Jacey Bedford Tour Management

"We had Isambarde at Northwich last autumn and I can verify they're a very promising young act. They are inventive in their approach to their music and they do put on a good show. Keep us in mind for spring 2010. We'd be happy to have them back." - John Booth, Northwich Folk Club, 2009 (And indeed he has rebooked them)

"Isambarde are a folk band with tremendous energy and enthusiasm. They are the unusual and winning combination of Chris's driving guitar, Emily's incisive fiddle playing and Jude's lyrical oboe coupled with great full on vocal harmonies. They play a great set and are an asset to any festival bill. Book 'em!!" - Phil Beer

Chris Green - vocals, guitar, mandocello:
Jude Rees - vocals, oboe and occasional shawm:
Emily Sanders - vocals, fiddle, whistle

Isambarde, a one man two woman trio, offers: three voices , guitar, fiddle and oboe - an unusual combination and an effective one. Chris, Emily and Jude combine energy with superb musicianship, an undoubted flair for clever but sensitive arrangements, quality vocals, and engagingly self-deprecating sense of humour. The combination adds up to much more than the sum of the individual parts. Coventry based Isambarde - the trio - played their first local gig in April 2002. With a powerful blend of traditional and contemporary folk songs they carry the English tradition forward into the 21st century.

Latest Review "I expected Living History to be good, but not in my wildest imagination for it to be as good as it is! ... In short, bloody marvelous! Isambarde have re-worked and breathed fresh life into another collection of mainly traditional songs." - Peter Massey, Green Man Review.

"For me Isambarde walked away with the crown for the best performance. This was the 2nd year for Isambarde at Chester Folk Festival and the band just gets stronger and stronger." - Green Man Review

"Isambarde are a really good young band. They’re good to listen to, good to look at and it’s very obvious that they enjoy performing.” - Vin Garbutt

With five albums to their credit Isambarde's latest is on Phil Beer's label. Phil can certainly spot talent when he sees it and with his label behind them Isambarde are stepping up a gear..

"Infectious enthusiasm, lively sense of humour and excellent musicianship' - David Kidman, netrhythms

Isambarde have served their apprenticeship round the clubs and festivals in the UK. Good things are starting to happen for them and it can only get better from now on.

"If ever an album had a good title, 'Barnstorming' is it! This is only the third album from Isambarde and it can only serve to put them up amongst the cream of the acoustic folk bands in the world -- there, I've said it!" - Peter Massey, Green Man Review

“Driving acoustic guitar rythms woven together by silken melodies on oboe and fiddle.” - Cath Mundy & Jay Turner

Review

If ever an album had a good title, 'Barnstorming' is it! This is only the third album from Isambarde and it can only serve to put them up amongst the cream of the acoustic folk bands in the world -- there, I've said it!

Isambarde are Chris Green: vocals, acoustic guitar, bouzouki and bass; Jude Rees: vocals and oboe; Emily Saunders: vocals, fiddle and viola. All three are brilliant musicians whose arrangements bring a freshness to English folk song that is long overdue. Chris backs the songs with a bright solid rhythm on his guitar, while Emily and Jude weave in and out with riffs and tunes on the fiddle and oboe to compliment the songs. The enthusiasm and the innovation they bring to the songs are never in question. The result is something that has to be heard. It is hard to believe that the band only really got together in 2003/4, for they gel together with an experience normally only found in bands that have been playing for much longer. I've seen them 'live' on stage four times now, and each time they have blown me away with their performance and stagecraft. Festival and club organisers take note; you might want to book them while they are still relatively inexpensive. This band is on the way up!

So what makes the album so good? In a nutshell: simplicity, plus a good ear for a song; the result is an ideal choice of material. If you think about it, when you visit a folk club or festival, which are the songs that lodge themselves in your consciousness? Likely you find yourself humming or whistling the tune on the way home. It has been said that all the revivalist singers in the 50s and 60s had a field day rooting out the very best of the traditional songs for their repertoire, and left the rest! Traditional bands these days go to extraordinary lengths to find material that hasn't been done. But what's wrong with the old songs the revivalists unearthed? Nothing at all.

So it is young bands like Isambarde, who were born in the 70s and 80s, are left to pick up the thread. Simple you might think, but it's the refreshing treatment Isambarde gives to the songs that makes them extremely 'listenable' all over again. - Green Man Review

Festival Workshops Offered

Using Open Tunings to accompany songs and tunes (Guitar)

An introduction to using open tunings (primarily DADGAD, but also incorporating a variety of others such as open G, modal G and modal C). A basic knowledge of the guitar is desirable, but not essential. Finger-picking and plectrum styles will be covered, and chord sheets will be provided. It is recommended that you bring a capo!

Length of workshop: 1 hour
Run by: Chris

Vocal Harmonies Workshop
A chance to get on your feet and start singing! We will put together some simple tunes with a variety of harmonies from easy to challenging. This is also a fun way of breaking the ice with your fellow festival goers as you will be working in small groups before putting the whole ensemble together in harmony! Lyric sheets will be provided. No previous singing experience required - just bring your enthusiasm! Open to all.
Length of workshop: 1 hour
Run by: Jude and Emily

Under 16s Music Session

Minimum skill level and own instruments essential. Not recommended for children under ten. Please note this must be described correctly in the programme as Isambarde have had toddlers turning up expecting balloon modelling when just described as a 'Kids' Workshop.' If you want this workshop, we need to discuss presenting it properly to your audience. All participants must have their own instruments and a certain basic level of proficiency.

Sessions are the lifeblood of the traditional music scene and this workshop aims to give 10s to16s a start in session playing and singing. Dots and lyrics can be provided for readers, chords can be provided for guitars, bouzoukis etc, but the main emphasis is on learning to participate sensitively and sympathetically using aural skills. A basic acquaintance with the instrument is required (i.e. – being able to play three chords on the guitar!) The emphasis will mainly be on songs although tunes may be covered as well. The session will all be about inclusion, encouragement and fun.
Length of workshop: 1 hour
Run by: Isambarde

Contact: Jacey Bedford of Jacey Bedford Tour Management 01484 606230 agency(at)jacey-bedford.com

Isambarde

Review

Festival Workshops Offered

Contact:
Jacey Bedford of
Jacey Bedford Tour Management
01484 606230
agency(at)jacey-bedford.com