18 nights of the most energetic and seriously fabulous gigs ever took place when Uiscedwr toured Austria this month.
From Graz to Vienna, Rottenman to the infamous Fiddler's Green in Alland, Uiscedwr toured all over the beautiful country playing to packed audiences who were all more than delighted to be introduced to the trio for the first time. Cd sales were phenomenal, the beer and schnapps flowed like water, and no doubt Uiscedwr have begun a lasting relationship with the people of Austria.
"It was simply unbelievable - everything was so amazing, from the people to the stunning scenery I have to say it was the best tour I've ever done. I really can't wait to get back to Austria, I was so sad to leave. Thank you to everyone who helped make it so special," - Anna Esslemont
The trio were joined by accordion goddess Karen Tweed for gigs in Vienna and St. Polten, much to the delight of the band's new fans. Karen's playing has added an electrifying new element to the band, and will definitely be appearing more in the future with Uiscedwr.
Check out the video clips below and Anna's blog for an insight into the whole tour, and of course there's a write-up on the news page of the Uiscedwr website.
www.uiscedwr.com
On the Road again with the fabulous UISCEDWR BIG BAND
After the success of T.U.B.B's (The Uiscedwr Big Band) first performance at Celtic Connections, we're happy to tell you that there's lots more gigs on the horizon. Fanflippintastic. There will be a few performances throughout the first half of 2008, then a full tour in October. Next gig is in May, and bound to sell out as it's on Anna's home ground in Newtown, Mid Wales. Check out the TUBB myspace at www.myspace.com/uiscedwrbigband for all the important details.
The fabulous Iconic Music are looking after bookings for TUBB and Uiscedwr so please direct any enquiries to them by emailing info@iconicmusic.com
Have you made friends with Anna and Cormac?
At long last Anna and Cormac have set up their own myspace pages for your enjoyment. Check out all the other projects they have on the go by visiting Anna here and Cormac here
Anna & Cormac on The Chris Evans BBC Radio 2 Show
Thanks to everyone who emailed and texted the show when we were on - we saw loads of emails coming up from Uiscedwr fans but sadly the lady sorting through them all didn't think them relevant enough to give to Chris! boo hoo! We did have a truly fabby time hanging out with Chris and the team though, check out the blog for a full write up. Everyone was so welcoming and fantastic it was awesome! I must send massive thanks to the Willow Foundation for what was an incredible day. Have put a couple of photos in the slide show below, enjoy! Check out the Willow Foundation and the amazing work they do at www.willowfoundation.org.uk
NEW PICS
Thanks to the fabulous Chris Bates for the amazing photos from The Big Session - check out the latest pics in the slide show below.
Widely acclaimed as one of Britains most exciting new bands, Uiscedwrs freshness, innovation, charm and sheer joy of playing has brought them a long way in an absurdly short time.
After winning the BBC Young Folk Award in 2002 theyve barely paused for breath, winning widespread acclaim with prestigious festival appearances, notably informal gigs and a BBC Folk Award nominated debut album, Everywhere.
The highly anticipate second album 'Circle' was released to great applause in 2006 and also featured guitarist Kevin Dempsey.
2008 sees newcomer James Hickman joining the trio on guitar as Kevin has stepped down to pursue other projects. The awesomely talented Mr Hickman has a history in swing and bluegrass, and has toured with fiddle legend Dan Cassidy in the UK, US and across Europe, as well as supporting Jools Holland with his guitar duo, The Badgers.
Featuring fiddle, guitar, vocals and more expertly played percussion than you could shake a stick at (not to mention the tight knit arrangements and boundless energy) Uiscedwr are quite simply explosive.
Big changes ahead for Uiscedwr, not least the departure of Kevin Dempsey, as he has left the trio to concentrate on other projects.
There’s no hard feelings there and we’re just glad we got to play with him for as long as we did. We’ve had the best time playing with Kev over the last few years and want to wish him all the best for the future. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us on Kevin’s last tour with Uiscedwr in December 2007.
The exciting news is, we’re very happy to introduce a new face to the folk scene: Please welcome Mr James Hickman, guitarist and singer extraordinaire.
James has a background in bluegrass and swing, and having played with the likes of fiddler Dan Cassidy (the late Eva Cassidy’s brother) we knew he’d be able to step up to the mark for Uiscedwr. He’s played gigs all over the UK and Europe, taking in a few support slots for Jools Holland, so he’s definitely pedigree material! James had his first Uiscedwr gigging experience in Basingstoke recently and all were in agreement - he is a FANTASTIC addition to the trio. The on-stage dynamic between the three musicians was electric, and the new arrangements and tunes had the audiences clamouring to chat to our new arrival after the performance.
Please bare with us as we update the Myspace pages and the Uiscedwr website to reflect the change in line-up, we'll get it all sorted as soon as possible!
Circle
release date: 24/07/06
The long awaited second album from extraordinary folk trio Uiscedwr is finally here. Circle contains 12 delicious new tracks: funked-up folk tunes, heart wrenching songs, this is one cd we dare you not to love.
After the success of debut album Everywhere which culminated in a cover of fRoots magazine and a BBC Folk Award nomination, the bands leading lady Anna Esslemont was struck down by a major illness making it impossible to work. Esslemont is now back stronger than ever, and with a PRS Foundation award for her music writing under her belt the new self-penned tracks are nothing short of explosive. New addition Kevin Dempsey (Whippersnapper, Swarbs Lazarus) has added a dynamic third dimension to the fiddle/bodhran jousting of Byrne and Esslemont. Dark and delicate solos showcase his skill in Ceol Aine and Uiscedwr introduce his voice in The Music Bringer, one of 4 varied songs on the album. In Tree Cormac Byrne (Seth Lakeman Band) demonstrates his unrivalled percussive talents with a multi-tracked extravaganza guaranteed to get you dancing.
Uiscedwr (meaning water in Irish then Welsh) have delivered an album dripping in Celtic fervour and instrumental virtuosity. It demands your attention.
"Divine eccentricity," - Daily Telegraph
"Smart songs and vivacious sets.... a terrific album," - BBC Radio 2
"Uiscedwr have crafted an album of commendable verve, conviction and daring," - fRoots
Just came by to wish you all a very nice day! Still don't know if my cousin and I are able to going to see you perform August 2nd, but maybe we'll see you @ Dranouter!! Come to Holland soon?! X
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.
OMG OMG OMG I might actually get to see you at the Middlewich Boat Festival!!! I want to fly back to the UK on the 12th but need to be on the South Coast by the 15th......I'm going to check out my calendar and tickets. Whoop!
Oh yeah, how are you? lol. Have a great summer if I don't get to see you.
Hi Uiscedwr I hope all is well?. Its a long way of so will prob say this again. Look forward to seeing You at Fylde Folk Festival. Booked my weekend ticket the other day. Wooo Hoooo (0:
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.
Hello, great to hear from you! I'm good, touring in Finland right now ;-)How are you doing? looks like a really nice thing you have going on here and with the big band! Hugs, Kristian
Just wanted to thank you for an amazing gig at The Maltings - you had us completely spellbound. It really was a fantastic gig and we both found you so inspiring.
Abigail Hopkins new album, 'The Memoirs Of An Outlaw', available to pre-order from: www. basilicamusic. bigcartel. com The first 100 copies are signed and numbered!
