Jackie Oates is one of the most celebrated of a new wave of folk performers. 2006 saw the release of her self-titled solo album. Another watershed moment in an already long and varied career. A regular at clubs, concert halls and festivals from a tender age Jackie's folk know-how is in the blood. Her second album 'The Violet Hour' was released in 2008 to critical acclaim. Proof of this came when she won the Horizon and Best Trad Track (for The Lark in the Morning) at the 2009 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, pictured above.

Born into a musical family of folk enthusiasts Jackie spent most of her early years travelling the country to hear music performed. She soon cultivated her own love of traditional ballads and songs which underpin her output to this day.

In 2001 Jackie moved to Devon where she still lives and mastered her own style of fiddle-singing. Only two years later she was a finalist in the BBC Radio 2 young folk awards. Whilst her solo oeuvre evolved she joined Rachel Unthank And The Winterset. During the next few years she contributed both in the studio and on tour.

Never idle she can be heard on many a recognised recording. As sister to Jim Moray she was an obvious choice to bolster the sound on his two CD's. Elsewhere you'll find her on Les Barker's 'Twilight of the dogs,' Laurel Swift's 'Beam,' Barry Lister's 'Ghosts And Greasepaint' and Show Of Hands 'Witness.'

Already a seasoned performer recently Jackie has toured in support of Phil Beer and as a duo with Ed Rennie. She has added new instruments to her sound and continues to tutor new talent for Folk South West, T.A.P.S and Shooting Roots.

2007 saw her become a part of a new trio Wistman's Wood with fellow Devonions Steve Turner and Andy Clarke. There's also projects in the pipeline with Tim Van Eyken and Reg Meuross.

Hyperboreans 2009
Another solid album from double folk award winning Jackie Oates. Her winning formula of stunning vocals set against sparse yet engaging arrangements has been changed with the introduction of a full band and more ambitious arrangements. Brother Jim Moray produces and Alasdair Roberts contributes the title song.
Read the full 'Hyperboreans' review...

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The Violet Hour 2008
For me personally, traditional folk music means a connection with the rhythms of nature, with the hopes, fears and beliefs of the past, and with the ordinary men and women who lived and breathed that clear air. Often music can be a by the numbers repetition that would be more suited to a museum, but sometimes along comes an album that inhabits those rhythms, lives and loves so perfectly that it stops you in your tracks.
Read the rest of 'The Violet Hour' review...

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Jackie Oates 2006
You may already know Jackie Oates name as a nominee in the 2003 Young Folk Awards, and as the viola and vocal accompaniment in Rachel Unthank & The Winterset . Even if you haven't, with youth and talent on her side you probably soon will. Through an immersion in folk music plus sheer hard work she has become a seasoned performer and this is her first solo release. It brings together an accomplished set of musicians and apart from one self penned instrumental there's a wealth of skillful storytelling.
Read the rest of 'Jackie Oates' review...

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Wistman's Wood 2007
This mini-album has life affirming qualities. The mix of instruments and obvious love of music these musicians have ensnare the listener. Steve who also adds his mixing skills to the project, has penned two originals. A journalist's job is already done with titles such as 'Being On Chagford Allotments On A May Morning.' No need to ask for origins of inspiration here. Along with 'Coleford March' we're off journeying across Dartmoor ourselves, rising and falling with the landscape.
Read the rest of 'Wistman's Wood' review...

Video Interview at the Folk Awards 2008
Jackie was nominated for the Horizon Award, although she would have to wait until 2009 to win it and the Best Traditional Track award.
You can watch this interview in the video player on the right hand side of this page.

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Interview January 2008
Our interview with Jackie just as she finished The Violet Hour album.