Recording!

We're back in the recording studio this week, this time decamped to a friend's house in Oxford while they are on their hols. We can announce that there will be 11 tracks on the album - so far we've recorded ten of them, we're doing the last today. Then there's overdubs, mixing and mastering - all of which take an age but are the fun bit, without the tension and release of getting a good take. But the process has gone really well and we're sure you'll like the results. So here, to tantalise you, is a screen dump of one of the songs - can you work out how it will sound...?


BTW - the DAW software we use is called Ardour. You won't read about it in the music tech mags because it is open source which means it is entirely FREE - it is supported by Mac OSX and Linux. It does everything you'd expect of Pro Tools, Logic etc, and latest version supports MIDI and VST. And Colin is now a listed developer too. How cool is that?

The Mulberry Tree

Everything is gearing up nicely for this weekend's Oxford Folk Festival - we're playing on Saturday night on the Cornbury Stage at 7.55pm, directly before Kris Drever. More info here.

But we thought we'd tell you about a gig coming up on March 27th. At present you'll only be able to get tickets on the door, so do come early to avoid disappointment. Here's the blurb:

The Mulberry Tree presents:

An Evening of 100% Acoustic Excellence in the delightful venue of The Rotunda, 44 Iffley Turn, Oxford, 8pm Friday March 27th, £7/5

Featuring:

Telling the Bees
Darkly crafted lyrics underpinned by driving mandolin, cinematic strings and haunting English bagpipes. Inspired by English folklore and the politics of protest, their music evokes an England of rustic charm and savage beauty. TtB recently supported Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings and will perform at the Oxford Folk Festival.

This is the Kit
A rare chance to see this fabulous Paris-based band, featuring singer-songwriter, Kate Stables, and multi-instrumentalist Jesse Vernon (Moonflowers, Morning Star). Their debut album, Krulle Bol, produced by John Parish, is a work of beauty, featuring the classic 'Two Wooden Spoons' and 'Birchwood Beaker'. Not to be missed.

Branch Immersion
A new-comer to the acoustic scene, Branch Immersion combine dextrous guitar picking with fierce lyrics and a political bent. In the tradition of Drake, Renbourn and Jansch, their artful music will draw you in.

Bring your own booze and a cushion to sit on. Decor by Groovy Su - chai will be served. The first happening of the year!

www.grovehouse.info
www.myspace.com/branchimmersion
www.myspace.com/thisisthekit

Tickets selling fast!

If you were thinking of coming to our Jericho Tavern gig this coming Saturday, March 7th, supporting Jon Boden and the Remnant Kings, then it would be worth buying tickets in advance as they are selling fast. It will probably sell out. We're on at 8.30pm sharp, so get there early to see our full set. Tickets £12 from Wegottickets.

See you there!

Fancy a bit of French?

If you're in the Glastonbury area on Saturday March 14th and fancy a bit of French and Breton dancing, Andy will be playing with Cliff Stapleton - edgy trance music on bagpipes and hurdy-gurdy. Maybe see you there!

Last FM

We've finally got round to joining Last FM where you can listen to the album in full, love, scrobble and shout to your heart's content xxx

Glastonbury gig confirmed!

Our gig in the Glastonbury Assembly Rooms was one of our favourites of 2008, so we're delighted that they've asked us back! Support slots from the golden-tongued Brythonic Bard, Nathan Lewis Williams, and an unplugged Ten Ton Tongue (that's Emma Harper & Becky Forsyth).

Do spread the word and we'll see you there.

Excited about our gig

Getting excited now about our gig with The World is Not Flat, a delightful duo who don't get to gig often given what as they are separated by the Atlantic Ocean. Should be a corker of a night down Oxford's legendary Jericho Tavern. See you there!