John Bullock (for it is He!): voice - guitar - mandolin - bouzouki - Tom the Brush - The Demon Scythe - drums ---- and Helen Coombs (The Countess): voice - keyboard - piano - harpsichord - hitting other things with sticks
Influences
Martin Carthy - Robin Williamson - Steve Reich - Martyn Bennett - Tom Waits - John Dowland - Lisa Gerrard - Chloe Goodchild - Catherine Bott - Mike and Kate Westbrook - Steve Knightley - Drew Crow Star - etc
Its getting interesting, with a new solo album from me (The Astrologer and other Tales: Vol1 of Dorset Songs - expect many more!) and a couple of new song programmes from me and the Countess ready to roll out soon.
So y'Strel's Band has a new yummy menu: The Gothic Cabaret set (ghost songs - horror and murder etc) - The Pirate set (a chance to wear the Cap'ns hat and the Countess to take her teeth out) - The Christmas Gift set (lots of latin, which you don't hear everyday from a folk band, let's face it. No - its true - you only think you do) Murther Foul and MeadowSweet (songs of murder - again - and the darker side of lurve) - The National Song Book 1905 (What!! Yes - a programme of songs taken from the 1905 publication intended for 'older pupils', which probably meant 10 year olds. Lovely dark / rebellious / nationalistic / yet tuneful material). All hopefully appearing at a Dorset village hall near you - don't forget to dress up!
