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TARAF DE HAIDOUKS
More info: Radio 3 World Music Awards
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Hailing from Romania, one of the most fertile areas for traditional music in Europe, Taraf de Haidouks are a gypsy weddings and funeral band who can count Hollywood star Johnny Depp amongst their fans. According to Depp: " These guys can play a music which expresses the most intense joy. They have this gift to make you feel alive. They are among the most extraordinary people I have ever met." For the curious among you, the name translates as 'band of outlaws'. A perfect way to round off Friday night on stage one.
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THE WATERBOYS (ACOUSTIC)
More info: Official Website
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Chief Waterboy Mike Scott revived the band name in 2000 after two critically acclaimed but largely unsung solo albums, releasing the Rock in a Weary Land album. That was very much a rock album, but Scott's music perhaps found it's truest expression with the classic Fisherman's Blues album from 1987, wherein he moved to Ireland, plugged in to traditional music and introduced a whole new audience to the folk heritage. Scott is joined for this acoustic set by fiddle player Steve Wickham, whose presence galvanised the aforesaid record and who has also been lending support to the latest incarnation of The Waterboys on tour of late.
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ERIC BIBB BAND
More info: Official Website
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Although primarily though of as a blues performer, influences from folk, country, gospel and soul can be detected in the rich brew of Eric Bibb's music. The son of New York musician Leon Bibb, Eric is no stranger to British audiences - he's appeared at Cambridge before amongst a host of festival appearances. Now based in Sweden, he supplements his performing career by working as a music teacher - few students could be so lucky to have such a tutor.
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ALTAN
More info: Official Website, Folk & Acoustic Artist Database
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Currently riding high on the back of their acclaimed Blue Idol album, Altan have been called Ireland's finest Celtic bands. From humble beginnings in pub sessions around Ulster (take note, Mr Howells) they've carved a niche as the band by which others must be judged, despite the tragedy of losing founder member Frankie Kennedy to cancer in 1994. Their most recognisable asset is the beguiling voice of singer and fiddle player Mairéad Ni Mhaonaigh, but each member is a musician at the top of their game. Fans of Celtic music should be glued to their screen for this act.
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EZIO
More info: Official Website
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Ezio Lunedei and Mark Fowell can count among their fans none other than Tony Blair, who selected one of their songs as a Desert Island Disc. Currently resident in Cambridge, they've built a strong following with their finely crafted songwriting and powerfully energetic live perfomances.
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LA VOLEE D'CASTORS
More info: Official Website
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Described as a 'vibrant, original Quebecois band', La Volee d'Castors make their Cambridge debut this year, but they're no strangers to live performance in their native Canada and beyond, where they've won many awards and released three albums. Good humoured and energetic on stage, they're a welcome addition to this year's bill.
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ELIZA CARTHY AND MARTIN GREEN
More info: Official Website, Interview with Eliza , Folk & Acoustic Artist Database
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What can you say about Eliza Carthy that hasn't been said before? She's of the most important young musicians of the last ten years, and her work has consistently stretched the boundaries of contemporary folk music. She's joined onstage by her long serving accordion player Martin Green. You can also catch Eliza with mum and dad when she takes to the stage with Blue Murder later in the festival.
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FIDDLERS' BID
More info: Official Website
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Dynamic Shetland fiddle played with inimitable style by this great young Scottish band, who've wowed audiences across the UK and beyond with their fresh approach. Most recent album De Farder Ben Da Welcomer got a thumbs up in the Folk and Acoustic website reviews section - well worth checking out.
Note: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites. |
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