Despite regular winter tours since 2011, Winter Wonderband have only recently found time to record and release a double album. Comprising of studio recordings and a live set recorded during one of their winter tours at Chapel Arts. 'Joy Illimited' proves that good things really do come to those who wait.
Winter Wonderband comprises of MacLaine Colston: vocals, hammered dulcimer, djembe, finger cymbals and jingle bells, Jennifer Crook: vocals, lever harp, acoustic guitar, string of bells, Beth Porter: vocals, cello, treble recorders, ukulele, kalimba and Saul Rose: vocals, diatonic button accordions, floor tom, jingle bells. With additional percussion by Stuart Bruce, who also mixed the album.
Thomas Hardy’s ‘The Darkling Thrush’ opens the album and is presented here in an evocative arrangement by Jennifer Crook. The light hearted traditional song, ‘Shepherds Are The Cleverest Lads’ underpinned by jaunty accordion washes over the listener with warmth.
A beautiful cover of ‘Lady Marion’ pays tribute to Irish folk rockers Clannad and their Bafta winning soundtrack to the Robin of Sherwood Series. Probably best know for The Steeleye Span version, ‘The Gower Wassail’ presented here is awash with unaccompanied vocal harmonies that are simply astounding to listen to. The jazz infused ‘Slow Down December’ is an original composition by Jennifer Crook, while Beth Porter takes what’s been best known as a bubble gum pop Christmas song, and turns it into a spine tingling folk ballad of heartbreak, and once you hear Winter Wonderband’s version of ‘Last Christmas’ the original Wham version will forever seem inferior.
The second disc contains the live set recorded at Chapel Arts. Listening to the musicians working off each other onstage is a treat and a testament to their musical skill. Highlights include the mystical ‘Soul Cake – Reel A Bouche’, a crowd pleasing cover of ‘Fairy tale of New York’ and ‘For Love Lane’.
‘Joy Illimited’ is an album that’s steeped in both ancient and modern. It draws heavily on traditional folk, yet doesn’t be afraid to rearrange and challenge the norm in the way it presents both traditional and contemporary songs and tunes. Beautiful acoustic instrumentation, ethereal vocals and magical arrangements make it an album that celebrates the best of the Autumn and Winter seasons with immeasurable joy.