Cropredy 2014, chatter, suggestions, speculation

Yer tis (empahises mine)

Cropredy Line-up 2014

Firstly, in brief -

Thursday 7 August
The Waterboys
Steve Hackett - Genesis Extended
Capercaillie
Joe Broughton's Conservatoire Folk Ensemble
Fairport Acoustic Convention

Friday 8 August
The Australian Pink Floyd Show
Chas & Dave
The Wonder Stuff
The Travelling Band
Churchfitters
Benjamin Folke Thomas
Edwina Hayes
Deborah Rose
BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Musicians of the Year

Saturday 9 August
Fairport Convention
Al Stewart
Marillion
Cara Dillon
Treetop Flyers
Reg Meuross
Blackbeard's Tea Party
Richard Digance

And now, in more detail -

Thursday 7 August

The Waterboys
Headlining our Thursday night this year we are delighted to welcome, at last, The Waterboys.
Formed thirty years ago by Mike Scott, The Waterboys are famous for their powerful performances and genre-busting records. Scott's original and unusual songwriting is merged with older musics - country, trad, blues and gospel - and the band has matured into one of the world's finest live acts.

Steve Hackett - Genesis Extended
Relive the timeless magic of Genesis with their former lead guitarist Steve Hackett and his band. Steve's extraordinary musical versatility draws on influences as diverse as jazz world and blues to recreate the unique sound of progrock legends Genesis.

Capercaillie
Scotland's Capercaillie are making their first visit to Cropredy. Featuring the fine, pure vocals of Karen Matheson, Capercaillie have been championing, reviving and reworking Gaelic traditional music for over thirty years as well as presenting their own new songs and musical settings.

Joe Broughton's Conservatoire Folk Ensemble
The original folk 'big band', this stellar ensemble features four dozen talented youngsters. Drawing on folk, funk, reggae and jazz, the ensemble's power, energy and multi-textured soundscape has been described as 'an entire festival in 90 minutes'.

Fairport Acoustic Convention
A warm welcome to the festival from the host band's semi-acoustic line-up.

Friday 8 August

The Australian Pink Floyd Show
Far more than just another tribute act, The Australian Pink Floyd Show has played to millions worldwide. Described The Times as 'gold standard' they were even asked by David Gilmour to play at his fiftieth birthday party.

Chas & Dave
The 'rockney' duo are making their first appearance at Cropredy and we are expecting a right old knees-up. Accomplished musicianship, witty lyrics and classic pub rock arrangements add up to great entertainment.

The Wonder Stuff
You've been asking us to book The Wonder Stuff for some time now - and we're only too happy to oblige. Pop-rock at its finest from this long-established Midlands five-piece. Fronted by Miles Hunt on guitar and Erica Nockalls on violin, the band's catchy and witty music has ensured a string of hits down the years.

The Travelling Band
This Manchester-based group won the hearts of the Cropredy crowd when they appeared in 2011. Since then, their blend of country-pop and nu-folk has made them one of the most popular bands on the festival scene.

Churchfitters
Back by popular request, this Brittany-based quartet's fast-paced show went down a storm at Cropredy in 2009. With their diverse musical backgrounds and fresh approach to folk, Churchfitters are musically engaging and original.

Benjamin Folke Thomas
A favourite on London's alt-folk circuit, Benjamin Folke Thomas & his band blend country-blues and acoustic rock influences into an authentic Americana sound built around his inspired guitar picking. In addition, Ben's recent brush with public property whilst filming on tour in Spain appears to have gone 'viral' on youtube. Have look!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slEVXc254Is
We've nailed the stage down Ben....

Edwina Hayes
Singer-songwriter Edwina Hayes makes a welcome return to Cropredy. Guest artist on Fairport's 2014 Winter Tour, Edwina has also worked with Jools Holland, Nanci Griffith and Roger McGuinn among many others.

Deborah Rose
Welsh singer/songwriter Deborah has supported Judy Collins (who described her voice as 'one of the finest I've heard') and has performed with Ralph McTell, Julie Felix, Dan Cassidy and Thea Gilmore among others.

BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award Winner
Every year, Cropredy is privileged to offer a 'big stage' opportunity to the winner of the year's BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award.

Saturday 9 August

Fairport Convention and guests
The festival will end with a stunning celebratory set by Fairport Convention and their musical guests. The host band will roam far and wide through a repertoire stretching back over forty years.

Al Stewart
Scottish singer-songwriter Al Stewart weaves whimsy, humor and history into beautifully crafted songs. Accompanying himself on guitar, his stage show is characterized by fine musicianship and an intimate rapport with his audience.

Marillion
Pioneers of the British 'neo-prog' genre with success in both the album and singles charts, Marillion remains one of the most innovative bands on the UK rock scene. Expect soulful ballads, powerful anthems and musical virtuosity in a blistering live show.

Cara Dillon
With a string of awards under her belt, Ulster-born Cara Dillon has one of folk and acoustic music's purest and most distinctive voices. She will be performing at Cropredy with her band.

Treetop Flyers
This London-based five-piece brings a taste of California to Cropredy with soulful alt-country harmonies and vintage grooves. The band's folk-rock influences range from Crosby Stills & Nash to Simon & Garfunkel overlaid with a careworn and yearning vibe.

Reg Meuross
A first Cropredy appearance for Somerset-based singer-songwriter Reg Meuross. A popular and well-established artist on the folk circuit, Reg's set combines mature songwriting, effortless finger-style guitar and a distinctive passionate voice.

Blackbeard's Tea Party
Funky folk tunes and storming songs in a raucous and danceable show from young York-based ceilidh band. Although grounded in English traditional music, the band's varied and exotic influences create a distinctive and dramatic musical landscape.

Richard Digance

The emphasised ones are acts that I know I'll like.