Gren Bartley is a UK folk singer-songwriter and guitarist from Stratford-upon-Avon in England, born in 1982. His music sits between English and American folk traditions, with clear influences from old blues and folk songs. He is noted for guitar playing, mature vocals and carefully written lyrics.

Career

Gren Bartley builds a career through live work across the UK, with appearances at folk clubs, acoustic venues and festivals. He also performs on radio and continues to develop a following through touring. His songwriting remains central to his work, both as a solo artist and in collaboration with other musicians.

Recordings

His first self-released demo CD, Detalina, appears in 2005 and receives strong reviews, helping establish him in the East Midlands music scene. He later releases his first full solo album, Carry Her Safe, on Musician Records. That album contains original songs and tunes arranged for guitar and banjo.

Collaboration with Tom Kitching

Bartley also records and performs with fiddle player Tom Kitching. Their second CD, e°g°, leads to a recording deal with Fellside Records. The duo then work nationally with the support of Emerging Music, and release their first album together, Rushes.

Style

His writing is described as carrying a strong sense of depth and insight, and his work combines contemporary songwriting with rooted folk and blues elements. Guitar remains the most immediately noticeable part of his sound, but the songs themselves are a major part of his identity as an artist.