Roots of Willows proving strong ahead of tour

The Willows can be seen at St Mary’s Church on Saturday March 19 as part of a tour throughout the south of England during the next two months.

The band were formed in 2010 by husband and wife, Cliff Ward (banjo, guitar, vocals) and Jade Rhiannon (vocals, shrutibox), sister, Prue Ward (violin, vocals), and chance meeting via Gumtree, Ben Savage (dobro, guitar, vocals); more recently augmenting their sound with percussion extraordinaire Evan Carson (bodhran, drums).

Having plied their trade supporting the likes of Richard Thompson, Lau, Seth Lakeman and Peatbog Faeries, the band released debut album Beneath Our Humble Soil in 2013.

Produced with Stu Hanna (Megson, Faustus, Show of Hands), the album won praise from the likes of Mike Harding and Bob Harris, who subsequently invited the band to join him for a BBC Radio 2 live session.

The folk band’s second album Amidst Fiery Skies was hailed as a triumph by The Telegraph placing it in their top five folk albums of 2014.

Alongside their achievements in the studio, a hectic touring schedule has helped the band build a reputation as a compelling live act, appearing at the likes of Glastonbury, Shrewsbury Folk Festival, Cambridge Folk Festival and Sidmouth Folk Week.

The gig starts at 8pm and cost £12 in advance. They can be booked by emailing [email protected] or by calling 01767 310424.

For more about the bands visit www.thewillowsband.com.