If you want to hear a unique, exciting band who can get the audience going from the very first tune, or perhaps play a thoughtful travelling song, or a well-known Irish drinking song, then you should get along to hear Wessex Contraband.
Wessex Contraband are led by local favourite Phil Deverall, together with Carmen Tunney and Jane Jameson. Phil is a mellow, competent folk singer, often seen lurking at local folk clubs and festivals. He plays guitar, banjo, melodeon and bodhran, and is half of the lead vocal. Carmen is a classically-trained violinist and is leader of the Trowbridge Symphony Orchestra. She plays fiddle, whistle and mandolin, and has been known to sing backing when she can be persuaded. Jane plays guitar, accordion and percussion, and is the other half of the lead vocal. She sings blues, soul, jazz and country with various friends in her spare time. Between the three of them they pump out an acoustic mixture of traditional tunes, popular Irish songs and the occasional Bluegrass song, not to mention a good smattering of low-class humour.
They are quirky and like to stamp their feet a lot, and are very popular in the local pub scene, not to mention ceilidhs, Irish nights and any general knees-up. You can always be sure of a lively night with plenty of foot tapping and good humour.
They have released two CDs – “The Raking Of The Moon“, which has 11 lively songs and tunes, and “Quare Bungle Rye“, which is a mixture of Irish songs, a few tunes ,some acapella singing and even the odd Morris tune .
http://www.myspace.com/wessexcontraband
Support acts:
Robert Bowden, from Trowbridge, started young in the music business. By 17 he was signed to Sony Records, but decided that was not the right direction for him. He is an excellent singer/ songwriter, with an incredible voice, playing both guitar and piano.
Sherena Dugani, who is also local, wrote and performed the soundtrack to the movie Saving Grace. She is a great singer and guitarist.
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