Keep calm and ceilidh on!

So this weekend (as well as having an extra 2 days off to celebrate the Queens Jubilee) we played our long awaited ceilidh in Pyrton in Oxfordshire. Chis came up with a brilliant alternative Ceilidh name, aswe are usually writing's on the wall for out ceilidh activities we became dancing on the ceiling (I feel Lionel Richie would approve). Emily came to pick me up at 5.30 and by that time rain was heavily falling from the sky. We were  originally supposed to be playing in a tent in the manor house gardens but that plan was quickly shelved when yet more rain arrived. Instead we found ourselves in the comfortable surroundings of Pyrton village hall with this lot

Granted we had a lot of children (and naturally even though I had a microphone & was shouting I still couldn't be heard). Fortunately other members of the band were on hand to help me whip our recruits into shape (Sreeves on the right hand side ably assisting) and finally we arrived at this

It may not look like it but they are in lines which was exactly what I needed. I won't say the ceilidh went completely smoothly because no ceilidh ever goes step perfect, that is kind of the point. But we had a great time and I think the good people of Pyrton did too. I'm ashamed to say I was too busy calling to get any shots of the band (a double shame as we were all dressed in red, white & blue) but I will ask around to see if anyone else has any, in the meantime here are the rest of the band hard at practice

Sreeves & Emily tune up

 

Kevin

 

Emily & her harmonics

 

Often imitated but never bettered Sreeves

This year I will be mostly listening to....

Well it may have only just started but 2012 is already looking like a great year for folk music. These are some of the very exciting albums I will be listening to this year
Jim Moray - Skulk

It's accoustic, it has a fox on the cover, what's not to love??? The Moray returns with a fantastic album of new material, all of which is available for your listening pleasure here but please buy the cd or pre order the (hopefully it's happening vinyl because its that good and to quote loreal he's worth it (oh extra fox footage for your pleasure can be found here, I'm talking about Sorrell obviously...)

Mawkin  - Crow

Not to mistaken with the Ralfe band tune of the same name, the Delarre double are back with the additon of Nick (Cookie Monster) Cook and a guy hitting stuff for an entirely new album. If its as good as the single Skymningspolskan / Betsy Likens (which you can listen to here) it should be a scorcher (oh and if you missed any of their previous output its all on the website for a tiny fee too, so hook yourself up!)

Seth Lakeman - Tales from the Barrel House

After the disappointment and lack of tunes of offerings like Hearts and Minds (I would have thrown cabbage but its best not to waste good food) Mr Lakemen returns to his roots (yey) and heads off recording down an disused copper mine to record Tales and it certainly seems like he's mining the tunes again (collective groan) it isn't as good as Kitty Jay but a definite step back in the right direction.

Moss, Moore, Rutter - Moss, Moore, Rutter

Okay technically not released this year but they won the young folk award last year and now being back in the spotlight thanks to Jack Rutters unlikely appearance on ITV's Take Me Out (???). I think I might have heard most of this album thanks to the delights of free musicy listening places but its very very good so this year there will be a concerted effort to find the cd and play it many many times, I recommend you do the same.

Message to Bears - Folding Leaves

Sadly Jerome (who writes all the music for this collection of musicians) has now moved back to Bristol, which means less local gigs for us Oxfordonians. Awesomely however there is a new album of tunes (after getting funding sorted via this site). I've got their last release Departures ad having seen them live quite a few times can confirm that yes they are brilliant, fantastic music to chill out to or watch snow fall, make sure you grab a copy.


And now a couple that are hopefully on the way
Bad Anna - Debut

Uiscedwr split up, I'm devastated, Bad Anna form, I am slightly pacified. Described on their page here as new kind of folk music for our generation, if its got Anna Esslemont playing fiddle it will def be worth a listen

Writings on the Wall - suggestions for a  title welcome!

The idea has been mooted that we attempt a recording, we were going to try a six track until we realised we probably have quite a bit more material than that... Anyway after we play the fringe event in April we should be locking ourselves away and trying to record something. In the meantime however for more informative updates you can like us on Facebook here.

Gig in Garsington

This has just dropped into my inbox, the official poster for the gig that Writing on the Wall (otherwise known as the fabulous band what I am in) are playing in about a week and a half. Also on the bill is Robin Bennett's new country band the Grassy Hillbillies ('locals' may recognise the name as Robin and his brother Joe are responsible for running local fab festival Truck, Robin was also described by one of my friends as the batman of cool, so there you go!). The other bands we haven't encountered yet but I can give a small sneak preview of the finale (well the song at least) here it is sung by folk legend John Coppins . Be lovely to see some of you there!

Blowzabella & tune writing

 Jam and I attended a Blowzabella gig tonight, as usual there was much dancing and the music was great. As well as getting the chance to have a really good dance I also managed to pick up a copy of the tune book I haven't got and get it signed (be still my beating heart, this will take pride of place on my music stand!).


I've since found out there is to be a Blowzabella day next year in April, with dancing and playing workshops and also a competition for original compositions. The winner gets their tune recorded by the band!!! I think I may have to get scribbling (its really special to have my stuff played by Writings but by my favourite folk band that would really be something!). I have a feeling the standard of entries will be quite high, here is Andy Cutting (box player for the band) playing a composition by their hurdy gurdy player (and possibly man with the best name ever) Gregory Joliever.