From Kent, and an established member of the modern English folk scene, James Kerry is well known for his passionate, rhythmic playing rooted in folk dance tradition. Having begun his musical journey at a young age he quickly progressed and has since played extensively in the Morris and ceilidh circuits and performed with many bands and groups including Foot Down, and the Hilltop Ceilidh Band, both of which he is a founding member of.

As was the case for so many of us, the Covid pandemic of 2020-21 saw Kerry with a fair degree of extra time on his hands. That opportunity gave rise to a creative burst where he was able to explore his own playing, writing and arranging and, ultimately, led to the release of his debut album – Source (reviewed here in 2023).

Inspired by a love of rivers and nature and the countryside, and given added impetus by a recent move to living on a boat, the name relates to the beginning of a river, of course, but also to the beginning of Kerry’s career as a solo artist. The rivers/waterways theme was then continued with the follow-up album, Tributaries which was released in October 2025.

Commenting on the release of Tributaries, James Kerry said:

“Tributaries is our second studio album, a follow-up to Source. This one draws from all sorts of places — old tunes I’ve loved for years, new ones I’ve written along the way, and everything in between. Some are wild and full of energy, others quieter and more reflective, but all of them are rooted in the folk tradition that continues to inspire me.”

While Tributaries brings together two of the main contributors who played alongside Kerry on Source, that collaborative approach is consolidated with the project now formalised as a trio.

The James Kerry Trio are:

• James Kerry (Melodeon): Known for his rhythmic, dance-inspired style and deep roots in the English tradition, Kerry provides the melodic heart of the album. His original tunes on this record showcase a maturing compositional voice that respects tradition while pushing into contemporary territory.

• Tom Kitching (Fiddle & Mandolin): A powerhouse of the English folk scene, Kitching’s contribution is vital to the album’s texture. Bringing his signature “gritty and honest” style, his fiddle playing acts as a sophisticated counterpoint to the melodeon.

• Danny Tonks (Guitar): Providing the engine room for the trio, Tonks’ percussive fingerstyle guitar and nuanced harmonic foundations bind the melodic instruments together, creating a full, resonant ensemble sound.

While the trio remains firmly grounded in the English tradition, for this second album there is a greater emphasis on original material with a number of tunes composed by Kerry, alongside a couple from Kitching in addition to the trio’s own arrangements of traditional tunes as well as an adaption of a contemporary piece by Simon Care.

Fresh-sounding and exhilarating and bursting with energy, inventiveness and creativity, lovers of traditional tunes will find plenty to like in the James Kerry Trio’s Tributaries.

Released: 1 October 2025 https://jameskerrymusic.com/

Related posts:

Album review – James Kerry ‘Source’

Album review – Tom Kitching ‘Seasons of Change’

Book review: ‘Seasons of Change – Busking England’ by Tom Kitching