Ninebarrow

Ninebarrow

Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere make up the Dorset based folk duo who have being making a mark on British music scene for a number of years, including nominees in BBC Radio Folk awards and winning best duo in 2019 Folking.com awards.

Beautiful songs about the British Isles and in particular the Purbeck Hills, with wonderful harmonies along with traditional music, they transcend the folk genre in a similar way that Fairport Convention revolutionised folk in the sixties.

They were working on a fourth album when coronavirus curtailed their plans. This is due for release in Spring 2021 They have embarked on live streaming concerts, the first one on the 4th April garnered over 2500 viewers. Subsequent ones included from a Chapel in Dorset and a full band one from The Lighthouse in Poole. In late November they launched a new project ‘Wandering Minstrels; full details on their Facebook page and on their website. Not seen any other musicians be as innovative as these guys during lockdown, well done!

In May 2020 they released a video and single along with two choirs of their track “The Hour Of The Blackbird” in aid of the Mental Health Charity MIND. Download and donate if you wish here.

A Pocketful Of Acorns was released on the 6th March 2021. Alongside the release Ninebarrow have planted a new woodland in conjunction with the Woodland Trust as part of their plans to reduce their carbon footprint caused by touring.  Pre-orders for the album for everyone on their mailing list began at the end of January, along with the opportunity  to donate towards the cost of the Woodland. Jon and Jay announced during one of their regular streams to their fans of Facebook that both orders and donations had exceeded their expectations.

Folk Forecast Album of Year 2021 -A Pocketful of Acorns: “There was so much love for this album, with lots of you highlighting the great work Jon and Jay have been doing for the environment, as well as their fantastic online gigs which have kept a lot of people going through these difficult times.”

Even though 2022 has seen Jon & Jay back on the road, they have continued with the amazing live streams and their multi media Wandering Minstrels shows. In July, they are expanding their  live streams to include fellow artists. and also are embarking on a series of show with local choirs.

Apart from their ever popular walking holidays in Dorset, they have now expanded their merchandise range with environmentally sustainable clothing. Their woodland is growing and growing, making Ninebarrow one of most interesting bands on the UK music scene.

September 2023 sees the release of their 5th album, The Colour of Night to rave reviews. Apart from their own music, there are covers of Patrick Wolf’s House and a wonderful new interpretation of Nick Drake’s River Man. They are touring the album along with their band, but will also be continuing with their popular live streams. Work continues on their third Dorset Walks book which ties in with their walking holidays. 
In early 2024 they announced that after the latest tour they will will be taking a break as they await the birth of their first child. Congratulations guys!