The Willows

The Willows are a Cambridge based band with a sound that has been described as both beautiful and contemporary, intricately weaving traditional and modern roots music within well-crafted songs.

The band have spent the winter plying their trade in folk and acoustic clubs across Anglia and the South East supporting the likes of LAU, Uiscedwr and Boo Hewerdine and are consistently building an ever-expanding fan base. The Willows have also been booked to perform at the prestigious Cambridge Folk Festival 2011.

Their debut EP was released in late 2010 and has since been played extensively on Folk Radio UK and BBC Introducing live sessions in February 2011. The sell out crowd at their EP launch party was indeed a sign of the band’s growing popularity and work has already begun on their first album scheduled for release in late 2011.

“Beautiful… what a band!” - Kerry Devine, BBC Introducing

"The Willows quitely exuded talent and musicial charm with warmth and assurance. Judging by this performance, they are ready for big success" - Rychard Carrington, MovingTone.com

"The act which stole the stage was undoubtebly The Willows....They played a small selection of both traditional and modern folk songs with astounding musical agility... leaving me in no doubt that they are a group to watch out for." - Imogen Goodman, Varsity Magazine 29th March 2011

Ely Folk Fest 2011 Review - ...it was a quite brilliant set from The Willows that really brought the evening alive. It is easy to focus on the delightful vocals of the charming Jade Rhiannon, but equally important are some sharp arrangements of fiddle, kajon and acoustic guitars. The set was astutely paced, with the tempo upped at just the right moment, and a terrific climax with The Workers' War. The Willows are due for big success. - Moving Tone

Formed just last summer and hailing from picturesque Cambridgeshire, The Willows’ debut self-titled EP instantly evokes a rush of feeling and memories. Haunting vocals, and elements of traditional, folk and roots music come together with a distinctly catchy, pop-infused and unmistakeably beautiful sound. Their mature melodies are reminiscent of Laura Marling’s earlier tracks, but The Willows’ sound is altogether richer, with a somewhat darker quality. - The 405, Music & Culture Magazine

The Willows are:

Jade Rhiannon - Vox/Guitar/Shruti Box

Ben Savage - Guitar/Vox

Prue Ward - Violin/Vox

Steve Maclachlan - Percussion

Cliff Ward - Guitar/Vox/Banjo