Ross Couper- Fiddle and guitar
Will Lang- Bodhran and Cajon and Tabla
Aidan Curran- Guitar, Mandolin and Vocals
Influences
In no particular order just some of our likes:
Alison Krauss, Tony Rice, G'N'R, The Rolling Stones (pre 1973) Tim O'Brien, Fiddlers four, Snoop Dogg, Phil Driscoll, Shooglenifty, Bob Dylan, Flook, Nitin Sawhney, The Dixie Chicks, Clint Eastwood, Uncle Bob, Alex Couper,The Clash, Old Chuckles, Kaiser Soze, G and T, Spretation, Chaz Kramer, Homer, Archie, Arthur Guiness, J.V.R Tennent..............But mainly a mix of our friends and people we meet.
The Park Bench Social Club are part of a new generation of bands that mix musical genres with abandon (and incredible virtuosity). Traditional folk, Celtic fiddle tunes, bluegrass, gypsy jazz, bhangra and old time Americana are all standout influences. Their music is characterised by amazing energy and is played with a big smile on their faces.
The band met while attending the world-renowned Newcastle University Folk and Traditional Music degree course based at the Sage Gateshead. Coming from different parts of the world all three guys contribute a wide range of influences to the melting pot that is The Park Bench Social Club. The last 18 months has seen the band playing increasingly prestigious gigs across the UK wowing audiences wherever they play and gaining many new fans.
Ross Couper
Fiddle player Ross Couper is one of the U.K. folk scene’s most sought after musicians who counts Young Shetland Traditional Fiddler of the Year among his personal accolades, he was also winner of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards (as part of the band Bodega). Ross hails from the Shetland Islands bringing with him a huge range of influences, from the strong Shetland fiddle tradition to Jazz and country. Ross’s astonishing energy and dynamic approach to performing sets him apart from his peers.
Will Lang
Will Lang, described as one of the best young Bodhran players on the scene, has gained wide spread recognition from being a past All-Britain Champion, All-Ireland Finalist and founder member of the ’BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards 2004/2005’ finalists Chillum. In addition to being in high demand on the folk circuit Will has aroused considerable interest from world musicians due to his unique Bhangra Bodhran style and has played with Mercury Music Award winning Nitin Sawhney. Will’s unique approach helps create the genre-defying style of the band.
Aidan Curran
Aidan Curran, on guitar, mandolin and vocals, brings a background in bluegrass and blues to the mix. A founder member of Canadian band The Rock Island Ramblers, Aidan has played with “folk royalty” Eliza Carthy and been a member of a number of bands all with terrific live reputations and it this experience that makes him such a confident and exciting player much in demand for his instrumental virtuosity and amazing voice
Nice Things People Have Said About Us:
"The New Year kicks off in dramatic style with the opening gig of Park Bench Social Club’s massive UK tour. PBSC are going to be THE band to see in 2008 so get along to LFC and see them first - one day you’ll tell your grandchildren!"
..... Those nice people from Leith December 2007
"This is modern music with roots, after several plays it is now one of my favourite Cds. I bet they are great live. Park Bench Social Club are a band to keep you eyes and ears on"
......Danny Saunder,
Living Tradition album review August 2007
"Sit on This" strikes a good balance between tunes and songs (amazing vocals from Aidan Curran) this is a brilliant first stab , making a formidable impression and having great fun in the process".......
David Kidman,
f Roots album review Aug 2007
"All I know is this melting pot of an album is about as catchy as music can get. There’s a grittiness to this sound that’s exhilarating and a passion driving these boys that’s simply infectious".........
David Kushar, Spiral Earth, March 2008
Hmm, for some reason I can't write messages! It just said that there were a few people filming throughout the weekend, unfortunately they weren't directly connected with the festival, so I have no idea who they were or who they worked for, but I'll ask around and find out, as we also want footage of the weekend!!! So i'll let you know as soon as I do :)
I must admit, i'd never heard of you before Saturday, but you made mine and Sarah's (the other stage manager) weekend, you were the most enjoyable and successful performance and i'll definately be coming along to one of your shows to get the album and take some awesome photos to add to my music portfolio! I've just gotta find out which one's closest to me and fits in with work best.
Anyway, thanks alot for being a part of Saturday, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did :)
Hey, thanks for the add! I must say... your music is certainly inspiring to me... keep it up! i enjoyed listening to it... good luck with your tour... hope you like my music... and do keep in touch... Rohan www. rohan. org. uk
Hi thnks for being my friend , love your music ,just what i like to listen too. look up the dambuskers. co. uk i think you will like there stuff too,. thanksTony
Fiddle player Ross Couper is one of the U.K. folk scene’s most sought after musicians who counts Young Shetland Traditional Fiddler of the Year among his personal accolades, he was also winner of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards (as part of the band Bodega). Ross hails from the Shetland Islands bringing with him a huge range of influences, from the strong Shetland fiddle tradition to Jazz and country. Ross’s astonishing energy and dynamic approach to performing sets him apart from his peers.
Will Lang, described as one of the best young Bodhran players on the scene, has gained wide spread recognition from being a past All-Britain Champion, All-Ireland Finalist and founder member of the ’BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards 2004/2005’ finalists Chillum. In addition to being in high demand on the folk circuit Will has aroused considerable interest from world musicians due to his unique Bhangra Bodhran style and has played with Mercury Music Award winning Nitin Sawhney. Will’s unique approach helps create the genre-defying style of the band.
Aidan Curran, on guitar, mandolin and vocals, brings a background in bluegrass and blues to the mix. A founder member of Canadian band The Rock Island Ramblers, Aidan has played with “folk royalty” Eliza Carthy and been a member of a number of bands all with terrific live reputations and it this experience that makes him such a confident and exciting player much in demand for his instrumental virtuosity and amazing voice
