Renowned acoustic guitarist Ben Walker today releases his debut solo record, The Fox on the Downs EP, on Folkroom Records. Regular followers of ours will recognise Ben as one half of Folk Award-winning duo Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker, who released two records on Folkroom before being signed by Rough Trade in 2016. The new EP is available both digitally and on CD from Folkroom’s store.

The Fox on the Downs EP radiates with a fireside warmth, as Walker’s renowned finger-picked style brings life to two new arrangements of traditional folk songs as well as two compositions of his own creation.

Ben Walker has long been building an unparalleled reputation on the folk scene, and in 2017 was named as the ‘9th best acoustic guitarist in the world right now’ by Music Radar. It’s no wonder then that he has been seen supporting music icons like Richard Thompson and Robert Plant.

The four tracks on The Fox on the Downs EP draw evenly from folk traditions and his own compositions. Elegant opener ‘A Trip to Nettlebed’ is Walker’s own take on an 18th century English country dance piece, named after a tiny village in Oxfordshire. ‘Lachrimae Pavan’ was written by renowned 16th century lutenist John Dowland, because what’s a debut folk EP without renowned 16th century lutenist John Dowland?

The second half of the record comprises of tunes written by Walker himself. ‘A Day at the Races/The Fox on the Downs’ features two pieces – one of which inspired by Walker watching his dog running about Brighton racecourse, with The Fox on the Downs being named after a pub just round the corner. The track showcases the impeccable finger-picking skills with Walker’s signature humour, the entire thing ultimately collapsing in on itself in a few seconds flat.

‘The Cross Kings/The Pepperpot’ close the EP. The tune reminds once again why Walker is one of the most impressive and renowned guitarists about, and brings together a remarkable record that should mark the beginning of a new branch to his already celebrated career.

The Fox on the Downs EP is out now as a CD and digital download from the Folkroom store, and will also be available at Ben Walker’s upcoming gig supporting Emily Maguire at The Slaughtered Lamb on Saturday 15th September.