I spoke to Jena about the album  “This album is really atmospheric and includes songs written by Andy way back when we were a full band (around 2004-2005) alongside songs we have written together over the past 5 years. We’ve been talking about recording for at least 2 years but during that time Andy has been at University, got married and had his first child so things were a bit hectic for a while. Once things were more settled we contacted a friend – Charlie Luffrum – who has a home studio in Bracknell who we thought would do a fantastic job of recording us as he’s been a sound engineer for us at various gigs so knows our sound well and has a great ear for acoustic music. He also provided the piano for us in Lost and Without Sound as we felt that they were missing something, and his additions were perfect!”

“Fields of Sleep has been the track that most people remember us for, so we really wanted to make this one of the stand out songs on the album, so Andy added some more layers of guitar and our old drummer – Greg – kindly joined us in the studio to add percussion to this track along with a number of others. Having said this, we also wanted to keep it simple, so I just added harmonies in the chorus but kept the main body of the song almost identical to our previous recordings.” 

“Both Futures and Nothing have benefitted immensely from the addition of violins from Gethin Webster (All Things Considered). They were both favourite tracks of ours, but now with the additional instrument there is a much fuller sound and he has really captured the mood of the pieces.”

Scattered Few are to release ‘A Dozen Sirens’ through Artree in around February/March time. So, if your in the mood for some atmospheric acoustic music then you need to check them out.

There will also be a full review of the album when its release. But for now please listen to our player for a sneak peak at one of the tracks.

Adrian

dates: 19 April 2012

price: £18

venue: Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Bracknell, RG12 7PA

Bookings: 01344 484123

with support from Jonny Kearney and Lucy Farrell.

www.the-unthanks.com

www.jonnyandlucy.com

Richard has a CV that is up there with the very best entertainers this country has ever produced. He has performed with the likes of Elton John, Robin Williams, Steve Martin and Roy Orbison amongst many, many others. He has had his own show on ITV, been nominated for a BAFTA and has gained a new set of fans with his frequent appearances on Channel 4’s long running show Countdown. He has influenced a host of comedians and musicians alike in his five decades as a performer.

As a folk singer and stand-up (the format in which you will see him at Jagz), Richard is at his very best. With a legion of fans, young and old alike – he is the perfect one man performer. A fine vocalist and lyricist, superb acoustic guitarist and a man who can make you cry with laughter – his show, generally two and half hours in length is truly not one to miss. An 8pm start is vital for this one!

It is fantastic for Artree to be able to host acts of Richard’s caliber. With further guest artists lined up for 2012 – plus a number of excellent quality showcase events, please do come and check out our shows at Jagz. Believe me, there is not one better to get you started than our first!

Date: Thursday 16^th Feb

Time: 7.30pm (Doors)

Cost: £14 advance (£16 on the door) http://www.wegottickets.com/event/147123

 The duo, made up of singer/guitarist/fiddler Darren Black and fiddler/singer Deborah Peake, have only been working together for the last couple of years, however both come with fine folk backgrounds. Darren has two very well received solo albums to his name, which feature folk greats Dave Swarbrick and Kevin Dempsey amongst others – while Deborah spent a number of years with the acclaimed folk rockers Blue Horses before forming duo Amalthea with singer Helen Andrews.

After releasing a debut EP in 2010, and being nominated for Spiral Earth’s 2010 Best Newcomer award, Black Peak have now released a highly anticipated full length album ‘In Times Back When’, tracks from which you’ll no doubt hear in their eagerly anticipated Folking Live performance.

Main support for Black Peak comes from London based folk singer/songwriter Eddy Johns. Eddy is a Folking Live favourite, having played the show 3 times before, with each occasion gaining him new fans. A very classic troubadour like style that harks back to the legendary American folk singers of the 60’s, Eddy’s set will include both interpretations of classic folk songs, as well as his own work – all played with striking guitar accompaniment.

This will be Folking Live’s first Saturday show since hosting Johnny Kearney and Lucy Farrell in mid 2011, and the 4^th Saturday in each month as of March 2012 will be our permanent new home. We hope with this move, we will be able to achieve both increased audience numbers due to the more favourable evening, and also to be able to attract an even greater range of artists from all 4 corners of the UK, and beyond.

Please come along and join us for the beginning of our new era – £7 on the door, 8pm start.

Tickets from: 01344 484123 or http://www.southhillpark.org.uk/5148/shows/folking-live.html

Support comes from Eddy Johns, Frodo Freud, Caddy Cooper

Expect a mix of styles from Folk, Roots, Blues, Acoustic Rock, Chillout and a lot more.

The first show features Artree Favourites Scattered Few + 3 more act to be confirmed

For more info please visit www.jagz.co.uk

Thursday March 22^nd – Roots @ Jagz – Miranda Sykes & Rex Preston (£8 in advance)

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/147132

Not only a prominent figure on the local circuit, Mark also tours nation-wide on a regular basis, his talent is highly sought after and highly regarded wherever he picks up his guitar.

Channelling the spirit of  Townes Van Zandt and Steve Earle Mark repeatedly delivers with his mature song-writing, remarkable blues essence and outstanding finger-picking guitar.

Mark Wynn is the real-deal. A scraggly yet astounding and self-deprecating character of authentic Yorkshire charm, his unobtrusive yet strong and true personality shines out through his music and performances.

Saturday March 24^th – Headliner Mark Wynn – Support Elliott James + TBC

Tickets £7 –  available from: www.southhillpark.org.uk

They like to play live and have recorded two albums: “Fingermouth” and “From the Dirt the Flowers Grow” (available cdbaby, amazon, itunes etc).

Their music has been called, among other things, compelling and melodic.

If you would like more info on the band then visit:  www.laveer.net

Saturday April 28^th – Headliner Laveer + Philippa Berry, All Things Considered, Dan Whitehouse (TBC)

Tickets: £7 – availble from www.southhillpark.org.uk