Since 2003, Welsh Folk-fusion band One String Loose have been exciting audiences around the UK and Europe with their complex, dynamic arrangements of traditional and self penned tunes, performed with jaw-dropping virtuosity and infectious joie de vivre. Their innovative style of folk – fusion has been captivating all manner of people: fellow musicians, casual listeners, purists, grandmothers, teenagers, small random children …
Front man, fiddler and banjo renaissance man Scott has a natural, self-depreciating humour which creates that relaxed, inclusive atmosphere that is the hallmark of any really great live band, and the rapport between Scott and fellow band mates Jack Stewart, Joe Brady, and Baz Barwick draw the audience further into the weird and wonderful world of One String Loose: a world of pineapple shops, moose and hypnotic cheese.
One String Loose began as a two piece band seven years ago when Scott (fiddle, banjo) and Jack (bodhran - 2 times All Britain bodhran champion) from Caldicot (now 20 and 15 respectively) came together to play tunes through a local Celtic music and dance group. As this group evolved into the Newport branch of Comhaltas, the widened musical net bought them into contact with Joe(15) from Weston, who impressed them with his extraordinary whistle playing. Mathew ‘Baz’ Barwick (15) became the forth member on bass guitar soon after this. In 2005, the band played at the Royal Albert Hall ‘Schools Proms’ after winning 2 awards for outstanding performance and best new composition at the National Festival for Youth Music.
In the past year, One String Loose have played over 50 shows to audiences around England and Wales as well as in Europe. Some of the highlights include playing the main stage at Gwyl Pontardawe with a reception worthy of the headlining band, playing at Chippenham, Cwlwm Celtaidd and Shepley Folk Festivals and playing to a full house on the ‘Other Stage’ at the Wychwood Festival. In September 2007 One String Loose received an ecstatic reception from thousands of fans when they headlined the Zamek Celtic Festival in Poland. And in December, they played a storming 8 minute set at the South Bank Centre in London after reaching the finals of the BBC Young Folk Awards 2008 – the first Welsh act to do so!
In 2006, One String Loose recorded and self produced their first album, Makin’ Monkeys Funky which is available online and at gigs. They are currently getting ready to record their second album.
absolutely awesome set at glasto!!!!!! and fancy james winter getting thru to the all irelands on mandolin on the same weekend. the gods are def on our side! cu at 2 rivers dudes
New Yorker "The voice of Katell Keineg is a beautiful and wild force of nature";
LA Times "Conveying a nearly beatific sense of joy in performance";
Tom Moon, National Public Radio (US) "Here are wildly inspired songs filled with literate and mystical images, songs that aspire to the sprawl and sweep of epic novels";
Hi One String Loose, Don't forget Fathers Day - 15th June! The Official Album of The Welsh Rugby Union is available from the Official online shop - click the cover for details. Wales In Union - The Ultimate Welsh Rugby Supporters Album, available from Tesco - click the cover. Shine - The New Album from Paul Child, available from Tesco - click the cover.
Yeah I'm going to Glasto! So I'll definitely come and see you! Are you playing officially or just playing open mic? Wow - looking forward to seeing OSL with a drummer.. You're violin playing is mindblowing by the way - as is Joe's whistle playing!
Thanks... I do love my trad Irish music - but McGoldrick just takes it to the next level! I saw you at the Swanage Folk Festival in September... good times! Are you playing at Glastonbury this year? Emily.
Hi there. We just uploaded a sneak preview video from the new CD thats coming out in May. Check it out at http://ie. youtube. com/watch?v=8kFSmrJokn8 or on our myspace videos, And let us know what you think of it.
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
aye how have you been? your page is looking slick! anyway, i just grabbed some sweet new ringers off www.tonetomyphone.info for FREE! they have the tightest variety!
