Gigspanner Big Band

About

Trowbridge Festival presents Gigspanner Big Band at Holy Trinity Church.

To quote R2 magazine's 5 star review: "They don't play together very often, but when they do it's spectacular"

Gigspanner Big Band are a unique force in British folk music. So we are super excited that they have arranged to come and play for us.

Their high-energy, mesmerising performances appeal equally to traditionalists and to those looking for something more experimental. They regularly acquire praise from publications as varied as fRoots, The Telegraph and The Wire. Where they were described as 'melodically folk-rooted yet open and innovative beyond the constraints of genre'

Beginning life as a trio. Fiddle player Peter Knight joined with percussionist Sacha Trochet and guitarist Roger Flack. The line-up has been expanded to form the Gigspanner Big Band. The three additions are acclaimed multi-instrumental duo Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin – BBC Folk Awards 'Best Duo') and Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers. Joining to form the almighty Gigspanner Big Band.

They take self-penned material along with songs and tunes rooted in the British Isles…

…then with the flick of a bow, a finely chosen chord or slip of a beat. Produce richly atmospheric arrangements "with notes seemingly plucked from the stars and rhythms from the equator" Spiral Earth.

As far as collaborations go. The Gigspanner Big Band is one of the most amazing coming togethers you can ever see.

"One of the best live bands you are likely to see this year. Or any year for that matter" – Folk Radio UK

"True creativity speaks to the heart and entertains the mind with fresh ideas and images. What brilliant entertainment this is. Knight has a knack for identifying the essence of a tune or song. Pulling it apart and presenting it back to you in a way that surprises and refreshes. Hannah Martin and Phillip Henry simply make sublime music that has an otherworld of undercurrents and motifs woven through it. Put them all together and some alchemical magic occurs" – 5***** Spiral Earth

"Totally blown away by the spellbinding Gigspanner Big Band set at Cropredy. Lost for words… – " Folking. com

"What a fabulous team they make. Together producing a startlingly new musical form form with few, if any, antecedents. Even within the hallowed world of prog and folk-rock. The flights of musical fancy are staggering in their natural invention" – Fatea Magazine

Trowbridge Town Hall are supporting this event hosted by Trowbridge Festival. Booking details will be shared with the Trowbridge Festival.

Doors 7.00pm

Concert 7.30pm

www.trowbridgefestival.co.uk