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Where you see one of these click it to hear artists songs.
Anna Phoebe & Byron Johnston
A sensual duet between guitar and violin, where
the two performers playfully duel and tease each
other within the music. Expect lightning violin riffs
and stunning displays of flamenco guitarring that
brings listeners a dynamic and highly charged
collaboration.
Their thrilling, instrumental music is full of
suspense and excitement that captivates you if
watching them live, and flirts with your imagination
when listening to them. Together they are a
talented, uplifting and entertaining duo that have
the ability to create something special.
"When you see Anna and Byron play on stage, expect to leave the performance feeling slightly hot under the collar and completely breathless."
The passion and lust in their contemporary Latin flamenco sound is "pure unadulterated sex on strings."
Joe Robbins
Growing up in a musical household provided the grounding for the young Joe Robbins to experiment with different genres and instruments. With parents who specialise in performing arts, it was just a matter of time before this young prodigy picked up his first instrument. A multi instrumentalist, his talents are as diverse as the life experience that has made him the man he is. Making the seemingly easy switch between drums, guitar, trumpet and piano, it is ultimately his voice that stands out above all the other talents this up and coming performer has worked so hard to master.
Born in West Yorkshire, this 23 year old spent his childhood in the outdoors and playing a variety of sports, something that had a profound effect on the development of his easy going and friendly nature. At the age of 15 his family moved to Cape Town, South Africa, a move that was to have a major impact on who Joe Robbins was to become. During this time music became a secondary discipline as the relaxed, easy going nature of the Mother city of South Africa sucked him in. Learning to surf, excelling at sport and academics, it was Cape Town that convinced Joe to stay on and study a Business Science degree to honours level after school, instead of the music degree to which he had been accepted back in England.
"Making the choice to stay in Cape Town and study Business gave me the freedom to create music without the pressures and somewhat formulated constraints of today's music world. Often I worried that my decision to stay in Cape Town would affect my potential as a musician. In retrospect, after my arrival in London, I have come to realise that my decision gave me a more grounded, uninfluenced feel to the sounds I make today".
Following the successful conclusion of his 7 year stint in Cape Town, the beginning of 2010 saw him move to London to begin a career in music. With an extremely favourable response within the first few months of being in the music capital of Europe, Joe has secured a manager, played numerous shows and piqued the interest of music companies across the city. Currently, Joe is working with top name producers and writers as he develops his sound and brand.
Paul Liddell
Paul Liddell is a working musician/singer/
songwriter based by the sea in the North
East of England. So far he has released
two solo albums and an EP, and an EP
with his band 'Delphians'. His second album
'A Lighthouse Keeper's Diary' was released
on his own label 'Regulus Music' and was
distributed in stores around the UK by
Universal/Absolute.
Paul is an experienced live performer too.
His raw and unpretentious delivery combined with the use of live sampling, guitar percussion and layered vocal harmonies provide a great platform for his wonderful songs to shine. As well as touring UK venues in '06, '07 and '08, Paul also performs between tours, averaging about 15 shows a month. Paul has also toured in America, whipping up a storm in several little coffee houses across California. While he was there he performed on a TV show filmed in Time Warner studios in Hollywood, and got his song 'Brighter Lights' placed on a nationally distributed and TV advertised folk compilation CD. Other live highlights include a show-stopping performance at the Beverley Folk Festival, and a memorable show at the Piperine Free Festival in Milan. Other artists Paul has shared billing with include Beth Rowley, Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Karine Polwart, Polly Paulusma, Kathryn Tickell, Nick Harper, Amy Wadge, Nerina Pallot, Billy Bragg and Florence And The Machine.
Paul's songwriting and performance have been recognised throughout the industry, claiming awards for 'Best Male Artist' at the International Acoustic Music Awards, a finalists place at the Independent Music Awards, and a winning place in the International Songwriting Competition.
Early 2009 saw Paul make it through to the final 10 in Q magazine's Glastonbury competition, gaining him some huge exposure along the way.
Paul was recently named as the most gigged songwriter of 2009 by PRS, clocking up hundreds of gigs all over the UK.
Paul recently signed a recording contract with London based label 360 degree music
"A very good album from a highly talented singer/songwriter/musician" - Maverick Magazine
"Glittering nuggets of irresistible folk-pop gold" - The Crack Magazine
Pete du Pon
Pete du Pon is an English singer/ songwriter making waves as an up and coming unsigned artist, touted as the next James Taylor. Sponsored by Gibson Guitars and with a voice that sends shivers down the spine and lyrics which melt hearts, Pete has been earmarked for big things. Following great success touring with the likes of Amy MacDonald and Thea Gilmore as well as featuring on the same line ups as Gabriella Cilmi and Gary Go, among many others and having played at such venues as Shepherds Bush Empire and Abbey Road Studios he is definitely one to watch out for.
WHAT THE PAPERS SAY:
The Dailly Mirror: "Look out for hotly-tipped singer-songwriter Pete du Pon. Rollo from Faithless and Brian
McFadden are the latest to join his band of celebrity fans - we think he has what it takes."
The London Paper Cobden gig review: "Highly-rated Pete du Pon played a storming gig at the Cobden Club last night. theBuzz thinks he's going to be big news..."
The London Paper: " theBuzz's hotly-tipped artist Pete du Pon played a storming show for AOL at Abbey Road studios..."
Gibson.com: "One of the UK's best unsigned artists"
Jazz Morley
Dorset girl Jazz Morley possesses a voice with such natural soulfulness beyond her 21 years of age that it possibly comes as no surprise to learn that her first public performance was the first year infants nativity play!
Fast forward to the present day and we find a rich, warm, emotive voice capable of the tiniest whisper of love to the full vent of a woman scorned.
Randolph Matthews
Since his solo album release 'I Love', in 2007 London born artist Randolph Matthews has continued to push the boundaries of World Music, fusing the many experiences of his UK upbringing with those of disparate cultures around the globe. Performances with Angeligue Kidjo, Seun Kuti and fiddle virtuoso Chris Haigh (Omou Sangare) have influenced his passionate live shows, comprising of griot storytelling while he layers live digital loops, pulsating percussive beats, haunting African melodies and delicate maliesque guitar rhythms with a subtle urban Caribbean twist.
Randolph presents a new genre "Heart Songs and Future Folk"!
Album release september 2010.
Choro Bandido
In recent years the
popularity of choro
has spread outside
Brazil, musicians
worldwide have
opened their ears to the spellbinding sound of this original music of Brazil and now devote their chops to learning and playing choro. - An example of this movement is the English choro ensemble, Choro Bandido, located in Surrey, UK. In 2007 Choro Bandido got together to explore Chorinho. The members of the quartet have been involved in various musical genres in their time.
Classically trained violinist Alison Hopper cut her teeth on classical and folk music.
Multi-instrumentalist Dave 'the hat' Anthony has played in many contemporary rock bands. He plays keyboards, violin, bass & percussion but for Choro Bandido has added cavaquinho to his instrumental armoury.
7 string guitarist and teacher Brian Bull, a huge Django Reinhardt fan, has a long background playing Gypsy Jazz. Having added a seventh string Brian is now studying the works of the great Yamandú Costa and Dino 7 Cordas.
Percussionist Mick Pyke's musical path has been from blues rock through reggae into African music and has now finished up in Brazilian music. He co-founded the samba bloco, Bloco do Sul, (in Surrey, UK) more than 21 years ago and still runs it with Dave.
In 2009 Choro Bandido travelled to California Brazil Camp (CBC) where they spent time learning from Ted Falcon who is now professor of violin at the "Escola Brasileira de Choro Raphael Rabello" in Brasilia.
There are just a handful of Choro groups in the UK where choro is little known, so they have chosen some classic tracks to introduce choro to their ever growing audience.
Liz Williams
A Torontonian born Singer/Songwriter, now a permanent resident of London Town making her rounds to play the rest of theUK and beyond. Her music is personal, raw, emotive and melodic. Liz delivers intimate performances to any size crowd. Her lyrics are poetic and poignant, with a voice that soars from a goose pimple inducing belting to the softest lullaby whisper with great skill and affect. Accompanied by Chris Ross on the Fretless Bass Guitar creates a unique and accomplished duo that together play with a tremendous amount of grace and finesse. About the girl - explorer, adventurer, wearer of her heart on her sleeve. After a successful first 2 EPs an ablum is now under way with some brilliant contributers lined up. 'Nough said, it is, after all... about the music!
Kayvan
Hailing from London, solo singer / songwriter Kayv delivers his own unique blend of delicate melodies, powerful songwriting and emotional performances. With a voice reminiscent of Jeff Buckley and Damien Rice, his decidedly British singing accent makes his songs that little bit more personal... Currently writing and recording original new material, Kayv can regularly be found performing at venues large and small across London.
Mark Buck
Mark Buck plays blues jazz and funk and can be seen solo with just an acoustic guitar a slide and a box of harps, or with his band, Derrick McIntyre on bass and Justin Hildreth on drums.
He has supported Bo Diddley at the forum in London, Robben Ford at the Jazz Cafe London and KT Tunstal at the Garage in London, The Fabulous Thunderbirds at the Mean Fiddler. John Hammond at the Jazz Cafe London, as well as Eric Burdon and the Animals,The Zombies, Jose Feliciano, and many others.
In 2007 he supported the marvelous John Hammond for the third time. Last year John suggested that I try performing solo, I took his advice and really enjoyed it. Then early this year I teamed up with Derrick McIntyre bass (Jamiroquai) and Justin Hildreth drums (Joan Armatrading) and Have never had so much fun in my life!
Catch marks new album on cd baby.com if you like finger-style funk and blues guitar always with a groove, and with some some neat slide playing thrown in too.
Current influences are; Kelly Joe Phelps, Taj Mahal and Robben Ford, Buddy Guy and all the wonderful old blues players whos shoulders we can nervously stand on.
Nicky Swan
Devon born and bred, Nicky Swann is a singer songwriter with a passion. Her heartfelt delivery is warm and soulful but always spiritually tinged. Elements of folk, blues and country abound when it comes to her relaying tales of love, hope and death. When citing influences Nicky lists Paul Weller, Carole King and Janis Joplin as her top three.
After splitting from her covers duo and long term guitarist in 2006 Nicky searched long and hard to find a replacement, eventually deciding to take on the role of guitarist herself, quickly expanded her three chord repertoire and was soon seen and heard playing solo shows after about six months. She started to write a batch of new material and re-launched her career in music as a solo singer-songwriter.
Since that time Nicky hasn't looked back and her achievements to date include, recording with the top multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer (Show of Hands), winning the Artsbase singer-songwriter award, supporting many top UK artists including Clive Gregson, Roy Bailey and Megson as well as American artists Corrine West and Brooks Williams. She has headlined the acoustic stage at Transition Festival, supported Show Of Hands at Chagstock and is a regular performer at Dartmouth Music Festival. She has also performed for BBC Radio with the award winning folk singer and fiddle player Jackie Oates.
MATCHES & DISPATCHES is her new full length release, a collection of thirteen songs covering the subject matter of love and death, eleven of which are original songs from the pen of Nicky Swann. The only two covers are a reworking of The Beatles classic I Want To Hold Your Hand and a new arrangement of the traditional Welsh poem All Through the Night (Ar Hyd Y Nos). The album was recorded at The Sawmills Studios in Cornwall and was co-produced by Nicky along with Tom Joyce and features guest musicians Rick Foot on double bass, cellist Bethany Porter and pedal steel player Alan Cook.
2010 will see Nicky Swann doing what she does best, performing her heartfelt songs to a listening audience and has many live shows and festival appearances already booked throughout the UK and many new dates still to be confirmed.
"Empathetic, soul-felt songs that make it all warm inside these four cold walls again. A voice with heart and passion, but at times gritty and full of vibes from the old country. Acoustic raw talent, no frills, no fancies, just pure, enigmatic soul."
Maverick magazine
For the latest tour news please visit the websites below for the latest news and information.
www.nickyswann.com
www.myspace.com/nickyswann
Aimée
Hailing from Liphook, Aimée is a 15 year old,
experienced, singer/songwriter who has been
performing regularly on the local music circuit
in Berkshire, Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey.
Currently recording an E.P. for release in mid 2010,
Aimée is busy writing a whole raft of new material
which she is currently trialing at local music evenings.
In June 2009, having qualified via audition through
Regional Finals and then Area Finals at Princes Hall,
Aldershot, Aimée performed in the National Finals of Live and Unsigned at Portsmouth Guildhall in front of judges Malcolm Mclaren (RIP), Annie Nightingale (Radio 1), Dane Bowers and Martin O'Shea (Atomic Kitten's Manager) and was judged to be in the top 5 in the country in her genre. Aimée was also judged to be winner in the under 18's Singer/Songwriter category at Gigtime Media's "Spotlight 4 Stars" show, staged at Jongleurs flagship club in Battersea, South London.
Aimée has a love for performing at festivals and in 2009 played at WeyFest, Americana International Festival, OnionFest, RedFest, ButserFest, Secret Garden Festival, Farnham Maltings Festival, Loxwood Beer and Music Festival, DukeFest and Culture in the Park.
As well as her regular shows on the local circuit, Aimée has made numerous radio appearances with BBC Surrey, Delta Radio, Brooklands FM, Radio Lion, Radio Wey and Radio Basingstoke.
Hannah Dorman
Hannah Dorman is an upcoming
singer songwriter from Richmond
UK. Her music and lyrics show a
maturity beyond her years and
she is continually writing more.
Hannah has an eclectic mix of influences from KT Tunstall and Anastacia to Take That and McFly. Firmly set in the pop/rock tradition with a dusting of country, her songs are catchy, memorable and loved by her growing band of fans.
Listening to Hannah it's hard to imagine she only started playing live in January 2009, though you can find videos of her on You Tube from 2007 when she was just 13 (and on her website hannahdorman.com). Last year Hannah played 60 gigs in the South East in pubs, clubs and on local radio whilst keeping up with her other commitments.
Hannah began singing and dancing from an early age and has always wanted to be a performing artist. Hannah currently plays acoustic sets singing with her guitar, but she doesn't want to remain a solo artist and is working towards having a band and dancers to support her. Her plan is 'to make it big' and tour the world playing the really big venues. Hannah's vocal coach is world renowned Stevie Lange, whose skills are helping develop Hannah's unique musical style.
2009 was busy - 60 gigs in her first year, (see gig history on her site). Bebo signed her for a six month contract for B-box and she became an official Bebo Superhero. It was a year of learning the ropes and gaining experience of the live music circuit. Notable events that year were performances at the Bulls Head in Barnes, being invited to sing at Stevie Lange's 'significant' birthday party, and creating, organising, hosting and performing at Oxjam Richmond. Videos pictures and reports are on her website.
October 2009 saw the first broadcast of the increasingly popular The Hannah Dorman Show on Ustream.tv. The format is simple, a weekly online live music magazine show with music from Hannah, news, band interviews and online chat with her fans and viewers. The show goes out live for an hour at 9pm London time Thursday nights and is regularly a featured show on Ustream's home page, getting from 3,000-20,000 hits during the one hour on-air. It's a great way for Hannah to meet her fans and build an international fan base - and get feedback for her new material from all round the world, especially the USA.
2010 has been GCSE year for Hannah, but she still managed to play many gigs and host her weekly online show. Hannah is booked to play the acoustic stages at Guilfest 16-18th July, Redfest 23rd-25th July and Weyfest 3rd-5th September. Hannah maintains a high online presence with her social network sites (links on her site) and takes pride in answering her fans emails and tweets which she aims to do for as long as she can - contact Hannah Dorman now and you WILL get a reply!
Attica
Attica were formed in early 2001 and over the next 5 years they would record 4 EP's; Crash - 2001, Do You Feel Like Living? - 2002, Static - 2003, and Painting Pictures With Words in 2005. The band sold around 13,000 records, won the BBC new Music award as voted for by Pete Waterman for Best Song by an unsigned band in 2003, toured with the likes of Paul Weller, Blondie, Ocean Colour Scene and Billy Idol.
In 2005 the band signed to A-List Music Group and filmed a promo video for their single 'Juiced'. They then headed into Livingston recording studios in North London to record their debut album as a signed act.
The band disbanded in September 2006 to allow the members to experiment as individual artists.
In early 2009 the band re-formed to record a new EP. This time however they had a stripped back, more acoustic sound. This was in part due to lead guitarist Chris Ammons departure (on good terms) from the band. He was replaced by a new member playing a new instrument; Ben Shannahan on Saxophone.
Unable to decide weather to re-form under a new name or not they decided on a temporary name of James Berryman Band. The 'Beggars and Thieves' EP was released independently on May 29th 2009. The band then headlined a number of gigs throughout the year including The Half Moon, Putney and a slot at the BBC Radio 2 sponsored 'Guilfest' supporting Beach Boy Brian Wilson.
2010 see's a return to the name Attica and the band writing and recording their first full length album. The goal for this year is to make the best album an un-signed band can make on a budget from their own pockets. Attica have a new sound and a new attidude...to make the music they have been wanting to make since the start of the band. Now without label pressure or commercial expections to worry about, maybe they can finally fufil that goal!
Anna Neale
Hailing from Woking in Surrey comes
a sensual, playful and feisty singer
songwriter, Anna Neale. After touring
as a member of the Dublin soul band The
Commitments Anna's move to become a performer in her own right has seen her take her career to a new level. So far Anna has performed her unique acoustic rock (or 'sex folk' as dubbed by the national Canadian press!) with gutsy vocals around the world, attracting the attention of an increasing number of fans with her live, TV and radio appearances.
Winner of 2009's Guildford Brit Award for Best Female Solo Artist, Anna completed her new album 'Touch' with producer Jez Larder (One Eskimo, Amy MacDonald) and headlined at the world renowned Canadian Music Week festival (CMW) in Toronto.
In 2008 Anna reached the finals of the London Metro's 'On-line, On-tour' competition', and the finals of MTV's 2008 'Get Seen, Get Heard' competition. Her interview and song (filmed live at 'Bed' in her home town) 'Soul Momma' received regular play on various MTV channels across the UK over the spring and summer. To finish the year, Anna performed as part of O2 Undiscovered before the Elton John concert at the O2 Arena.
Anna's past credits include playing at the sell out BPI showcase as part of Canada's NXNE festival in 2006, where she was the highest rated solo artist. Part of her Canadian tour saw her writing and recording with Justin Gray (Joss Stone, Emma Bunton) and John Wozniak (Marcy Playground).
As well as showcasing at Manchester's renowned 'In The City' music conference and performing regularly at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Anna has performed as part of SXSW in Austin, Texas, and at the NEMO Music Festival in Boston USA in 2005. Anna's Boston appearances resulted in her track 'All For Nothing' topping the NEMO Starbucks download charts across the whole of New England.
Her new album 'Touch' was released 22nd February 2010, in conjunction with independent label 'Somebody's Music', to rave reviews for it's organic stance. Part of the promotion will see Anna showcasing at the UK's biggest music conference 'The Great Escape' this coming May.
"Unlike the typical fare of thin, airy-voiced female folksters, Neale surprises by breaking away from the pack with a gutsy vocal style that's both sensual and soulful." Metro, Toronto, CA
"A sassy songstress with a shrewd observational eye which she uses to great effect in her melodic tales of life and love." Linda Serck, BBC Berkshire
"At certain points Neale looked like what Christina Aguilera would look like if she could write songs and play the guitar." Chart Attack, Canada
Miranda Barber
Australian-born Miranda Barber moved to the feisty fray of East London in 1999 and has not quite made it back home. Her brew of smoky piano lauded balladry with vintage croons, is a fresh mixture of intelligent lyricism, melodious hooks and the kind of song writing that hasn't been heard since the 60s. She holds high the banner for the acoustic singer/songwriter, whilst effortlessly sailing in and out of the waters of blues, jazz, soul and folk. Miranda has a stunningly powerful voice - soulful, husky and sultry, and her ability to also tell a great story makes for a curious mix of the real, the romantic and the quirky. In 2007, out of 600 songwriters, Miranda won the first showcase on slicethepie.com by public vote, and received finance to make her first album, "Lips' Decision". It was recorded live at Goldtop Studios produced by Charlie Winston (currently number one in France) and was released in July 2008 on her own label Barbershop Records. She is currently recording her second album in a garden shed in Surrey. She signed a publishing deal with Guy Fletcher OBE at Commercial Arts last year and is joined at Weyfest by Nick Rye (percussion/backing vocals) and Dave Hawkins (acoustic guitar); the trio play regularly throughout the UK and abroad.
[Lips' Decision] "is an album oozing sexuality, in 1950's smoky jazz bar feel. There are some gorgeous bluesy piano moments and soul that would melt even the coldest of hearts..." Leigh Rafferty, Glasswerk.co.uk
"Soulful, sophisticated and fun, Lips' Decision mixes the smouldering, late night jazz singing of Billie Holliday with piano-led Joni Mitchell-style confessionals......With a little luck the smooth MOR of Lips' Decision may just end up being the soundtrack to your summer." Ian Sinclair, Tourdates
"...no gimmicks and no overstated production. Miranda can be serious, jazzy, cheeky, raunchy even; but always classy, as this album illustrates...a truly excellent debut album." Peter Coulston, Seatwaves
Vic Cracknell
Vic Cracknell wears many hats! Musician,
songwriter, promoter of music, host of Vic's
Buskers acoustic nights around Surrey and
Hampshire and has been involved with the
running of the Weyfest Rustic Stage since
2007.
Vic has recently released his debut album of
original songs Nowhere To Somewhere
which includes guest performances from
other Weyfest performers Mark Buck and Byron Johnston amongst others.
The album has been well received with positive reviews:
"Brilliant album Vic! Great production and amazing songs! I really enjoyed listening to it this afternoon..."
"Lovely, gentle, and subtle....the mix is very sophisticated, It's a Song is possibly my favourite for just being so jolly lovely and beautifully written."
"Fantastic collection of heart-warming, positive songs, full of subtle nuances and something for everyone."
Vic plays piano, guitar and drums particularly enjoying putting some trademark boogie woogie piano in his sets which normally include some eclectic cover songs from a wide repertoire - also expect some audience participation somewhere in his set.
All Things Considered
All Things Considered are a 5 piece
'contemporary roots' band from the
South East of England.
Formed in late 2007, they have spent
the last 2 years writing and gigging around many parts of the UK.
June 2009 saw the band release their debut album 'Scarecrow' on the Artree label, with a sold out launch party and 16 date promotional tour. Tracks from the album have been featured on BBC Radio 2, as well as local BBC folk and acoustic shows, and acoustic shows on local stations both in the UK and USA.
Combining traditional instrumentation with original contemporary lyrical content, All Things Considered reach a diverse audience, receiving critical acclaim for their finely crafted album and dynamic live shows.
'Talented young folk band' Steve Lamacq, BBC Radio 2
'Effortlessly beautiful songs performed with real feeling' Folking.com
'It won't be long before this band are making people on the folk scene talk' Steve Gibbons, Folk and Roots
Mike Dawes & Amy Turk
Mike Dawes & Amy Turk are acoustic guitar and concert harp like you've never heard before. This amazingly creative act produce a palette of intricately delicate sounds that have been stunning audiences throughout the U.K. Utilizing a variety of unorthodox techniques on both instruments, the pair combine dynamically diverse compositions and arrangements with a visually thrilling live performance.
Mike & Amy have performed alongside some of the world's most highly respected musicians (John Renbourn, Tommy Emmanuel, Pierre Bensusan, Martin Harley, Trace Bundy and Chris Wood) at venues and events throughout the United Kingdom including Bath International Guitar Festival and Tommy Emmanuel's 'Tommyfest', as acoustic stage headliners. The pair have featured on BBC radio and are regularly circulating international airwaves from Canada to Japan. They have been featured in numerous music publications including 'Acoustic Magazine', 'Guitarist' and 'Maverick Magazine'.
With a combined 53 strings, several feet of wood and multiple effect units, Mike Dawes & Amy Turk are a truly unique duo with a snowballing reputation. Catch them on tour in 2010.
'Completely Spellbinding' - Evening Post
'Incredible' - International Guitar Foundation
The Goldrush
The Goldrush is a three-part harmony trio who accompany themselves on acoustic instruments, and whose following has rapidly expanded beyond their base in the Surrey Hills south of Guilford.
Brought together by a shared affection for the Californian music scene of the early seventies, they are Rob Blackham on vocals, guitar & mandolin, Cameron Messer on vocals & guitar, and Gavin Thomas on vocals, guitar & harmonica. As individuals all three have accumulated considerable experience in the music industry, having recorded for major labels, been involved in record production and worked as song-writers and session guitarists both in the studio and on the concert stage. But The Goldrush, christened after Neil Young's acclaimed 1970 album, is much more than the sum of its individual parts.
With their shared love of chiming acoustic guitars, vocal harmonies and the acoustic LA/Laurel Canyon ethos of the late sixties and early seventies, it comes as no surprise that their crowd-pleasing set consisted primarily of songs from the first two Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young albums. They have recorded a four-song EP, and are now working on original material which will be incorporated into their repertoire alongside the classics from the CSN&Y catalogue, and other West Coast American favourites.
Last year the trio had a storming summer of festival gigs, including hugely successful sets at Guilfest, Weyfest, Gomstock and The Capel Music Festival.
With a fully live album in the pipeline, and another summer of festivals ahead, the boys are very much looking forward to their return to the Weyfest Festival this year.
Diana Johnstone
Diana Johnstone started writing and performing her own songs relatively recently and in doing so fulfilled a long-held dream.
In the 1970s she travelled the world with ex-husband Davey Johnstone, guitarist for the Elton John Band, meeting John Lennon, Groucho Marx and Apollo astronauts along the way.
Diana wrote lyrics for "Smiling Face" and "China" Davey's solo albums for Rocket Records and sang lead vocal on "A Lovely Day" (used by Willie Russell for t.v.play "Daughters of Albion").
Subsequently she worked in film and t.v. set design for many years with such names as Nic Roeg, ( The Man Who Fell to Earth, Walkabout & Don't Look Now) and actor Tony Curtis.
More recently Diana has received recognition for her unique musical style and has performed at festivals and venues across the South West. Her delicate songs tell of love, loss and an emotional response to the world. With beautiful vocals and intricate acoustic guitar embroidery she draws you effortlessly into her world.
Her first full length C.D. " The Troubled Heart" is now available via gigs, her website and iTunes.
"..a voice of bright clarity capable of conveying the most delicate and tragic of emotions" - Acoustic Magazine
Mark Nelson
Mark is a one-armed guitarist and songwriter who earlier this year departed the rock band 'Supersmiler' to embark on his solo adventure - branching out a bit on his own...out on a 'limb' you could say!
Mark is a prolific musician and songwriter with over 20 years of playing experience, writing in a variety of styles from anthemic rock tunes and catchy pop to sweet, meaningful ballads. In that time as a rock musician, Mark was also guitarist & songwriter in the band 'Slinki Malinki' and was managed & produced by the late, great rock producer Gus Dudgeon (Elton John, David Bowie); and also had his songs featured in the award winning film 'World without Waves'.
Mark has been writing acoustic tunes for years but has only recently now taken the brave step of going solo live. His songs are heartfelt and often poignant. Beautifully touching ballads such as 'Make your own way home' and 'You say (That's a lie)' are touched like a caress. Conversely, however, he also sings the blues too with hard hitting stompers like 'When the Daylight Comes' & 'I Got U'.
There is an honesty and naturalness which shine from these songs and their performance. Influenced greatly by such well known acoustic balladeers as Ralph McTell and Nick Drake and mixing elements of Pete Townshend and Peter Green he manages to blend all of these into soulful, heartfelt ballads and bluesy stories about everyday modern life.
A keen advocate of 'feeling the music' he has, however, developed a unique way of playing guitar albeit through having to play one handed! Mark is enjoying getting out there and playing at regular local gigs (courtesy of Vic Cracknell and his fabulous Buskers 'Open Mic' sessions) at various venues in the Farnham/Guildford area as well as a new regular slot (starting soon) at the Café Koha in Soho.
Look out for more from this Surrey sensation!
Philippa Berry / Willow
Philippa is a singer and songwriter based in Berkshire. Having most recently supported artists including Brian Houston and Lisa Knapp, Philippa Berry has many ye ars' experience of performing at music venues and festivals across the UK, including Glastonbury, Guilfest and Weyfest.
As well as her solo work, Philippa has performed and recorded with other artists, composers and producers, and been involved in longer term musical collaborations such as female acappella group, 'Too Many Cooks' and duo 'Two Colours Blue'. Most recently, she has been working with fellow singer/songwriter Anna Crowley, and they continue to write material together and perform under the name of 'Willow'. Her solo EP 'Sooner Or Later' was released in 2009.
Andrew Prince
Accomplished musician and composer Andrew Prince performs stunning instrumentals on the Chapman Stick, a unique instrument that he first saw played at a Peter Gabriel gig. He has incorporated principles of sound healing and music therapy into his material, which is encapsulated in his beautiful and evocative debut album, 'Band of Rain', which was recorded in a stone cottage deep in the Welsh countryside with engineer/co-producer Satch Norton, using green energy. All the tracks were composed and performed on the Stick, along with sterling contributions from Brian Gulland on woodwind, keyboards and string arrangements, Jim Lacey on drums and Quiller Rees on melodica. Over the last few years Andrew has played at several Small World festivals and indoor events, O O T O festival, Glastonbury Assembly Rooms, Guildford Ambient Picnic, Inspiral Lounge and various arts centres and clubs around the South East.
Janis Haves
Janis Haves is an established singer-songwriter and well-known name on the music scene. Now based in the London area, she was born in Kent, although moving with family around the country, living for several years at a time in both Scotland and Wales. This resulted in an early love of the countryside and very strange childhood accent.
Before going solo, she toured most of Britain with her band the Ice Garden and later as one half of the infamous Nott Sisters, an upfront "girlpower" country influenced singer / songwriter project. Janis also appeared on Sky T.V.'s 'Where It's At' programme and was a featured artist on Radio 4.
She has recorded three albums - the first "Haves and Haves" was recorded with her husband, producer and guitarist, Geoff and released in 2003. It was mixed and mastered by producer / engineer Dave Dix (Black's Wonderful Life, Alison Moyet etc).
Janis has since released two solo albums. The first Big Front Door was released in [2005/6} and featured Pete Wingfield on keyboards. This was followed by The Garden which was launched in April 2009. What started off as a series of acoustic demos developed into a raw, simple album musically, with many of the tracks recorded live and performed with just one microphone, some only hours after they were written.
Various recording and live projects are currently underway with her next scheduled release likely to be a second "Haves and Haves" album, some of the songs off which are already being previewed at select gigs across the country.
As a highly experienced, live performer, Janis toured with Michael Chapman as part of 'The Songwriters in the Round' tour in 2005 and has since played in her own right at venues ranging from arts centres through to festivals and folk clubs. And as well as headlining, Janis has also undertaken support slots for among others Albert Lee, Clive Gregson, Mary Gautier, Angie Palmer, Bob Cheevers and Edwina Hayes.
"Janis is a natural...a breath of fresh air" - Rock'n'Reel magazine.
Anthea Neads
Anthea's first love has always been singing, and her earliest memories are of singing along to her parents' Abba records and stealing her mum's Eurythmics cassettes to learn the lyrics. She was taught clarinet & piano from the age of 8, and around the age of 14 she annoyed her brother immensely by borrowing his guitar and attempting to play. This is when Anthea the songwriter was born - using the medium to work through the usual adolescent angst, she began a lifelong passion for writing songs that explore human experience and emotion from a very personal perspective.
Anthea uses songwriting as a therapeutic tool and an extension of her attempt to make sense of the world. Her lyrics contain an endearing honesty, with the intention of connecting with the audience. She loves to play intimate venues and bare her soul to the assembled crowd in the hope that they will find something to relate to that gives hope or brings a knowing tear to the eye.
Anthea excels at tender and evocative singing, revealing both fragility and strength of message that touches listeners and reflects universal themes. Her vocals have been described as clear and pure, with a bell-like quality and warmth reminiscent of the likes of Kate Rusby and Martha Tilston. Her musical influences over the years have been many and varied, and although she is most closely associated with the folk genre there are hints of her open-minded approach to music throughout her songwriting. Anthea is currently putting the finishing touches to her debut album "Jars of Clay" and, all being well, plans to launch it at Weyfest.
