ABOUT
Jon Doran is a Newcastle-based folk singer and multi-instrumentalist from Gloucestershire. He was a 2019 finalist on BBC Radio 2's Young Folk Awards and a recent winner of Bromyard Folk Festival's 'Future of Folk' competition.
Jon’s sensitive approach to arranging and performing traditional songs on guitar and Irish bouzouki is often said to draw a likeness with revivalists Nic Jones and Andy Irvine. He has a powerful and intricate accompaniment style but never fails to place the narrative at the forefront of his arrangements. His storys focus on all human experience throughout history, whether that be humorous tales, or woeful retellings of tragic events, Jon never fails to capture the beauty and excitement that lies within traditional music.
Although Jon’s roots lie within the English folk tradition, after a year of studying Norwegian fiddle technique in Universitetet i Sørøst-Norge and six years as one half of the Anglo-Scottish duo, Janice Burns and Jon Doran, Scandinavian and Scottish influences now enrich his playing and teaching.
Jon Doran is that rare kind of musician who is equally happy leading a song with his strong and tuneful voice or backing other musicians with great sensitivity. A true all-rounder, and a lovely person into the bargain. - James Fagan