Jo Philby

Jo Philby

Jo Philby is a photographer and folk singer from Australia who grows up in the south of England and later settles in Orkney. She comes to music through early exposure to folk songs at home and through family visits to Sidmouth Folk Festival. At school she is encouraged to sing and plays classical flute.

Early singing and influences

In her late twenties, Philby develops a strong interest in traditional Irish music after meeting Roger and friends Sara and Les Daniels. She is encouraged to sing, begins attending Irish sessions, and sings regularly at the Anchor Folk Club in Byfleet, where her confidence develops. Her style is described as mostly unaccompanied, with an emphasis on a clear vocal delivery and songs that carry narrative detail.

Life in Orkney

Philby and her husband Roger move to Orkney in 2002. Since then she performs regularly at the Orkney Folk Festival and at community events and concerts across the islands. She is sometimes accompanied by local musicians, but she mainly sings unaccompanied.

Recordings

Philby records two songs after moving to Orkney: “The Constant Lovers” on Orkney Sessions and “Teddy O’Neil” on the Orkney Folk CD for the 25th Orkney Folk Festival. She also records and produces her debut album, Saltwater & Stone, a collection of songs she has been singing for 13 years. The album includes the traditional song “Do You Love an Apple?” and songs associated with Emily Smith, Kate Rusby and Karine Polwart. Musicians on the recording include Fiona Driver, Graham Simpson, Gavin Firth, Derek Curtis, Roger Philby, Mark Shiner, Elma Cullen and Phil Anderson. Saltwater & Stone is launched at the 2009 Orkney Folk Festival.