Patsy Matheson is a folk singer-songwriter and guitarist. She begins her solo career in 1991 when, as a young writer, she enters a songwriting competition and is selected as the winner by Maddy Prior and Clive Gregson.

Solo work

Her first solo album, With My Boots On, appears in 1996 and features only her voice and guitar. It receives strong critical attention, and Froots describes her voice as “an angel voice”. She later records Little Piece of England after the farewell tour of Waking the Witch, and goes on to tour extensively around the UK with Clive Gregson. She also sings on Gregson’s album Bittersweet.

Collaborations and live work

Matheson supports artists including John Martyn, Glenn Tilbrook, Dick Gaughan, Nick Harper, Al Stewart and Roy Harper. She also tours the UK with Christy Moore and Gordon Giltrap. In 1997 she performs solo on the acoustic stage at Glastonbury Festival.

Waking the Witch

In 2003, Matheson forms the female vocal harmony group Waking the Witch. The group releases three albums and a live DVD, tours widely in the UK, and appears at major festivals including Cambridge, Trowbridge and Glastonbury. It also makes many radio appearances, including live sessions on BBC Radio 2 with Janice Long and Bob Harris.

Later releases

Matheson’s song “Rock n Roll” is played on Mike Harding’s Radio 2 Folk & Roots show. Her album Stories of Angels & Guitars features her on guitar and mandolin, with Hugh Whittaker on drums and Jon Short on double bass. She also contributes a version of Bob Dylan’s “One More Cup of Coffee” to a charity album in aid of Oxfam, alongside artists including Martin Simpson, Chris & Kelly While, Christine Collister, Jez Lowe and Dave Burland.

Associated musicians

Alongside Becky Mills, another former member of Waking the Witch, she tours in support of Stories of Angels & Guitars.