May Erlewine

May Erlewine

Known at home as “Michigan’s songbird” and one of the most prolific and passionate songwriters of her generation, May Erlewine’s music has touched the hearts of people all over the world.

Raised in a family rich with art and music, May began writing songs and playing them for people at a very young age and has already released around 15 albums in a career that has won her many friends and fans around the world. She draws on a wide variety of sounds and influences to create her unique musical landscape. You’ll hear traditional folk roots, old time country swing, soul and rock and roll, but mostly she’s inspired by heart and soul and telling life’s stories. Her songs have been performed and recorded by many other well-respected artists, including Lindsay Lou [and the Flatbellys] who performed May’s song ‘The River Jordan’ at the 2015 Shetland Folk Festival.

May plays guitar, fiddle, viola, piano and a few other instruments but mostly she sings. When she released her stunning solo album ‘Mother Lion’ in 2018, the UK sat up and took notice, with many on this side of the Atlantic wondering how it took them so long to discover her beautiful sound. Although May has performed in the UK as part of the Sweet Water Warblers, 2019 sees her first UK performances under her own name and with her own trio.  She blew audiences away at this year's Celtic Connections and for her trip to Shetland will be performing with classical musical side men Charlie Muench on bass and backing vocals and PJ George on keys/percussion and vocals.  This lineup is sure to excite many Shetland music lovers as Charlie performed in Shetland with the Ragged Wood promotions gig with The Stray Birds and PJ George is also a member of Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys!  Welcome back to Shetland guys and we're sure you'll help May with her induction process to island life!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlB44qq_ipI (403)