Darren Black is a musician with a rapidly growing profile on the folk/acoustic scene. Described by fRoots magazine as 'thoughtful and masterful', he hails from a quiet corner of the Welsh valleys and carries a heart-felt honesty in his music. Originally a classical violinist, he later taught himself guitar and folk fiddle. Inspired by bands such as Led Zeppelin and the melodic, poignant lyricism of Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, musing soon progressed to song-writing. Several spells in underground indie/folk bands got the Jimmy Page out of his system, but ultimately served only to lure him back to his acoustic roots.

He now performs solo with guitar and violin and also in various collaborations with the musicians who played on his new album. Lyrically he writes about what makes him tick, and 'has an incisive flair for blurring the boundaries between the traditional and contemporary'. He has played at an array of established folk festivals including the Beverley, Saul, Priddy, Two Rivers and the Sunrise Celebration. He has also opened shows for veritable legends and award-winners alike, including Dave Swarbrick & Martin Carthy, Dick Gaughan, Kathryn Tickell, Chris Wood, Phil Beer, Last Night's Fun and Spiers & Boden.

2007 saw the release of Darren's debut album, the acclaimed 'Silent Poetry'. After opening several shows for Dave Swarbrick & Martin Carthy, he was invited to record it at Swarb's home studio. The follow-up, 'Thinkers & fools', was recorded in Spring 2008, this time with an array of instrumental arrangements. Featuring guest musicians including Dave Swarbrick, Joe Broughton and Kevin Dempsey, it will be released in September.