The Rachel Hamer Band are a Newcastle based four-piece band who I’ve only recently discovered. The magic of these four lies in their cutting-edge combination which whilst steeped in the tradition has a brilliant fresh sound, that can only be a good thing in my book.
They’ve been entertaining audiences around the North East since their formation last year but I think the time as come for them to spread their wings to fly a bit further afield. This music deserves to be heard by a far bigger audience and looking at their forthcoming gigs which includes Towersey Folk Festival I don’t think that’ll be long. I for one would love to hear more, definitely a band you should keep on your radar.
Wreck Of The Dandenong
The Pitmans Courtship
The band are made up of North Eastern singer Rachel Hamer, Jedburgh guitarist Graeme Armstrong, Saltburn’s fiddle player and clogger Grace Smith and Glossops’s whistle, flute, pipes and bassoon player Sam Partridge.
All of the above tracks feature on their self-titled EP which you can download from their website for the bargain price of £3.50.
Live Dates
They have a number of upcoming gigs including Towersey Folk Festival, see below:
Jul 19 – White Hart Folk Club at Mickleby
Aug 17 – Whitby Folk Festival, Spa Pavilion Theatre, Whitby
Aug 21-25 – Towersey Folk Festival
Sep 16 – The Village Folk Club, Manchester
http://www.therachelhamerband.com