Andy Raven - vocals, violin, guitar, piano, didge :: Graham Judd - Guitars :: Rikk Smith - cajon, yambu, spoons, bodhran :: Ben Humphreys - bass, the machine
Influences
Led Zeppelin, Dylan Thomas, Tom Waits, The Smiths, The Kinks, Emily Dickinson, Elvis Costello, Paul Weller, Simon and Garfunkel, Billy Bragg, Bob Dylan, The Cure, Kate Clanchy, Leadbelly, U2, Fairport Convention, Dolly Parton, Laura Cantrell, A Tribe of Toffs, Laura Viers, Talk Talk, Michelle Shocked.
Andy Raven plays guitar and fiddle, and writes songs.
Andy was taught fiddle by two fine ladies from the age of 10: Mrs Snowdon, and Mrs Secret, the second pushing Andy on to play with the BBC Concert Orchestra subsequent to Grade 8 (distinction) when he was 15, prior to University.
Andy studied architecture at Bath, playing in the university orchestra and other groups picking up some harmonica and didgeridoo. He then played with Fletcher's Folly for several years in Birmingham.
Moving to Reading, Andy began to play solo gigs, forging a friendship with percussionist Rikk Smith which took their brand of hard-edged 'urban' folk to the acoustic pubs and clubs of London.
In 2007 the Andy Raven band was formed with the addition of Ben Humphreys on bass and Graham Judd on acoustic guitars (12-string and 6-string), Andy playing fiddle and singing. Ben also plays 'the machine' (a small harmonium) and the inventive instrumental arrangements this allows ensure that the band's sound reflects the essence of their varied set.
Gigs throughout 2008 and 2009 saw Andy Raven supporting Julie Fowlis, folk singer of the year 2008, and playing at venues and festivals across the UK and in Belgium.
The latest album, 'heads and tales' will be available in December 2009.
Hi Andy, thanks for your message – I really like your stuff too – I saw you playing at the Big Day Out a while a go! I am pretty busy at the mo’ with teaching, but am bound to be playing in Reading again soon... I hope to you see you play live again too! Anna x
How you doing Andy? Sounds good. Hope you took the fiddle with you...? Loads of good music and dancing at Bunkfest. They're mad for it up there... :) d.
Hi Andy well done for last night I thought you had an amazing set You were both traditional and very original and sometimes close to insane in a very cool way...well done would like you back and to play at guilfest radio2 if we get it well done.
Check out the local orignal music scene at bar4 Reading with resident djs Tim and Ali. More acts on this night to be confirmed.
Steve Morano alt country folk blues/rock plays an unplugged acoustic set. Lyndsey Dolbear is catchy and acoustic kind of Natalie Imbruglia sounding. Preacher John-a handful of angry and in your face acoustic tunes.
Hey Andy how are you? Do you fancy doing a 1/2 hr full band slot on wed 27th feb @ bar4 ?...Last nights was a blast with the details and Mark Mathews. It's free entry and you will all get a few beers
