Martha Tilston
An unexpected bonus to support the Fishermans Friends, Martha Tilston was a complete unknown to many of the audience. This lovely singer/songwriter stepped quietly onto the stage and instantly captivated the unsuspecting shanty fans with beautiful lyrics and a voice to match.
Growing up in a musical home with her father, acclaimed songwriter Steve Tilston and stepmum folk singer Maggie Boyle, Martha remembers the likes of Ralph Mctell and John Renbourn gathering in the kitchen to sing and play. Little wonder that Martha took up the guitar at a young age and has since opened the Acoustic Stage at Glasters and been nominated for the BBC’s Folk Awards Best New Act.
Martha’s lyrics create a visual picture for listeners, personal, yet quickly identified as something we all share; her song ‘Artificial’ struck a chord with office workers, who inhabit an unreal world of fluorescent lighting and coffee machines. ‘Old Tom Cat’ is Martha’s ode to Leonard Cohen, in which she conjures up a fabulous picture of the man with the jaunty hat and rich, sexy voice who has smoothly charmed many women into his bed and could charm many millions more if only he had the time! This delightful songstress built a warm rapport with a raft of new fans who will doubtless be adding Martha Tilston to their CD collections.