” Well they’re not the ‘popular’ Quentin & Trixie from the folk club singing ‘As I walked out one morning’ They’re more like The Clash with their passion. We are always packed when they play. Two things: 1. I was genuinely scared the first time we had them because of the mad atmosphere they create. 2. I’d forgotten until we booked them just how joyful folk music should be. It’s always a great evening when they play.” Vinoteq, Dover
Kent based folk collective fronted by Martin Ledner who has been performing every year since 1974. They play original folk songs, ballads and shanties written by Martin in the English traditional style. While the songs are rooted in the past they deal with themes relevant to the 21st century. They are not sugar coated ditties of some distant bucolic idle, they are stark reminders of how the past is not dissimilar to the present in social inequalities, hopes, fears, work and love. The songs are raucous; they are tender; you can clap and stamp your feet; you immerse yourself in the stories. Martin has released 8 solo albums and 1 live album featuring The Haunted Folk ‘A Free and Easy Garland’. Martin is on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Contact: thehauntedfolk@gmail.com
fROOTS MAGAZINE ***
‘’Twisting folk songs to be grittier reflections of themselves…lyrically there’s bags of research and wit…’’
R2 MAGAZINE ***
“Ledner’s voice is passionately world-weary…but is unbowed and all the stronger for it – the ideal voice.”
MAVERICK MAGAZINE ****
“Folk-rock with a nice modern twist from the mainstay of the London folk scene…a very accomplished.”
KM THE VIBE
“I found myself enjoying this cd- simply because it told some awesome stories.”
Doug Welch, ‘Kent Folk’, BBC Radio Kent
‘A great collection of songs’
Martin Ledner 