Music line up so far...

2011 Summer Gathering Music Performers so far...
(To read about other aspects of this years Gathering, please see the older blog posts below)

(Thursday Night)

THE CEDAR (www.myspace.com/thecedar)

Utilizing an assortment of instruments, from ukuleles to clarinets to glockenspiels, The Cedar generate a sound filled with warmth & pleasing tonality, commanding their instruments with an effortless grace that makes them almost as gratifiying to watch as to listen to. They have performed at festivals such as: the Bath International Music Festival, Sunrise Festival, Priddy Festival, Bristol Harbourside and the Melodica Festival in Iceland.

(Friday Night)

RICHARD KENNEDY (www.myspace.com/richardkennedymusic)

Accomlished singer-songwriter & acoustic guitar player who hails from far away New Zealand, via New York city, where he performed & recorded for many years before coming to the UK. His slinky country-tinged style & great material makes for a memorable experience, while his left-handed upside-down technique confounds guitar enthusiasts everywhere & never fails to wow his audiences. He has recorded & toured with many well known artists including; Marshall Crenshaw, Curtis Stygers & the Roches to name a few. Richard recently toured with Dennis Locorriere, lead singer from the famed Dr Hook band. Check him out on youtube.

DAUGHTERS OF ELVIN (www.daughtersofelvin.co.uk/)
They play an exotic array of authentic instruments including Hurdy Gurdy, English Bagpipes, Cittern, Pipe & Salterio, Gothic Harp, Dulcimer & Percussion. They have performed to great acclaim throughout the UK, Ireland, Norway, France, Germany, Holland & Cyprus. At Gaunts House the three core members Steve Tyler, Katy Marchant & Dhevdhas Nair Will be joined by guest Jonathan Shorland (from world electronica dub group Celtic) on oboes, bombards & traditional flutes. Come & dance to an exciting uptempo programme of authentic medieval music & original compositions inspired by historical & traditional music - groove to the sound of our European ancestors.

SONJA KRISTINA & BAND ( http://www.sonjakristina.com/ )

Sonja started her career as a singer songwriter in the 60's folk-clubs & is the face behind the renowned band Curved Air. She is an enigmatic, sensual & soulful performer, who surrounds herself with original & inspiring musicians & produces albums that are emotional statements about her life & times. She has toured internationally & has shared billing with such luminaries as Sandy Denny, Al Stewart & Buffy Saint Marie. Two of her songs from her early years, 'Melinda More or Less' & 'Elfin Boy', are now popular Curved Air classics. This concert will be an intimate acoustic with Acid Folk and Curved Air players - Paul Sax (violin), Robert Norton (keyboards), & Paul Hankin (percussion).

(Saturday Night)              

GILLIE NICHOLLS  ( www.gillienicholls.com/home)

A prolific songwriter from the Midlands who has been a well known face on the music scene for the past twenty years. She has wroked & written with legendary figures from the British Folk & Jazz scene, such as Ashley Hutchings and holds a place on the roll call of past Albion Band members. Her music has been decribed as evocative & poetic, with her voice sensual...

"Completely transcends the personal into another realm; - brilliant." John Etheridge

PRAYING FOR THE RAIN (http://www.twinarrowsmusic.com/)

A dynamic & compelling blend of contemporary folk, Celtic & world music with irresistible rhythems, memorable melodies, beautifully crafted vocals & inspired musicianship. Their music brings to mind a modern blend of Crosby, Stills & Nash, Robert Plant to the Fleet Foxes & Peter Gabriel, creating a truly uplifting & high energy experience. Internationally recognised, they have toured throughout Europe, Canada, Africa & the Middle East & have performed at festivals such as Glastonbury, Womad & Trowbridge Village Pump & at London's Union Chapel & South Bank as part of a world music series presented by the National Theatre.

CHRIS ELLIS WITH DAVE STURT & ROSIE TOLL (http://www.christopherellis.co.uk/)

As guitarist, pianist & songwriter, Chris has diverse musical roots, ranging from the guitar styles of John Martyn & Richard Thompson to the piano improvisations of Bill Evans & Keith Jarrett. The trio features fretless bass player David Sturt & violinist Rosie Toll - both of whom are mercurial improvisers in their own right. This collaboration for Gaunts House will be focused around Chris' songs & instrumental pieces, however, the music is approached with an ear to what the spirit of the moment may bring.

(Sunday Night)

NIGEL SHAW & CAROLYN HILLYER ( www.seventhwavemusic.co.uk )

Renowned musicians & artists from the the wild moors of southwest England, who between them have recorded nearly thirty music albums & have performed internationally, including concerts in Australia, USA, Japan, Central America, Russia & throughout Europe. Their inspiration comes from the raw beauty & ancient spirit of wild land, & their live performances are a magical tapestry of ancient instruments & extraordinary songs. They use traditional instruments such as: whistles, hand drums, small pipes, Slovakian fujara, piano & Shetland lyre, & move from delicate soul-filled flute melodies, through deep raw chants to powerful tribal dance rhythms.

MARTHA TILSTON & BAND ( http://www.marthatilston.co.uk/)

A captivating performer, an enchanting singer-songwriter blessed with a gloriously clear & seductively beautiful voice. Weaving her magic spell over listeners wherever she plays - from the concert hall to the campfire, from folk clubs to main festival stages - she is a rare gem who has the power to draw an audience into her world & create an intimate space where her words & music dance & delight, leaving all those present with a smail, a warm feeling inside, & a few issues to ponder too.

DANU FOX & BAND (http://www.songbearmusic.co.uk/)

Singer, songwriter & musician of many talents, fusing Jazz, Shamanic & Hindustani influences. Renowned at festivals for her Raag singing & toning workshops, the 2011 set will include songs from her latest albums; Yemaya and People of One Earth, which are collections of Shamanic songs & chants, supported by skin drum, keyboards, flutes, violin & harmonium as well as some newly penned piano vocal tracks. A unique sound.