This brilliant, eclectic and challenging new folk and experimental compilation has attracted a stellar cast of contributors while raising vital money for vulnerable young people in Southend. All in a very worthwhile cause.
The musical idiom of The Straw Bear Band’s ‘Eccentric Heart’ is one of immediacy and power, bright and convivial garage-folk with pop-style hooks and melodies. This whole mini-album contains much that’s both appealing and memorable.
From the opening track The Owl Service offer a triumph of execution against expectation if ever there was one, and a challenge that sets the bar for the remainder of the disc. Invigorating, bold, uncompromising and honest! If this is their final release then it’s a fitting one.
Alex Highton expands upon his previous recordings by confidently intermixing his eclectic range of influences with welcome appearances from Laura J Martin and Nancy Wallace.
Our Song of the Day is from the wonderful voice of Nancy Wallace who has been far too quiet on the release front…so it will come as great news to many that this is from her forthcoming single.
Our Song of the Day is a lovely cover of a Lal Waterson song called ‘To Make You Stay’. It featured on a 2007 covers tribute and is performed by The Memory Band featuring the lovely voice of Nancy Wallace.
Notting Hill’s unique multi-faceted Spring Festival returns in May 2013 with two weeks of music, film, theatre, dance and art to intrigue, delight and entertain. One of their highlights this year is an evening of folk with Sam Lee, Nancy Wallace & Collectress.
The Memory Band now in their tenth year release their fourth studio album On The Chalk (Our Navigation of the Line of the Downs) next month & will celebrating with a live show at the Vortex in Dalston on 7th May.
Tucker Zimmerman makes a rare London appearance this Friday and will be also be performing at Bristol Folk Festival this Sunday with Wizz Jones, Ben Mandelson, Ian A. Anderson, Nancy Wallace and Jason Steel.
