After bursting onto the folk scene 3 years ago, The Young’uns have fast become one of the most popular, entertaining and sought after live acts today. Hailing from the north east, the Hartlepool trio ooze, bags of charm, talent, and an abiding enthusiasm for traditional song. Sean Cooney, David Eagle and Michael Hughes bring freshness and dynamism to their arrangements of close harmony songs, both with and without accompaniment. Everything from traditional sea and working songs to more recent compositions is present in their repertoire, and is delivered with originality and flair. They are effortlessly entertaining, with an irreverent sense of humour that engages every audience they have ever performed for.
‘When Our Grandfathers Said No’ is their fourth album – and expected to launch them well and truly onto centre stage of the UK folk scene – under the watchful eye of producer, Stu Hanna (Megson) – the guys serve up an irresistible plate of traditional song and close harmony singing – backed on occasions by guitar, piano and accordion.
In 2012, they joined top names such as Bellowhead, Bella Hardy and Lau and signed for Navigator Records in London, and have just returned from, what could only be described as “triumphant” performance at this year’s Cambridge Folk Festival – “buzz” bands – do by their nature – attract an audience – The Young’uns were “buzzing” that weekend – and will continue to as their brand new album reaches parts and people that others have not as yet, done – as well as their substantial existing loyal fan base, as they continue to tirelessly tour – leaving NO ONE disappointed along the way.
Michael Hughes is a secondary school teacher. He and Sean grew up together and first started singing at The Stockton Folk Club. He found the experience of communal singing utterly inspiring, and still loves nothing more than a pub / festival sing-around with everyone joining in. Michael plays guitar in The Young’uns.
Sean Cooney – when not performing with The Young’uns – is a community artist, who has managed a number of projects with various local schools in Hartlepool. A history graduate, his projects focus on the heritage of the region, incorporating its stories, legends and historical events, many of which inspire his songs. His songs have received an abundance of praise.
David Eagle is a freelance producer, writer, presenter and voice-over artist. Introduced to Sean and Michael by a mutual friend they were quick to recognise their collective passion for harmony singing. David produced The Young’uns first two albums and plays keyboards and piano accordion.
This is a thoughtful and uplifting album - highly recommended
