An Introduction To

John Tams is one of the most celebrated folk artists still recording and performing today, a 7-times winner at the BBC Folk Awards who has contributed to over 60 albums as singer, performer, arranger, writer, engineer and producer. In 2000 John Tams released Unity, and nobody in the folk world could quite believe it was his first solo album. Tams had, after all, established himself as a key member of The Albion Band - recording one of their finest albums, Rise Up Like the Sun. Then rising out of the ashes of The Albion Band came Home Service, an eight-piece band, precursors of the current big band trend, strong on politics and exhilarating performances highlighted by a trademark English brass sound and powerful guitarist Graeme Taylor that hinged around Tams' uplifting singing and insightful songs. Home Service was one of the seminal folk-rock bands of the 80's, breathing new life into a genre that had dimmed since its 70's heyday. An Introduction to opens with two tracks from the group's classic third album, Alright Jack, released in 1986.

His work is distinguished by a voice that always carries a strong emotional charge accentuated by his intelligent and imaginative song making and his obvious sympathy with the underdog, both past and present. He creates songs that not only stir the blood to stand up for your rights as in 'Unity' (Raise Your Banners High) and 'Harry Stone' but can also be tender or dramatic.