In a world full of ‘next big things’ it’s easy to become complacent, but 2012 Mercury Prize nominee Sam Lee’s music isn’t just another ‘next big thing’ it’s so utterly a thing of itself that it sits wonderfully and uniquely alone. Sam draws on folk but is more than that: his six piece band moulds ancient, idiosyncratic traveller music into moments which stop you in your tracks; moments that can only come directly from the heart of a unique and uncompromising talent.

Sam’s musical training is a remarkable story in itself; it came via a four year apprenticeship under the legendary, late Scottish Traveller Stanley Robertson – last of the great ballad singers. As a gig promoter, Sam is right at the heart of modern folk music; and as musician he’s now joined the vanguard of that scene.

More information at www.ocmevents.org/ocm/events/samleeandfriends