Once again we have a class line-up here at Priddy.
Some back by popular demand, others requested by you in last year's feedback forms and faces new to Priddy who we feel will be sure to impress.
The venues are:
* Swildon's Marquee - the main venue named after the most famous cave in the area
* Eastwater Marquee - named after another famous cave and the venue for dance displays during the day and concerts in the evening
* Village Hall - venue for the Ceilidhs and Late Nite Bop
Contents
Swildons Marquee
Friday
Last Night’s Fun http://www.lastnightsfun.com
- Last Night's Fun have an audience pinned to the wall with breathtaking virtuosity and creative arrangements, and falling off their chairs with a loveable line in patter that is their trademark. They embody a fire, passion and feel for traditional Irish music not seen since The Bothy Band and Planxty at their peak. The key to the unique Last Night’s Fun sound however, is the electric, spontaneous interplay between three musicians very much at one with each other.Described by IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE as "the most exciting and entertaining traditional Irish music band in England"
Mike Silver & Johnny Coppin http://www.mikesilver.co.uk http://www.johnnycoppin.co.uk
- The combination of Johnny’s piano and Mike’s guitar gets right to the heart of the listener. This is music from the soul, delivered with tremendous conviction. The delight they take in playing the music is plain to see and their live shows encapsulate a blend of skill and powerful emotion. There is a clear commitment from both artists to put the songs first, and seeing how hard they work for each other on stage displays their willingness to share responsibility as well as taking joint delight in the applause.
Hazel & Emily Askew http://www.askewsisters.co.uk
- The Askew Sisters are a young fiddle and melodeon duo, playing and singing traditional English music in a dynamic and exciting style. Their sheer energy and musicality is quickly leading them to become one of the up and coming stars of the new English music revival. From their rhythmic, foot stomping tunes, to Hazel’s powerful songs and ballads, they win fans wherever they play. They have been Semi-Finalists in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award and won the New Roots competition 2005.
Mick Ryan & Pete Harris http://www.mickandpete.co.uk
- Mick Ryan is known on the folk scene as a fine singer of traditional and original material. Folk Roots described him as "definitely the most underrated singer in the country". Pete Harris (guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, mandola, bass guitar, whistle) has worked with a number of successful bands including The New St. George and Bursledon Village Band and is also a fine solo performer.
Compere – Jim Tigwell
Saturday lunchtime
Compost Heap
- Some of the best shanty singing you’ll hear, we’re really pleased to welcome these four lads from Wales back this year, and they’ll be doing a repeat of last years fabulous workshop, so get those voiced well oiled.
Hazel & Emily Askew
- See above - Swildon's Friday evening.
Sara Grey http://www.maclurg.com
- Once you have heard Sara Grey you will never forget her. She has a certain quality of voice that compels you to give her your undivided attention. Her voice is both powerful and sweet with a distinctive and lovely tremolo. It is a voice well suited to native American ballads and ballads of Ireland and Scotland. Also a fine Old Time Banjo player Sara has a huge knowledge of the tradition and will offering workshops over the weekend.
Compere - Tim Brine
Saturday afternoon
Honey On My Grave http://www.myspace.com/tanjarice
- is a 4-piece band that brings together Old Time, Blues and original songs with a bit of country attitude. Individually the band members are no strangers to Priddy; in fact the seeds were sown during the Sunday night survivors session last year. Some unusual but rhythmic arrangements are provided by strong, bluesy vocals backed by guitar, slide guitar, double bass and percussion. Honey on my Grave are - Tanja Rice (vocals, guitar), Glen Martin (percussion), Pete Hughes (double bass), Martin Froud (slide guitars)
Ernie’s Rhythm Section http://www.myspace.com/onlyforthepleasure
- I came across these gent’s at Swanage Blues festival this year, one of the finest young acoustic blues bands anywhere, this is not to be missed, bring your dancing shoes.
Wizz Jones http://www.wizzjones.com
There are few artists with more claim to being a 'musician's musician' than Wizz Jones. Inspired by Big Bill Broonzy, Rambling Jack Elliot, Alexis Korner and Ewan MacColl, learning his craft from the likes of Davy Graham and Long John Baldry in the coffee bars of London's Soho during the late fifties, busking through Europe with Rod Stewart and cited by John Renbourn and Eric Clapton as an important early influence. With his unique acoustic guitar style, an eclectic repertoire and a 'right hand worthy of Broonzy' Wizz continues to tour on the acoustic folk and blues circuit and will be joined by his son Simeon on Sax, Flute and Harmonica.
Compere – Sandy Ball
Saturday Evening
Dragonsfly http://www.dragonsfly.org
- This vibrant and original five-piece interlace instruments as diverse as bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy, bouzouki, mandolin, tabla, electric bass, saxophones, vocals and more resulting in groove-driven music that is passionate, high-energy, tender and entrancing. Their performances are rooted in traditional music but with their own contemporary interpretation and with songs inspired by their personal experiences and musical backgrounds. Their music celebrates community and the spirit of the land, enchanting audiences to sing, dance and be stirred. A big welcome back to this enormously popular band.
Tom McConville http://www.tommcconville.co.uk
Tom McConville, primarily known as The Newcastle Fiddle Player, is one of the leading fiddle players of our time. A virtuoso musician and fantastic singer, his rich and warm voice makes his interpretation of traditional and contemporary songs greatly admired by singers throughout the world. "Tom is a great player, and a terrific singer, he happens to be a number one bloke too. Tom plays as Tom is, with honesty and passion, and an obvious love for the fiddle and traditional music." Dave Swarbrick
Isambarde http://www.isambarde.co.uk
- A huge success last year, we’re really pleased that they can join us again. "Isambarde are a folk band with tremendous energy and enthusiasm. They are the unusual and winning combination of Chris's driving guitar, Emily's incisive fiddle playing and Jude's lyrical oboe coupled with great full on vocal harmonies. They play a great set and are an asset to any festival bill. Book 'em!!" Phil Beer
Lisa Knapp http://www.myspace.com/lisaknappmusic
- Lisa went down a storm in the Eastwater marquee last year, so we had to invite her and her wonderful band back again.
Compere – Tim Brine
Sunday lunchtime
Seize The Day http://www.seizetheday.org
- Seize The Day are a funky little band that do some groovy numbers to inspire, enlighten and entertain. It all started back during the road protest days of the late nineties: Theo met Shannon, and they began to make beautiful music. They’ve been protesting, campaigning and playing to audiences big and small ever since. Their songs will make you laugh, cry, or stand up and get active in changing the world for the better. Seize The Day walk their talk, and can often be found up trees, chained to gates, marching (and writing very strong letters to their local MP), as well as playing at festivals, town halls or benefit gigs across Britain. They’ve also toured in America and India, but because of climate change have now pledged not to fly again.
Keith Warmington & Stuart Gordon http://www.warmington.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
- Well known local musician and BBC radio Bristol presenter Keith Warmington has been in demand for his Harmonica playing by the likes of Mike Silver, Bert Jansch, Steve Tilston among others over the years, he’s also a great singer, guitarist and entertainer. Keith is joined by violin player Stuart Gordon, much in demand as a session player and well known for his work with Peter Hamill.
Martha Tilston Band http://www.wupadupa.com/artists/martha/
- Martha has been around folk music and folk musicians all her life, so it’s no wonder that, plus a huge amount of talent, she’s become great performer, musician and a wonderful songwriter. We’re really looking forward to her set this year.
Compere – Sandy Ball
Sunday afternoon
Nancy Kerr & James Fagan http://www.kerrfagan.com
- This well-loved duo combine highly skilful and innovative performance with accessibility, warmth and stage presence. Rarely are duos so full in sound; Nancy’s earthy and exquisite fiddle and viola playing dances with the striking rhythmic texture of James’s guitar-bouzouki, while their rich singing both as soloists and in harmony evokes the stories of the songs they choose and write. They approach their music with energy and infectious smiles. Rapid musical communication with one another and the audience makes their performance spectacular and unforgettable.
Mike Scott http://www.myspace.com/bristolsmikescott
- Mike is a brilliant wordsmith, his songs are stories of everyday life, that will have you crying with laughter at one, and discretely wiping a tear at the next. Not to be missed.
Devils Elbow http://www.devils-elbow.co.uk
- A dynamic and innovative duo from diverse musical background combining their talents to create traditional music with an original twist. After years busking around the country playing mainly Celtic music in pubs and at festivals, the couple rediscovered their English roots and haven't looked back.
Compere – Jim Tigwell
Eastwater Marquee
Friday Evening
Isambarde http://www.isambarde.co.uk
- Back by popular demand, Isambarde are one of the finest young bands on the scene.
Richard Grainger http://www.myspace.com/richardgrainger
- Richard Grainger is a singer and songwriter steeped in the Northumbrian and English Folk Traditions. As a teenager he represented his native Cleveland ( North East Coast of Yorkshire) at an EFDSS National Gathering at Cecil Sharp House in London. Today,after nearly twenty years in the business, he is acknowledged as one of the finest exponents of folk song in the UK.
Christi Andropolis http://www.christi-andropolis.com
- Originally from New York State, Christi Andropolis is a singer and fiddler whose musical inspirations range from the Southern States of the US to the UK, exploring the connections between different folk genres on both sides of the Atlantic. From delta blues to Appalachian tunes, she combines the influence of her American roots with a flair for traditional Scottish and English fiddling, establishing a new voice for transatlantic roots music.
Chico Holton http://www.chicoholton.co.uk
- Well known around the area as a great roots songwriter, writing folk, blues, country, pop and jazz influenced songs and instrumentals with a sensitive and often dynamic fingerpicking guitar style. Chico will be your compere for the evening.
Saturday Evening
Devil’s Elbow
- See Swildons sunday afternoon
Ember http://www.embersong.com
- The simple yet moving music centres around the miraculous blending of two very different voices: that of Welsh songstress Emily Williams, who also sails through the mix with her violin and sets up chunky rhythms with her nylon-strung guitar, and that of Rebecca Sullivan of Utah who fingerpicks a sparkling steel-string, and breaks out the harmonica for a song or two. Good to see them back again.
Jim Tigwell
- Some likely character who hangs around Bristol and surrounding area playing guitar and singing in the folk/blues manner.
Hazel & Emily Askew
- See Swildons Friday evening
Andy Clarke http://www.flaxey-green.co.uk
- "An excellent singer and instrumentalist who performs with the skill and taste of a master craftsman." - Pete Coe Andy has a repertoire of mainly traditional song from the British Isles including the South West of England. His reputation as a strong performer continues to grow with increasing appearances at folk festivals and folk clubs across England. Andy will be your compère for the evening.
Sunday Afternoon
Sara Grey
- See Swildons Sat’ lunchtime
Andy Clarke
- See Eastwater Sat’ evening
Ember
- See Eastwater sat’ evening
Sandy & Graham Ball http://www.finemusicworks.com
Sandy & Graham are well known for running the very successful Folk at the Oak club in Corsham, Wilt’s and also the Club Tent at Priddy. Both great singers and musicians, drawing from both traditional & contemporary sources. Great to see them back.
Compere – Bill Naish
Village Hall
Friday Evening Ceilidh
Allan Yn Y Fan http://www.allanynyfan.co.uk
- Allan Yn Y Fan is renowned as one of Wales' finest twmpath bands and has an impressive reputation for concert work too! The Band, plus a caller, has demonstrated an ability to get any crowd onto a dance floor, whatever the occasion.The band play a mixture of Welsh, Scottish and Irish tunes, with a healthy emphasis on the lesser-known wonderful tunes from Wales. The band is lucky enough to have three tunesmiths in its ranks and an increasing amount of the repertoire is self-composed. Welcome back to Priddy!
Saturday Evening Ceilidh
Rapscallion http://www.issyemeney.co.uk
We’d like to welcome back Rapscallion for tonights ceilidh, originally from Suffolk and now resident in Cheddar and consisting of Issy & David Emeney plus various guest musicians and led tonight by caller Dave Leverton
Saturday Late Night Bop
Baraka http://www.barakamusic.co.uk
- A unique combination of dance and party music featuring West African Highlife, South African Township, and Calypso, Soca and Reggae from the Caribbean. The line up features musicians from Ghana, Zambia, Dominica and Ireland, providing an exciting mix of dance rhythms, soaring melodies and funky grooves.