Ten years ago, Peter Knight - Steeleye Span's legendary fiddle player - formed a trio called Gigspanner.
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Five years ago, Gigspanner had a mid-tour night off. They decided to wander along to a local gig, and check out a folk duo, Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin (Edgelarks).
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Gigspanner liked what they heard, invited Phil and Hannah to have a jam, and playing together worked so well that they thought they should do some gigs. Having been raised on the music of Steeleye, and inspired to pick up the fiddle by the playing of Peter, this was a special moment for Hannah. A Big Band was formed.
Every Big Band show seemed to set the audience alight. Soon, they could not keep up with demand, as they all juggled life, other projects, and geography.
Meanwhile, Peter Knight began playing in a duo with Bellowhead's legendary melodeon player, John Spiers. Peter invited John to join the Big Band for his special 70th birthday celebration concert; and it was immediately clear that John's playing added still further to the Big Band sound. We became a six piece.
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The Big Band started as a wonderfully spontaneous jam session. Each musician brings their own sound and influences, from deep English roots to African grooves; classical virtuosity to rock and roll; Indian slide to American blues. But we believe we can take this improvised fire and create something even better, given the chance to make a proper album. And to do that – we need your help!
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The Crowdfunder
Please get involved with this crowdfunder to help us make a Gigspanner Big Band album. Rather than our previous jam session approach, we have been working on a collection of songs arranged as a whole group. While retaining the energy of improvisation, a new sound has evolved, and we would love to share it with you.
This album celebrates the coming together of some of the biggest names in the British folk scene. It combines a deep knowledge of roots traditions with a ceaselessly boundary pushing approach. The collaboration of inheritance with innovation.
It's an album by people who love music, for people who love music.
This autumn we set out on our very first tour as a six piece, debuting the new material and recording each show. Please help us move this music down the long path from our imaginations to your CD players. Thank you.
Album Launch Tour 2020
April
16th The Spring Arts Centre, Havant
17th Holy Trinity Church, Trowbridge
18th David Hall, South Petherton
19th Matthews Hall, Topsham
21st St Andrew's Church, Wiveliscombe
22nd Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot
23rd RSC The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon
24th Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
25th The Square Chapel, Halifax
26th Venue TBC
28th South Holland Centre, Spalding
29th Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich
30th The Cut Arts Centre, Halesworth
May
1 St Leonard's Church, Hythe
2 St Clement's Church, Hastings
3 Landmark Arts Centre, Twickenham.
www.gigspanner.com
www.edgelarks.co.uk
www.johnspiers.co.uk
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