Barnaby Cole: songwriter, guitar, banjo and vocals
Jakob Kaye: cello, bass, organ, piano
Simone Clark: vocals, violin, flute
Dariusz Zaczkowski: percussion
Isabelle Meyrignac: illustrations, flute
Isabel Pinto-Basto: alto saxophone
Marc Jordan: trumpet
Dave Mann: clarinet
Gemma Louise-Rose
Featured members on various recordings:
Bob Hewitt: percussion, drums, sound assistance & concepts
Helena: Violin
Graeme Dalton: guitar
The workshop boys in the doghouse (Jon and Dylan): Percussion, vocals
Doug Hammond: Sound engineer
Influences
Illustrations for Story Album by Isabelle Meyrignac
PART 1 or 13 Tracks for the Numb Album BOBO THE CLOWN:
Too Much video by Sarina Gascon and James McArthur
The finalist tour from '3 (mobile) first cut awards 2007 'the next big thing in music'
tour with The Rumblestrips, Holloways and Fratellis
Pass That Whiskey with our own brand of Whiskey bottles with our 10 year single malt taste... mmm mmm! this is a live video.
if you know how to spot a live video - keep your eyes on the whiskey bottles on the table. do you see them going down? so next question is....... how many takes did we do?
We were in the 'Critics Choice' of things to see last Christmas Season in TIME OUT - Click on this to have a better look:
time for the biog:
The fact that Mendicant stick exclusively to acoustic instruments draws initial comparisons to the likes of Tom Waits and Nick Drake,
a welcome branding that is dispelled almost as immediately as it is cast. A wider sphere of influence is clearly audible, with acts
such as Mogwai also present in the music.
Listeners have frequently commented that the bands eclectic mix of reference points has
developed into something coherent and new, which is what makes them so interesting. Its hardly surprising when you consider their
complete immersion in music and the arts. Anyone who's visited the labyrinth that is Antenna Studios is made instantly aware that
they live and breathe creativity. Indeed, its their livelihood, with Antenna operating to offer a home to professional designers,
musicians, artists, dancers and whatever other creative minds pop their heads in for a space in which to work (and possibly live).
The studios function a bit like a buzzing undercurrent of the arts set against Crystal Palaces gritty backdrop. But don't think
Pete Doherty and those other pricks harping on about a quasi-Bohemia sound tracked by a sleep-inducing commentary on drugs and how
life's so unfair. That would be off-putting! Consider these guys more as a bunch of people who have forged a respected career
from working with the cream of London's talent as well as that of further afield.
Ever since Barnaby first started rehearsing with Jakob, a neighbour he had spotted dragging a cello through the streets at the age
of eight (sixteen years ago now), they have held regular Sunday jam-come-rehearsal sessions which have consistently evoked strong
reactions from listeners. A few years later another neighbour Simone, classically trained in both violin and flute, was invited to
join them. She rapidly became a core member of the group adding a refined vocal talent to their collective efforts.
Now sits, leans and stands a band of angular proportions sneaking around the scene...
Soon the Mendicant musicians came to manifest their shared music outlook. A brutal honesty, energy coupled with sensitivity,
rhythmic assuredness and an effortless intimacy all permeate their sound and they maintain a spellbinding ability to connect with
their audience. At the same time they still keep themselves open to new inspiration inviting other musicians to join their folk,
blues and hip hop inflected offerings. This was when Mendicant became a breakaway sound. Its originality and fast-growing repertoire
(currently over 80 completed or in-development tracks) steadily built and developed what many have called a unique and 'unorthodox
style; an acoustic twist on urban music-of sorts!
Being first-and foremost an acoustic band amidst the glut of indie/rock 'identikit' bands around, Mendicant have enjoyed playing some
of the more interesting venues and events available; arts venues such as 'Area 10' and 'The 1000000mph' have played host whilst also
running a weekly residency for over a year at 'The Windmill' in Brixton. Other gigs have also included more popular venues such
as the Scala, The Jazz Cafe, Sound Bar, Leicester Square and the 291 Bar in Hackney. Local festival appearances such as
the Croydon Summer Festival '05 have also seen them on line-ups with the likes of Roy Ayres. Wherever they appear though, they never
fail to captivate, their sound increasingly appreciated in the current acoustic revival.
Mendicants home is Crystal Palace, Sarf London, and more specifically Antenna Studios, a recording studio come-arts centre (Jakobs
baby which is now a healthy 6 years old). If you're free on a Sunday why not join them there?
How's it going? There is a free track available for you at the moment on our myspace page. Just click the FREE DOWNLOAD box at the top of the page and enter a valid email to download the tune. How cool is that!
Have a great week and thank you very much for being electronically connected to us as friends and fans.
Tune in and turn on. Episode 18 features the long awaited return of Ben Folke Thomas, from his hidden island lair to continue his evil plans to take over the world, an interview with, performance by, exclusive album track play, and give away, by noir-folkists 'Juniper Leaf', and many more goodly musical gifts to be bestowed upon you dear listener by the noble Lantern Players.
Listen and subscribe for FREE with iTunes. Click the banner above, or...
"When we separate music from art we get life." - John Cage
A MUST for musicians, filmmakers, videographers, DJ's, event producers, and anyone who is or wants to be a working creative in the audio field.
Advanced/custom private instruction also offered, please inquire at: education@soundarts.org
Sound Arts is a multi-faceted recording studio, commercial audio production house and learning center. We work with artists, businesses, and students! For more info, times of classes, and to register, peep www.soundarts.org
Sound Arts Education Director Chris Willits, shot in Sound Arts' studio A
Tune in to episode 12 of the Lantern Society Radio Hour, featuring the creme de la creme of the capital's most comely crooners. Stunning live performances beautifully captured for your listening pleasure, at London's Finest Folk Club, The Lantern Society.
And, why not join us for the next Lantern Society - Thursday 18th June.
The Betsey Trotwood, Farringdon Rd, London. EC1R 3BL
Hello Wonderful Mendicant ....so how's my favourite South London band then? Sounding and looking even more fabulous then ever guys and girls ....can't wait to see the new line up soon soon soon ! Just thought I'd let you know I'll be down at your familiar haunt The Windmill this Sunday night and I would so love to see all of you !!!! Barnaby dear, I gave you the wrong date last time so here is the right one ....big kisses to you all and best wishes always, been missing you, iv xx
Hey Guys! Thanks a lot! The page is quite new so I'll get on it and keep you updated! Saw you guys a while back at the ivy house (Easy come with andy-hank dog) and love what you do! xx
Online Now!
