Mick Ryan & Paul Downes

Paul Downes is no stranger to either the West Country (a native and resident of Exmouth) or in particular to Shammick Acoustic. He seems to turn up as a guest artist on a regular basis, either on his own or with other performers – this time with renowned singer-songwriter Mick Ryan. Mick is well-known on the English folk scene not just for his superb voice, but also for his songwriting, many of which songs are sung by a host of other professional and amateur performers. Having written both comic and serious material for the very popular band, Crows, in the ‘80s, he has since written for radio and a series of highly successful folk operas, such as ‘The Voyage’, ‘The Navvy’s Wife’, ‘The Pauper’s Path’ and most recently the WW1 show, ‘A Day’s Work’, all with a host of superb singers and musicians. Paul is one of the most respected artists on the British acoustic music scene. A consummately skilled guitarist and expressive singer, with the ability to bring apparently effortless brilliance to his dazzling array of guitar styles, he has worked with the likes of Phil Beer, The Arizona Smoke Revue, Pete Seeger, The Joyce Gang and Maggie Boyle. It has been said that the duo “positively oozes skill and professionalism”, which would surprise no-one that has seen either of them individually. Together, they provide singing, music and entertainment of the very highest quality.