Honeyfeet

Ríoghnach Connolly, the BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year, leads Honeyfeet with her eclectic taste for musical adventure. Together, they drive a broad terrain of musical textures, from esoteric protest songs to foot-tapping and floor-thumping dance rhythms. Known for her deadpan wit and broad, smiling on-stage banter, Connolly delights in sharing her multicultural voyage of discovery, pushing aside life’s banality in favour of mischievous energy and creative joy.

Traditional and folk music are fundamental to Connolly’s musical canon. Drawing from a long line of singers on both sides of her family, she channels the music of her grandparents and incorporates a breadth of styles and folk traditions from around the world. Her voice seamlessly blends elements of Sean-nós Caoineamh, West African griot, and American deep-south resonance. Connolly also performs in a more traditional form with Stuart McCallum as The Breath, while her performances with Honeyfeet are known for their heavily layered and theatrical songs.

The Honeyfeet lineup includes Lorien Garth Edwards on bass, Ellis Davies on guitar, John Ellis on keyboards, Biff Roxby on brass, and Phill Howley on drums. An eclectic troupe based in Manchester, Honeyfeet’s sound spans from big-band swing to Alabama blues-tinged folk, all held together by Connolly’s powerful vocals and flute.