Winter Wonderband features four of the most talented musicians on the UK folk scene: Saul Rose on melodeon & vocals (Faustus, War Horse, Eliza Carthy); Beth Porter on cello & vocals (Spell Songs, Bookshop Band); Jennifer Crook on harp, guitar & vocals (Snow Patrol, Broken Road); and Maclaine Colston on hammered dulcimer & vocals (Pressgang, Kings of Calicutt).
Back in the in the mists of time (the very early 90’s) Cythara (Maclaine Colston and Jennifer Crook) burst onto the UK folk scene with ”all the freshness and exuberance of youth” appearing on BBC Pebble Mill at 1 and reaching the finals of the BBC Young Tradition Awards. They recorded 2 albums and the music for David Attenborough’s BBC series ‘The Private Life of Plants’. They also recorded a track for Mrs Casey’s 1995 ’Evolving Tradition’ CD alongside Saul Rose who was playing in Eliza Carthy’s ‘Kings of Calicutt’ at the time. Mac later joined The Kings of Calicutt and Jen sang on Mac and Saul’s 2009 duo album ‘Sand and Soil’. By this time Beth Porter was playing cello on Jen’s songs which included an album and a tour with Mac. Beth and Saul toured together in Eliza’s The Wayward Band and Mac played on Jen’s 2020 single ‘Sea Glass’ as heard on The Folk Show on BBC R2.
Keeping up ?
Alongside their more ‘folkie’ credentials, Saul starred in the West End production of Warhorse, Jennifer toured with Snow Patrol, Mac played with the London Philharmonic Orchestra performing the soundtrack to The Lord of The Rings, and Beth recorded with Pete Townsend from The Who. Somewhere along the way the idea for Winter Wonderband was born
After another successful December tour, on 1st January this year they launched a Kickstarter Campaign, full of hope, to enable them to release their debut album ‘joy illimited’ but as time draws close to the campaign ending, they are still short of a few pennies to be able to reach the finish line.
Jennifer told us:
This album has been a long time coming and we’re very excited to get it into physical form. Double Vinyl and CD are on offer to pre-order, as well as rewards like bespoke tunes, recording sessions, masterclasses and house concerts. Kickstarter is an ‘all or nothing’ platform and there’s only a few more days of the campaign left to reach our goal, so we really appreciate your help spreading the word’
Here’s a sneak peak:
SO …. If you think you can support their cause do search around for any spare cash in handbags, pennies in jars, or even better – bend a credit card a little for them, I think you will agree, this album needs to be heard.
There’s 6 days to go, they would love your support …
Please visit : https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/winterwonderband/winter-wonderband-joy-illimited
For further details check them out online:
Website : https://winterwonderbandfolk.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winterwonderbandfolk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winterwonderbandfolk/
