter Matthew Ryan is at the Grapes, Trippett Lane, Sheffield next Thursday (26).

Richard Digance and Arnie Cottrell are at Wortley Folk at the Black Bull, Ecclesfield, tomorrow (21).


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