HUSBAND and wife folk duo Megson, give new meaning to the phrase, matrimonial harmony.

The award-winning musicians will kick off the new Bournemouth Folk Club season at the Shelley Theatre in style next Saturday.

Three times nominated in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Megson are known for their intelligent songwriting and northern humour. The pair bring an infectious mix of heavenly vocals, lush harmonies and driving rhythmic guitars.

Comprising Debs Hanna (vocals, whistle, piano accordion) and Stu Hanna (guitar, mandola, banjo) Megson have gained fame on the British folk scene, not only for their arresting and intelligent songwriting, but for their exquisite musicianship and northern humour.

Next up is folk troubadour Martin Simpson, making a welcome return to Bournemouth on Sunday, February 4 with his masterful guitar playing and storytelling.

Whether playing American old-time music, blues, or his own material, Martin Simpson is an unpredictable and individual musician.

Over the past 35 years, Martin has been acknowledged as one of the finest folk musicians of his time and has been nominated 31 times in the last 15 years for the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, with 12 nominations for Musician of The Year, which he has won twice.

Last year saw Martin release his 20th solo album in 40 years, Trails & Tribulations. This brand-new studio album is his first new solo work since 2013’s widely praised Vagrant Stanzas.

Martin told the Bournemouth Daily Echo: “‘I travel, I learn songs, I write and try to get better at the skills required for me to do my job.

“I look at the world as I pass by, on the road, out of the train window, or as I stop and pay close attention to the square foot under my nose. There is so much to see and to hear and to inspire and to try and understand.”

The 64 year-old is widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world and his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling.

His career includes collaborations on stage and record with June Tabor, Kelly Joe Phelps, Jackson Browne, Danny Thompson, Danú, Martin Carthy, Cara Dillon, David Lindley, Roy Bailey, Martin Taylor, David Hidalgo, Steve Miller, Dick Gaughan and many more.

n For more information visit, bournemouthfolkclub.com or to book tickets call 01202 413600. or visit shelleytheatre.co.uk