Now widely regarded as the ‘godfathers of folk’, Oysterband have been impulsively writing and performing songs for almost 30 years and despite a certain maturing and mellowing they are still political, punchy and provocative. “The raw rush that used to take us on tour with bands like The Pogues has evolved into something more measured, more powerful.” says the band’s Ian Telfer.
Of their latest album, Meet You There, Telfer says "It has what I like to think of as our trademarks - a folk ear for a great vocal tune; strong lyrics; wry politics; and a sort of deep-down musicality that can afford to take itself fairly lightly. It's essentially acoustic, essentially folk-based … but we try to put it over with big dynamics and a sense of musical theatre."
Oysterband songs have made people dance, laugh, cry, even jump for joy. Whether you class it as folk music, or something nearer to indie rock, it’s going to be a great gig, so fans should book early as ticket sales will be limited.
Support will come from Clunton-based Emma & the Professor and Jonathan Draper.
Drawing on a broad spectrum of influences, from the Middle East to India, English to Irish folk, they offer up a soul-stirring mixture of their own material and original interpretations of traditional songs. With rhythm and picking on guitar, driving tabla style bodhran, the evocative cello and Emma’s haunting vocals, their performance is delivered with a powerful intensity.
The event will take place at Clun Memorial Hall, Saturday 3 May 2008
Admission, from 8pm, is by ticket only. Tickets, priced £15, are available from the White Horse Inn, tel. 01588 640305, or Enterprise House, Bishop’s Castle - tel. 01588 638038. There is an admin fee of £1.50 for credit/debit card bookings, which includes recorded delivery of tickets.
More about Oysterband: www.oysterband.co.uk
More Clun Green Man Festival info: www.clungreenman.org.uk
