Whimwise is a unique act building from an electronic rock based core sound, combined with acoustic/orchestral instrumentalists and all set off against the celtic ambient moodscapes of Mexican world-music vocalist , Alquimia .
Gloriously flying in the face of fashion and blinkered generic straitjackets, this collective of artists just about runs the gamut of all known styles , blending merging and diverging various genres and musical approaches - and probably inventing a few new ones along the way.
Post rock, jazz, orchestral, avant gard, electronic, celtic, experimental, world music influences - they've all being sprinkled into the resulting brew , creating something quite new.
A fusion and a melting pot - Whimwise pride themselves on being unclassifiable !
Formed in 2005, Whimwise have since performed all around the U.K. , including opening for well known names such as - Focus, Curved Air, Damo Suzuki from Can , David Cross from King Crimson , Nik Turner from Hawkwind, Tony McPhee from The Groundhogs and Peter Banks from Yes - and playing (this year) at the world renowned Glastonbury Festival .
Last autumn saw the nationally distributed ( W.H.Smiths etc ) British magazine, "Classic Rock" featuring a track from Whimwise on its covermount CD . Another magazine , "Powerplay" has followed suit and their are plans for a third in the pipeline .
In addition - Londons avant-garde radio station, Resonance FM has been particularly championing Whimwise, with plenty of airplay and plans for a live performance on air - and other radio stations in England and Europe have also been airing tracks from the debut Whimwise album .
Whimwise originated as a recording project between multi instrumentalist Nick May and drummer Steve Hughes but quickly evolved into a fully fledged ensemble.
Here are some thumbnail sketches of the people who joined them:
Alquimia - ( voice / multi instrumental ) has also performed in a duo with film composer Michael Nyman and sung with Damo Suzuki from Can, White Noise, Arthur Brown, Neil Ardley, Jah Wobble and many others.
In addition she has an ongoing musical collaboration, performing and recording with Hans Achim Roedelius from Cluster.
Gonzalo Carerra - ( keyboards ) has played in the Jethro Tull offshoot band Oak . He has also worked with members of Supertramp, The Nice and the Electric Light Orchestra and is now keyboard player for the celtic folk rock band Karnataka .
Jakie Windmill - ( percussion ) previously played with Hawkwinds Nik Turner
Mark Powell - ( keyboards ) has worked as both musician and producer with many interesting names in the past - including Fairport Convention, The Albion Band, Blowzabella and Dave Pegg of Fairport Convention/Jethro Tull fame .
Will Summers - ( crumhorn , flute and recorder ) is also a member of the group Circulus .
David Speight - (Electronic Drums) originally standing in for Steve Hughes, has also been drumming for Peter Banks the founder and original guitarist of Yes .
Jason Mercer - ( keyboards ) has previously played keyboards for Uli Jon Roth (ex The Scorpions) and the Led Zepplin drummers sister Debbie Bonham.
Ruth Edgell - ( flute ) Ruth has played with the Gong offshoot band The Invisible Opera Company Of Tibet – Tragic Roundabout and The Space Goats .
seeing Whimwise live at our home in Bonn was a fantastic experience and a great honor! You guys got a lot of new fans because of your perfect and unique performance. Your charisma and humor impressed the whole audience.
We are looking forward to see you again! Kind regards Friedhelm & Maurice
Hey guys! Thanks so much for the request and greetings from Wales! I think your music is fantastic and I'll catch you live in the near future no doubt! All the best, Neil.
Hi Nick, thank you very much indeed! Now it won't be long until you'll arrive here in Bonn,- we're very much looking forward to seeing you here! Until then I wish you all the best Jutta
it's always a joy to listen to your music! We bet your tour is a great success for you and we are looking forward to your next visit in Germany. Maybe we can even meet us at an festival.
My Dad caught you at The Beehive this week gone and thought you were brilliant - second time he has seen you at that venue. I think your music sounds so atmospheric and amazing. Sara XXX
dear whimwise-dropping by to send some love-have a magical week-your music is seminal-celestial-and outright fab-shall spread the word here in melbourne about your amazing talent-love light compassion- love mandy oz oxo
