For some strange reason as I sit here in my computer chair surrounded by the Western suburbs of Sydney, an emotional connection between myself and the English countryside of years gone by has never really been there. You might say that has something to do with never having been to England, nor have any English heritage and living in Sydney.
To put it simply so us young kids can understand it, Bellowhead play traditional folk music of the olden times. Should the 11 strong band have all been born, met and formed a band some centuries ago, I could think of many kings who would have called for them across the land to come and perform for a mighty feast.
But after a chance late night meeting with Bellowhead on Jools Holland, I've never felt more immersed in a culture I know nothing of. Really with the relatively youthful composition of Bellowhead, they too do not have an explicit connection to the era of the music they are playing. But their ability to capture a point in time, bottle it and deliver it fresher than an English milkman is inspiring.
My initial thought was that you get a cast of good musicians who are classically trained well of course you can play traditional music. But the beauty of this mixture is far more delicate. From the sing song of the instrumental "jack robinson" to the vocals of frontman Jon Boden in "Rigs of the time", Bellowhead are enchanting to say the least. They may not be the rigs of this time, but whatever time it is, I'd rather be there.
Myspace: Bellowhead
Website: Bellowhead
Youtube: Bellowhead - Rigs of the time
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