Sam Lee spends a lot of time walking in, thinking about, and singing of the UK's wild places. The singer, folk song collector, pilgrim and activist released his fourth studio album songdreaming earlier this year. Traditional songs are brought into the 21st century with lush arrangements, lyrics addressing contemporary issues, and the inclusion of Trans Voices, a London-based choir. Andrew Ford catches up with Sam before he heads our way for the Woodford Folk Festival.

Carla Blackwood is one of Australia’s finest horn players and surely the most versatile. She plays the modern French horn in her trio Quercus and the natural horn with groups such as the Australian Haydn Ensemble and Pinchgut Opera. With the latter, she’s just finished a season of Handel’s Julius Caesar and she brings her baroque horn into the studio for a demo.