Famous folk star set to grace church stage

Published: 5:00 AM November 26, 2015

Updated: 10:27 AM October 10, 2020

Ray Cooper. Picture by Chris Puddephat - Credit: Chris Puddephat

An internationally renowned singer song-writer is coming to Norfolk on his November tour of the UK.

Ray Cooper, a Scottish/English singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist currently living in Sweden, will be playing a concert set in the beautiful historic church, Holy Trinity Church, West Runton on Saturday, November 28 at 7.30pm

Mr Cooper started to play in bands at the age of 16, he moved between rock, punk, pop and world music, working as a singer, bass player and cellist. In 1988 he joined Oysterband and began a long exploration into his own roots, eventually touring in 27 countries and recording 19 albums.

In 2012 Oysterband won three awards from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards for best group, best album, best traditional track, and were dubbed by FROOTS magazine as one of the three 'Icons Of Folk'.

He made the decision to go solo in 2013 after 25 years with The Oysterband and is now touring Europe and the UK promoting his second solo album, Palace of Tears.

He will be supported in West Runton by Matt Watson, formerly the front man and songwriter in the acclaimed band 'Huck'.

An observational and often political songwriter, his songs vary from full on protest songs to the most heartfelt of ballads. Mr Watson has rubbed shoulders with and supported many name songwriters in the last few years, most notably Billy Bragg and The Wonder Stuff front man Miles Hunt who he has become good friends.