1. Folk band from Cambridge, UK . www.thewillowsband.co.uk|2. Doo Wop band from the 1950’s|3. Indie Rock band from Evansville, IN |1. The Willows are a Cambridge based band with a sound that has been described as both beautiful and contemporary, intricately weaving traditional and modern roots music within well-crafted songs. Their debut EP ‘The Willows’ was released on the 19th November. The EP’s opening song ‘Down River’ has since been played on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire to critical acclaim, and was described as ‘beautiful’ by Kerry Divine. After a summer of writing, recording and the odd festival the band have spent the autumn |playing their trade in local folk and acoustic clubs, supporting the likes of LAU, and |Hannah James & Sam Sweeney and building an ever-expanding fan base along the way. Work has already begun on their first album, scheduled for release in mid-2011. |In the mean time the band remain determined to play to as many people as they can, wherever that may be. Quotes 405 Music & Arts Magazine Review |Formed just last summer and hailing from picturesque Cambridgeshire, The Willows’ debut self-titled EP instantly evokes a rush of feeling and memories. Haunting vocals, and elements of traditional, folk and roots music come together with a distinctly catchy, pop-infused and unmistakably beautiful sound. Their mature melodies are reminiscent of Laura Marling’s earlier tracks, but The Willows’ sound is altogether richer, with a somewhat darker quality. ~ EP Review from FATEA |Cambridge based quintet, The Willows, appear to be creating a bit of a stir having already supported Lau and Uiscedwr. They’ve got a debut album due at later in 2011, in the mean time we’ll have to make do with their self titled four track EP. To be perfectly honest it’s not enough, I keep feeling the sort of tingle I got when I first came across Fairground Attraction. They’ve got a really lush sound, rich, but still giving clear space to the individual instruments, something they carry on into the vocals, delicate harmonies and strong solos, one to watch. ~ Ely Folk Festival 2011 review - Moving Tone …it was a quite brilliant set from The Willows that really brought the evening alive. It is easy to focus on the delightful vocals of the charming Jade Rhiannon, but equally important are some sharp arrangements of fiddle, kajon and acoustic guitars. The set was astutely paced, with the tempo upped at just the right moment, and a terrific climax with The Workers’ War. The Willows are due for big success. “This was a group of musicians that I know and love from other projects so when I was looking for a band for the StowFest: Acoustic Sessions and I heard they’d got together to form The Willows, I booked them without even needing to listen to a demo. They didn’t disappoint. Wonderful, heartfelt vocals, on-the-money harmonies and excellent, cultured musicianship.” |~ D Harvey - Stowfest The Willows conserve much that is good in acoustic music – strong songs, beautifully played and sung – but imbue it with a modern feel. ~ J Meed - Cambridge Acoustic Nights, CB2. “On 27 October The Willows supported Lau at the Malting in Ely. They were well received; delivering a fantastic set and connecting with the audience. They display great musicianship without losing sight of what makes a catchy song, as a result they were a perfect support band who have all the makings of a great headline act in their own right.” ~ Nathan Jones - Adec 2. The Willows bloomed in 1950 from Harlem as the Dovers: Richie Davis, John Steele, Ralph Martin, Joe Martin (twins), and Bobby Robinson. Tony Middleton replaced Robinson who left in 1952 to open a record shop on 125th Street that became Fury Records. The Dovers built a reputation battling other groups; they often practiced with Gloria Lynne’s group, the Delltones; Lynne later recorded on Premium with the Wheels before going solo. Pete and Goldie Doraine became their managers and financed the groups’ 1953 debut, “Love Bells,” on their own Pee Dee label, as the Five Willows. Three singles followed on Allen Records in 1953 that balm egos but did nothing for their bank accounts. After two flops on Herald in 1954, they hit as the Willows (dropping the “Five” for booking purposes) on Melba in 1956 with “Church Bells May Ring,” featuring Neil Sedaka on chimes. It blasted to number 11 R&B but died at number 62 pop due to the Diamonds’ number 14 pop cover. The Cadets and Sunny Gale also played the cover game. They didn’t have any more hits but hung tough until 1965. Platters on Eldorado and Gone in 1957-1958 credited to Tony Middleton & the Willows went unnoticed; ditto for singles as the Willows on Club and Warwick Records. The Martin twins, Freddie Donovan, and Dotty Martin (Joe’s wife) were the Willows for two nonstarters on Heidi Records in 1964. And a lineup featuring Tony Middleton and Richie Davis appeared in the ’70s to work the doo-wop revivals; but by the ’90s, the Willows wept no more. ~ Andrew Hamilton, Rovi 3. The Willows are an indie rock band from Evansville, IN. The group was formed in 2008 and is made up of members Jacob Gumbel, Joe Creech, Connor Stobaugh, and Jared Jones. Their debut album, “Sometimes I’m Ancient”, was recorded by the band in their home studio and released in November of 2010. |
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