20240524: Friday 24th May 2024: The Often Herd
£15.00
Support: Rob Clamp
At the Golden Hind, 355 Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1SP
8pm (Doors open 7:30pm)
Entry: £16(door), £15(advance), £14(members).
The Often Herd transcend the traditional boundaries of bluegrass music. Although they might resemble an American string band, complete with driving energy, tight vocal harmonies and dazzling instrumental interplay, their vibrant, transatlantic sound is deeply coloured by their surroundings; the striking natural and industrial landscapes of Northern England. This unique approach won them the title of “Best European Bluegrass Band 2018” at the prestigious La Roche Bluegrass Festival in France.
Rupert Hughes (guitar) and Evan Davies (mandolin), write songs steeped in personal experience whilst drawing from a wide pool of influences ranging from old-time to psychedelia. American-born fiddler Niles Krieger and jazz bassist Sam Quintana add fiery instrumental skills to the mix, launching the band’s arrangements into the stratosphere. Together, their sound is both boldly contemporary and soothingly familiar, taking time-honoured traditions to new places with a fresh perspective. Flock to the herd, you won’t be disappointed.
“Traditional, inventive, tight and sharp […] for those who think they don’t like bluegrass this could be the point they change their minds.” Tom Franks, FolkWords
Rob Clamp: 'It’s not often you come across a voice with such controlled power: even at the emotional heights and depths of the songs, Rob’s voice retains a purity and focus that is all too rare. Wherever his songwriting leads him, his voice adapts to the genre, from pop through folk and roots. A classic voice for classic music.' Rob has been featured on BBC introducing, has won the highly regarded ‘Purbeck Rising 2022’ imprinting himself onto the UK folk scene, and won the ‘Sofia International Singer Songwriter Festival 2022’ in Bulgaria.Heavily influenced by the likes of; Ben Howard, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Bruce Springsteen - Rob’s music is filled with real life experiences, performed in his own compelling storytelling style, with acoustic guitar accompanied by a variation of foot percussion. 2023 has been eventful for Rob, selling out numerous shows in the South of England and ending the year supporting the likes of; Frank Turner, James Walsh (Starsailor) and Sean McGowan. His debut album, ‘Lost Soul’ was released in March 2024 with Rob embarking on his debut headline UK and European Tour throughout Spring.