Jenn Butterworth

ABOUT

Jenn Butterworth is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading exponents of traditional folk guitar. Renowned for her exceptional skills in collaboration, accompaniment and arrangement, she seamlessly adapts to any stage, whether performing in an intimate venue or commanding a large festival audience.

Based in Glasgow, Scotland, Jenn is a central figure in the thriving Scottish folk music scene. She is a key member of the award-winning folk powerhouse Kinnaris Quintet and performs regularly in duos with Laura-Beth Salter and Will Pound. Her versatility has seen her contribute to an impressive array of projects, including performances with Fiddlers’ Bid, Treacherous Orchestra, Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton, Bella Hardy, Adam Sutherland, Sian, Malin Makes Music, Claire Hastings, and RURA’s Jack Smedley & David Foley.

In 2019, Jenn was named Musician of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards and was a nominee for the same title at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Two years earlier, her work with the acclaimed folk supergroup Songs of Separation earned the Album of the Year award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. This groundbreaking project, featuring luminaries like Eliza Carthy, Lady Maisery and Karine Polwart was conceived, arranged, and recorded in just seven days. Jenn has contributed to numerous celebrated albums, including Free One and This Too by Kinnaris Quintet, as well as stepping into the producer’s role for Volume 1 by Will Pound & Jenn Butterworth. Her highly anticipated solo album Her By Design is set for release in February 2025.

Jenn is also a highly respected educator with extensive teaching experience, ranging from one-on-one sessions to leading large ensembles. She has collaborated with organisations such as Fèisean nan Gàidheal, the National Youth Folk Ensemble (EFDSS), Halsway Manor, Burg Fürsteneck and Folkworks Summer School. As a member of the Traditional Music Department at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, she works as Creative Producer and was honoured with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Teaching’ award at the RCS Student-Led Awards in 2024.

“Butterworth shows that you can steal the limelight even from the shadowy environs of the accompanist’s chair; death-defying, finger-bamboozling chord shapes whizz up and down the guitar’s neck, much to the amazement and enticement of the casual listener.” – Tradfolk

“Butterworth powers the show with driving guitar.” – The Metro 

“Butterworth’s style is what makes her one of the most in-demand musicians in Scotland. There are few guitarists in this country able to so intricately guide a set with melody and rhythm.” – The National