Back in it's inception in 2006, The Old Dance School rehearsed in the garden of the old Betty Fox school of ballet in Birmingham, from where they take their name. Three years, 30,000 miles and several trips to A&E later, The Old Dance School’s distinctive concoction of explosive, white-knuckle folk is blowing up a storm on the festival scene.
The twinkly-eyed six piece band features duelling fiddles and hair-raising world percussion galvanising their intricate compositions evoking images of wind-swept headlands, witches and wild vertical adventures – one minute rip-roaring, the next beautifully delicate.
Their debut album Based on a True Story, produced by Joe Broughton and released on their own label in 2008 was met with terrific reviews in the national press, championed by BBC Radio 2's Bob Harris, and has secured The Old Dance School as one of the most exciting young bands to have emerged in recent years.
Having all studied formally at Birmingham Conservatoire, and met amongst the vibrant young music scene that surrounds it, the six members of The Old Dance School may seem fresh faced, but don't let them fool you – the diversity and scale of each one's musical journey is quite remarkable. From international jazz festivals to European opera tours, film score commissions to classical recitals, green festivals to tattoo conventions, members of The Old Dance School have performed, recorded and toured with artists such as Martha Wainwright, Graham Coxon, Zoe Rahman, Neil Yates, The Destroyers, Martha Tilston, Kevin Dempsey, Joe Broughton and Chris While.
The band is currently working hard on their much anticipated second album, to be released in June 2010.
It's The Garden's wonderful Midwinter Wassail, Friday 18th ..the Blue Room @ PJ McGintys, Ipswich.
Winter tunes and madness with the truly amazing OWL SERVICE, NANCY WALLACE, THE NORWICH HARP SOCIETY and as ever, The Garden DJ's bruising your minds eye. 8pm, £4.
This will celebrate the end of a great psychedelic year, big love and thanks to all the fellow Gardeners!
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
Come and join us for the Birmingham leg of Chris Wood's gig on 4th December. Tickets are available from the www.moseleyfolk.co.uk by clicking on the 'Buy Tickets Here' leaf.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
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Greetings and thanks for the contact and friendship. Very interesting your music! A hug from Catalonia a country from the Mediterranean Sea. www.kosmosradio.net
