Videos

We've had these here videos done, shot during our recent Rotunda gig. By a stroke of coincidence, all the tracks are from the new album - a sneak preview in other words. Enjoy x

Oxford Recording

Last day recording today in this particular session. All songs are now down, ready for the creative stuff, fairy dust and overdubs. Last night we did the final song of the album, the full moon shining in through the window. Quite magical.

And here are some photos of what we've been up to.

Back in the Rotunda!

After the success of our Rotunda gig the other week we're chuffed to bits to going back there on May 2nd. This time we are supporting local poet, Alan Buckley, who will be launching his first collection, Shiver, published by Tall Lighthouse. Believe me when I tell you that blood has been sweated over these poems - he's very good indeed.

There'll be performances by the Kate Garrett band, and two other top quality local poets, George Roberts and Joe Butler. Stephen Hancock will MC. Promises to be a corker.

Rima

We thought you also might like to know that Rima is on board to do the artwork for the next album. Even now her pencils are twitching and ideas starting to gel...

Oh, you want to know what the album will be called? Well you'll just have to wait now, won't you...

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!