Nick Hall

Nick B Hall is best known as one-half of the well-loved acoustic folk duo ‘The Hall Brothers’. With this band he has toured the UK and played in Ireland and Holland and released several acclaimed albums through indie label Confidential Records. The duo started playing live together at school and then discovered the world of folk clubs (when most of their young friends were out at nightclubs!) and quickly grew in stature as performers and songwriters, playing many major folk festivals and signing an indie record deal. The Hall Brothers have played at nearly every Otley Folk Festival since its inception and their annual 4 hour epic open-air Sunday afternoon concert has become a true tradition and the highlight of the festival.

In between Hall Brothers commitments Nick operates as a solo artist, having released the album ‘The Golden Time’ and the E.P ‘Undertow’ which was produced by Dave Reilly (‘China Crisis’) and Chris O’Neill (‘George Harrison’ in the hit film ‘Backbeat’). ‘Undertow’ sold particularly well and received reviews that concentrated on his ‘emotive voice’ and unique song-writing style. Nick is currently also working with Michelle Plum (ex-Chumbawamba) in an exciting duo called ‘plumhall’ who are getting booked at major UK festivals and are about to release their debut album.

Since a very early fascination with his Dad’s old ‘50s and ‘60s 45 rpm records and Dansette record player, Nick has consumed music with a passion. His main influences include Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Ian McNabb, Fairport Convention, Crowded House, Richard Thompson, Hugh Cornwell, Dire Straits, Show of Hands, Martin Carthy and many other notable groups and songwriters. His guitar-playing is a self—taught rag-bag of styles that coalesces into something unique; a mixture of lead, rhythm and finger-style. Nick is also no slouch on the electric guitar and got Grade 5 in piano when he was a kid! Nick’s vocal style has been compared with Scott Walker, Neil Finn (Crowded House), Simon Nicol (Fairport), Ian McNabb, Neil Hannon (Divine Comedy) and Steve Knightley (Show of Hands).

Nick’s biggest musical claims to fame so far include singing ‘Daydream Believer’ onstage with Peter Tork of the Monkees and having breakfast with Hugh Cornwell of The Stranglers! Nick has provided support for Fairport Convention, Magna Carta, Kate Rusby, Martin Carthy, Hugh Cornwell, Glenn Tilbrook, Black, Peter Tork, Boo Hewerdine, Andy White, Oysterband, Show of Hands and many more well-respected names over the years.

Nick’s association with Magna Carta began many years ago when The Hall Brothers supported the band in a theatre in the UK. A friendship was instantly struck and The Hall Brothers (and Nick solo) have supported Magna Carta many times over the years. Nick has also worked with several ex-Magna musicians on various projects. When Chris Simpson was asked to do a solo set for a UK festival a few years ago, Nick was the first person Chris asked to provide guitars and vocals. This worked so well that the new duo also played a local arts centre to rave reviews. It felt natural, then, for Nick to eventually join the band!

Nick is very excited and honoured to join the long list of amazing musicians who have been a part of Magna Carta over the years.