Churchfitters

Churchfitters are a folk group formed in 1978 by singer-songwriter Anthony McCartan, who comes from Belfast, and multi-instrumentalist Geoff Coombs, who comes from Essex. The group is based in France and remains active.

Formation and early years

Rosie Short joins the group soon after it forms. She has previously played in a London-based traditional Irish outfit. In its early years, Churchfitters changes line-up frequently, with members from different musical backgrounds, and develops an approach to Irish music that avoids a fixed or purely traditional style.

The group builds a strong following on the East Anglian folk scene before reducing to a duo, Anthony and Rosie, and touring widely across Europe and as far as Australia.

Brittany years and later line-up

In 1993, Anthony and Rosie move to Brittany. Rosie’s brother Chris joins them after working in London in world, Irish and bluegrass groups. From Brittany, the trio tours throughout France and Europe until Anthony leaves in early 2004.

After that, Boris Lebret joins on double bass and percussion, and Topher Loudon joins on vocals and guitar. Topher brings a rock background, while Boris adds experience from contemporary music styles, reinforcing the group’s mix of melodic, folk and rhythm-driven playing.

Musical character

Across its different line-ups, Churchfitters maintains a distinctive sound by combining Irish music with influences from folk, world, bluegrass, rock and contemporary styles. The group’s identity rests on that mixture of backgrounds and on a constant willingness to move away from a more classic treatment of Irish music.