The Poozies

The Poozies

The Poozies are a Scottish folk group from the United Kingdom, active since 1990. They play music from the British Isles and beyond, and their line-up has included Sally Barker, Karen Tweed, Patsy Seddon, Mary Macmaster, Kate Rusby, Eilidh Shaw, Mairearad Green, Tia Files and Sarah McFadyen.

Formation and early line-up

The group forms in 1990 after Patsy Seddon and Mary Macmaster, who perform together as the Scottish harp duo Sìleas, work with singer Sally Barker on a solo album. The three decide to form a new women’s group, and Karen Tweed joins after Barker meets her at the Hong Kong Folk Festival. Barker brings a rock-influenced sensibility to the band’s sound.

Changing members and musical style

When Barker leaves to start a family, Kate Rusby joins the group. Her arrival brings a more traditional sound and stronger harmony singing. Rusby later leaves to focus on solo work after her rise through the Mercury Awards. Eilidh Shaw then joins Seddon, Macmaster and Tweed in a new line-up; Shaw grows up playing fiddle in her parents’ ceilidh band, The Highfield Band.