Celebrated folk guitarist Michael Chapman returns to Cornwall, 50 years since his first known live recordings in the county, with a special performance at The Poly in Falmouth.

The celebrated folk guitarist, who has worked with the likes of Mick Ronson, Rick Kemp, Thurston Moore and many others, will return for the one-off show on Thursday, August 24.

As well as celebrating his 75th birthday, last year marked a half century since he first went on the road professionally. Never one to stand still for long, Chapman continues touring in 2017 with more new projects including his new album, 50, on vinyl and some exciting new collaborations are in the pipeline.

Michael Chapman first became known on the London and Cornish folk circuits in 1966. Playing a blend of atmospheric and autobiographical material he established a reputation for intensity and innovation. Signed to EMI's Harvest label he recorded a quartet of classic albums, making the role of melancholic observer his own and mixing intricate guitar instrumentals with a full band sound.

His influential album Fully Qualified Survivor, featuring the guitar of Mick Ronson and Rick Kemp's bass, was John Peel's favourite album of 1970. The album featured the Chapman hit Postcards of Scarborough, a characteristically tenderly sour song recounting feelings of nostalgia and regret.

Chapman is known as one of the UK’s best finger picking style guitar players. As part of a continuing musical lineage that includes the likes of Ralph McTell, John Martyn, Davey Graham and Bert Jansch, Chapman is still touring and recording new material. His 2013 album Live at Folk Cottage is an archive of the first known recordings of Michael playing live at The Folk Cottage in Mitchell, Cornwall, in 1967.

Collaborations with Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth and the American primitive school of guitar players, including the late John Fahey , and also Jack Rose, opened up a whole new audience of US based admirers. Appearing on recordings with Hiss Golden Messenger and Steve Gunn has cemented Chapman’s position as pivotal figure in roots, folk and acoustic guitar playing over the last 50 years.

For more information, call the Poly Box Office on 01326 319461 or visit thepoly.org