Chris Leslie is an English electric folk musician from Oxfordshire, born in 1956 in Banbury. He plays fiddle and violin, and he studies violin making in Nottinghamshire, completing a three-year course in 1983. Inspired by local musicians, he starts playing fiddle at the age of thirteen.

Early work and solo recordings

Leslie makes his first recording at sixteen with the Northamptonshire folk band Mithras on Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, released in 1974. In 1976 he records The Ship of Time, at which point he is partnered by his brother John Leslie. He also records three solo albums: The Gift, The Flow and Dancing Days. The Gift is a cassette-only release with Beryl Marriott on Beautiful Jo Records. The Flow is released on Beautiful Jo and is launched at Fairport Convention’s 30th anniversary festival at Cropredy. Dancing Days is released by Talking Elephant.

Folk-rock bands and collaborations

Leslie plays with several English folk-rock and related acts, including Whippersnapper, The Albion Band and Fairport Convention. Dave Swarbrick, a major early influence and later mentor, invites him to become a founder member of Whippersnapper. The group makes several albums and tours the UK, Europe and the USA. Leslie joins The Albion Band in 1995, then joins Fairport Convention in 1996, and contributes many songs to their repertoire. His work with Fairport and before that includes touring with Dave Pegg to promote Pegg’s solo album.

He also works with singer-songwriter Steve Ashley, tours extensively in the UK and continental Europe, and later tours with light goth rock group All About Eve. During the 1990s he performs as a duo with Whippersnapper guitarist Kev Dempsey, collaborates with folk pianist Beryl Marriott, and is a member of Simon Mayor’s Mandolin Quartet. He also plays fiddle on tour with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull.

Session work and seasonal projects

Leslie’s session credits include Ralph McTell, Steve Ashley, Alan Stivell, Chris While & Julie Mathews, Jez Lowe, Christine Collister, Maartin Allcock, The Melstock Band, Kieran Halpin, John Wright, All About Eve and Mostly Autumn. He also tours each year in the run-up to Christmas with St Agnes Fountain, a seasonal group.

Other information

Leslie is based in Adderbury, Oxfordshire. He is associated with Paws Records.