With the Memory Band, producer, singer and multi-instrumentalist Stephen Cracknell sets out to create “a new approach to traditional music” with “an imaginary band built inside a computer and made flesh by the contributions of numerous musicians”. The result is an ever-changing sonic kaleidoscope in which samples are mixed with sturdy instrumentals based around traditional melodies, and songs that veer towards acoustic psychedelia. It starts with memories of ancient sheep fairs, followed by an elegant version of The Bold Grenadier, dominated by Fred Thomas’s piano work. Then comes a cheerfully stomping story of the supernatural from singer Liam Bailey, a jaunty singalong from Nancy Wallace, a reading from the poetry of Basil Bunting that is lost behind strings and piano, a passage in Middle English, and a treatment of Willie O Winsbury that would make a fine, atmospheric film soundtrack. A brave and curious set, but worth investigating.
