bio
Greensand Ridge
Hugh and Lesley Loughlin, a husband and wife duo, are Greensand Ridge.
We perform a wide variety of material in an acoustic style, ranging from folk revival, through singer-songwriter and folk rock to traditional and contemporary folk songs using our own arrangements.
Our aim is to entertain through our thoughtful and musically interesting interpretations with an emphasis on well told stories with beautiful melodies performed with musicality, beauty of tone and clarity of diction.
Featuring original material as well as songs from Joni Mitchell, Kate Rusby, John Denver, Steeleye Span, Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson, Graham Moore, Bella Hardy, Alison Krauss and many, many more.
We always encourage audience participation on well-known choruses!
testimonials
Paul Stamworth
Out of all the acts I work with, their passion for their art & genre, the enthusiasm, dedication and attention to detail is something that really makes them stand out.
I also love the fact that they incorporate songs from many different styles and do them their own way whilst also making them instantly recognisable thanks to the aforementioned attention to detail.
Merstham WI
Thank you to Lesley and Hugh for giving us such an enjoyable Christmas concert. They had created a tailor made programme specially for us, full of festive season songs, but with a difference. Some were ones we knew, and others quite new and fresh.
They are both true professionals and they work together beautifully. Their arrangements are their own, and Lesley's voice is lovely to hear, pure and true.
Pat Cockett
Lesley and Hugh's performance of a well-balanced selection of songs engaged and entranced the audience.
The songs all had a strong narrative and Lesley's ability to relate and respond to the audience held their attention and encouraged them to participate in the songs.
Lesley and Hugh work together in creative harmony with Lesley's beautiful and expressive voice supported and enhanced by Hugh's sensitive accompaniment on the guitar.
Leanne Klein
I feel it is always a privilege to hear Greensand Ridge (Lesley and Hugh) perform. A true fusion of clever folk melodies and many years of classic singing training has lead to their unique combination of voice and guitar. I love the edge they bring to well-known songs and melodies and the choice of unique and unfamiliar songs always leaves me wanting to hear more. Songs such as 'Island of Apples', wonderful!
I enjoy hearing the story behind each song and then when I close my eyes to listen I am transported to either another world, place or time. The array of songs performed may range from haunting, subtle and sweet to dynamic, jazzy and fun depending on what they have chosen to be the order of the night.
Lesley is a joy to listen to with expression evident within her voice as she becomes emersed in the songs she is performing. She manages to draw you in as she becomes the character in each song as Hugh backs this up with his sweeping dynamics and light touch. Hugh's skilful guitar playing ranges from sensitive, romantic and light, to purposeful and playful. The strength of connectedness and passion for their music shines through more and more with the performance of each song. A pleasure to watch and hear!
The combination of the two just makes each performance an absolute joy and pleasure to listen to. I am always left wanting more of the Greensand Ridge!
gigs
Many of our bookings are events not open to the public. To find out where you could hear us next, please contact us.
25th June 2023 12:00pm
Boars Bridge Charity Festival (running 23rd - 25th June)
Boars Bridge Farm, Tadley RG26 5EY
8th December 2021
Women's Institute Christmas Party
13th November 2021
The Surrey Folk Show with David Shires
Surrey Hills Radio
2nd August 2021 11:30am
Charity Concert during Sidmouth Folk Week
St Giles and St Nicholas Church, EX10 8LG
18th March 2020
Bob Cholmondley Club for the Blind
Reigate Park Church
7th March 2020
Acoustic Variety Evening
Pyrford Social Club
17th December 2019
Tuesday Teas
Effingham elderly social group
4th December 2019
Horsell Care
Horsell Village elderly social group
24th September 2019
Tuesday Teas
Effingham elderly social group
29th August 2019
Connect
Horsley dementia social group
5th August 2019 11:00am
Charity Concert during Sidmouth Folk Week
St Giles and St Nicholas Church, EX10 8LG
6th February 2019
Bob Cholmondley Club for the Blind
Reigate Park Church
6th December 2018
Probus Ladies Christmas Lunch
Sutton Green Golf Club
21st October 2017
POW Day 2017
The People's History Museum, Manchester
17th October 2017 8:00pm
Amberley Acoustic Music Club
The George and Dragon, Houghton
13th September 2017
Blind Club of Reigate, private gig
26th August 2017 7:30pm
Charity concert
Angmering Village Hall
7th August 2017 11:00am
Charity Concert during Sidmouth Folk Week
St Giles and St Nicholas Church, EX10 8LG
23rd July 2017 2:00pm
Foal Farm Animal Centre County Festival
Biggin Hill, TN16 3AX
18th July 2017 7:30pm
'The End of the Pier' variety evening
U3A Evenings at Reigate Manor Hotel
20th June 2017 7:30pm
'Songs and a'muse'ing tales' variety evening
U3A Evenings at Reigate Manor Hotel
3rd June 2017 1:20pm
Pig's Ear Folk Ale
The Kentish Horse, Markbeech, TN8 5NT
1st August 2016 11:30am
Charity Concert during Sidmouth Folk Week
St Giles and St Nicholas Church, EX10 8LG
17th July 2016 12:00pm
Foal Farm Animal Centre County Festival
Biggin Hill, TN16 3AX
26th June 2016 1:30pm
Crawley Folk Festival
Hawth Theatre RH10 6YZ
4th June 2016 11:50am
Pig's Ear Folk Ale
The Kentish Horse, Markbeech, TN18 5NT
25th May 2016
Bob Cholmondley Club for the Blind
Reigate Park Church
10th January 2016 3:00pm
Winter Sunday Afternoon Session
Rowfant House
29th November 2015 9:00pm
BBC Radio Kent Folk with Doug Welch
1st October 2015 3:15pm
Susy Radio with David Jay
25th September 2015