Library Coffeehouse to Feature John Roberts and Debra Cowan

Library Coffeehouse to Feature John Roberts and Debra Cowan November 6

With their eloquent voices and expert musicianship, John Roberts and Debra Cowan bring to life songs seldom heard on radio or even online these days. Roberts and Cowan are at the heart of traditional music in New England. They share an enthusiasm and passion for the old songs and ballads that have been handed down through the oral tradition in the English-speaking world. Both John and Debra can spin a ripping good yarn and whether illuminating, inspiring, or laugh-out-loud funny, their stories convey their love of the songs and the people who have sung them over the years, decades — and in some cases centuries. They will be performing at the Camden Library Coffeehouse on Thursday, November 6, at 7:00 pm. Admission is only $7 for what promises to be a wonderfully satisfying evening.

John, originally from England, has been singing sea shanties, broadside ballads, pub tunes, and British traditional songs since the 1960s. Sometimes his bold voice stands alone; other times he accompanies himself on Anglo concertina or banjo. Debra’s nightingale voice complements and contrasts with John’s rich baritone. Although she brings her guitar to the stage, her strong, clear, and expressive voice needs no instrumental support. Her repertoire focuses on traditional songs and on contemporary work that deserves a wider audience. She has been known to rework old love songs, sea shanties, and ballads to give them feminist twists.

John and Debra firmly believe that folk music is not a spectator sport. They can turn any audience into a chorale by patiently teaching sometimes complicated and often tongue-tying choruses, as well as familiar songs. Whether the venue is a coffeehouse, auditorium, or living room, listeners leave a Roberts-Cowan performance smiling and often singing, knowing that the song is the star, and singing is what keeps great songs alive.

As a graduate student at Cornell University, John met fellow student Tony Barrand and the two, sharing a common heritage and interest in folksong, began a partnership in 1969 that continues to this day. Their second recording, “Across The Western Ocean” is still regarded as a classic, documenting the songs of the transatlantic packet ship trade, and together they have numerous recording credits on many compilations in addition to their own releases. With concertina and banjo, Roberts sings the traditional folksongs of his native Britain in a manner that is at once authentic and authoritative, yet highly engaging and entertaining.

Debra Cowan was once asked what kind of songs she writes. Her reply? “Bad ones! But there are so many good songs out there written by others and they should be sung.” Her captivating warm alto carries each folk song she chooses. She performs a cappella and with guitar in the great tradition of folk singers like Joan Baez and Judy Collins. In her newest release “Fond Desire Farewell,” she has taken contemporary and time-honored public domain songs and put them in a modern setting. Debra has shared the stage with artists as varied as Brooks Williams, Tret Fure, and John Renbourne. Now based near Worcester, Massachusetts, Debra tours extensively in North America and the United Kingdom.

“ . . . Debra Cowan and John Roberts reminded me of why I love folk music so much — it’s the ripping yarns, the sparse tunes, and the joy of singing along.” — Rob Weir, “Off-Center Views”