These traditional folk songs are performed in contemporary arrangements with wit, poignancy and a rollicking sense of fun. The captivating voice of Paul Austin Kelly paired with the guitar wizardry of Richard Durrant results in a groundbreaking contribution to our folk heritage, all accompanied by an outstanding ensemble of musicians.

Tenor Paul Austin Kelly and guitarist Richard Durrant team up on "Unleashed On British Isles", a new CD featuring fresh interpretations of time honoured British folk songs.

Unleashed on British Isles is the newest release on the Walking Oliver record label and unites the talents of celebrated American tenor and songwriter Paul Austin Kelly and esteemed British guitar virtuoso Richard Durrant. Although hailing from diverse musical worlds, Kelly and Durrant share a common devotion to traditional folk music and have brought new life to such beloved, traditional British songs as Widdecombe Fair, Geordie, My Bonny, Wraggle Taggle Gypsies, The Gypsy Rover, Henry My Son, and Cockles and Mussels. The CD also boasts the contributions of top-flight British musicians Herbie Flowers on upright bass and tuba, Nick Pynn on fiddle, Philippe Barnes on flute and Tom Arnold on drums and Hammond organ.

While previous CD releases on the Walking Oliver label, "Hello, Michael Rosen!" and "The Walking Oliver Sing-A-Long" were recorded primarily for children, "Unleashed On British Isles" is aimed at a general adult listenership, particularly anyone wanting to rediscover the rich tradition of British folk music and some of its more obscure gems. Of course, kids can enjoy it too.

"When Richard and I decided to make this recording we had two things on our side; a real love and understanding of traditional folk music and a firm belief that these songs could be embraced by the mainstream without losing their inherent acoustic folk roots." (Paul Austin Kelly)

Born and raised in the state of New York, Paul Austin Kelly became enchanted with Britain, its lifestyle, culture and countryside while performing at the Glyndebourne Opera Festival nearly a decade ago. He soon after decided to settle in the UK with his wife Carol and young son Zack. Paul and Carol Kelly now run the Walking Oliver company together from their home in Lewes, East Sussex with valued contributions and inspiration from Zack as well as their five-year old Weimaraner dog Oliver who graciously lent his name for the record label.

Although incredibly busy with Walking Oliver and its many projects, Paul Austin Kelly is still considered one of today's finest Rossini tenors and has performed with many of the world's most prestigious opera companies including the Royal Opera at Covent Garden, La Scala in Milan and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Mr. Kelly has also made numerous live appearances on BBC Radio. An artist of diverse talents, Paul Austin Kelly is also an accomplished jazz singer, guitarist and trumpet player. He brings together all of his musical skills and influences in producing quality music for the Walking Oliver label.

Richard Durrant is renowned for his extraordinary guitar playing, equally at home with traditional folk and pop music as well as the classical repertoire. He is also an accomplished music composer, producer and recipient of the 2002 Daily Mail Golden Jubilee Award by HRH Prince Charles for his work promoting art in the community. Owner of the LongMan Records label, he is the producer of the very successful Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.