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Wistman's Wood are an exciting new trio featuring three of Devon's finest traditional musicians. Steve Turner's exquisite accordion style, Jackie Oates's lyrical violin playing and vocals and Andy Clarke's assured guitar and bouzouki playing and vocals combine to produce a very English sound which is at times understated and tranquil, at times inventive, bold and dynamic. They draw much of their material from the British song tradition, complemented by new and original instrumental compositions.
"Wistmans Wood are named after a beautiful wood on Dartmoor that is steeped in legend and mystery and just like the bands name this is an outstanding album of natural beauty.Wistmans Wood is made up of three Devon based traditional musicians, namely: Steve Turner, Jackie Oates and Andy Clarke. Many of you will be familiar with the lovely voice of Jackie from her time with Rachel Unthank and the Winterset. The album has been lovingly put together, with a unique selection of tunes. I found myself returning to it time and time again. Exceptional!"
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Tim Carroll
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That’s it, I’m a happy man – I’ve just heard again one of the most beautiful, controlled and incisive voices in English folk music. This time Jackie Oates’ lovely voice is part and parcel of a trio called Wistman’s Wood. Combined with the superb guitar, bozouki and perennial English singing voice of Andy Clarke (he of Broadsword & Liberty) plus the finely crafted accordion of Steve Turner (of Eelgrinders fame) – together they are a guaranteed delight.
These guys have grown up through the English folk tradition serving their time in a range of bands. The combination of their talents and their collective journey through folk makes Wistman’s Wood seriously worth a listen. Take a track such as 'Mormond Braes', you’ll have to go a long way to find a better version of this Scottish ballad. Jackie’s voice is backed with the tight harmonies and delicious musicianship of Andy and Steve. I’m a sucker for a great story-telling song and 'Bold Reynard' doesn’t disappoint. Andy is the narrator and his voice is bang on for this one while Jackie’s fiddle style and Steve’s accordion weave it all together. This is one band I could listen to all day long I suggest you do the same – you’ll love it.
Also visit Spiral Earth website
Steve Turner
Steve is a founder member of well loved band the Eelgrinders. His style is highly individual and distinctive and he draws influences from French and Swedish as well as from British traditional music. He can be found performing as a duo with fiddler Helena Torpy and with English Bagpiper David Faulkner. During early 2006 Steve joined forces with Helena Torpy, Karen tweed and Tapani Varis in "Nimbus" as part of a project which toured village halls around parts of England. Visit the Eelgrinders website
Andy Clarke
Andy developed a love of traditional music through his father's influence whilst growing up in Devon. he began performing as a teenager at folk clubs whilst working in the overseas forces. Since returning to the UK he has become a stalwart of the South Devon folk scene playing in Celtic band "Mooncoin" and co-running the Totnes folk club. His adept guitar playing, fine singing voice and choice of song arrangement are swiftly gaining him a reputation across the festival and folk club circuit. Visit Andy's web pages.
Jackie Oates
Jackie has been immersed in traditional music since birth. She began playing the violin at the age of 8 both classically and at sessions. Upon moving to Devon in 2001 she nurtured a love of ballad singing and developed her own fiddle singing style. In 2003 she was a finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award, which led to appearances at festivals and concerts both nationally and internationally. She has since guested on a great many albums. She can currently be seen performing alongside Ed Rennie, with the English and world fusion band Boka Halat, and as part of the Northumberland girl band "Rachel Unthank and the Winterset". Visit Jackie's website
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For further information contact Andy Clarke - Telephone 01803 732312 or mobile 07792009374 or eMail
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