Press Info and Tech Specs

Bio

'Folk Fusion' is probably the closest you will get in trying to define the sound of Berkshire 5 piece All Things Considered.

Led by vocalist Emma Johnson - whose haunting tones have been likened to Natalie Merchant, the band comprise driving fiddle player Gethin Webster, intricate acoustic guitarist Adrian Holden and the groove based, almost tribal rhythm section of acoustic bass player Ian Greening and percussionist Phil Daniels. Their bold sound and wide musical influences make them both a distinctive, yet very accessible act - with their music reaching a diverse audience.

Having formed from the ashes of a number of acts in late 2007, the last few years have seen the band record and self promote their debut album, tour all over the country and have their music played on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music, multiple regional folk and acoustic shows and radio shows and podcasts in the USA.

Steve Lamacq hailed them a 'talented young folk band', top folk music website Folking.com said they perform 'effortlessly beautiful songs with real feeling' and Acoustic Magazine wrote of their debut album Scarecrow 'It richly rewards those who make the effort to appreciate it'.

Now on the verge of releasing their second full studio album, the band are going in to 2012 as one to watch on the acoustic scene in the UK.

Photos

Reviews/Quotes

"Talented young folk act"

Steve Lamacq, BBC Radio 2

"...it won't be long before this band are making people on the folk scene talk." (Full Online Review)

Steve Gibbons - www.folkandroots.co.uk

"This show needs more acoustic acts that sound as good as these guys"

Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music

All Things Considered are a Berkshire-based roots quintet, and Scarecrow is their debut album. Their stripped-down approach enables them to recreate the earthy spontaneity of their stage show on record, so the instrumentation remain free from unnecessary studio embellishments and the gritty realities of live performance. The songs are pleasant enough and the lyrics convey a laudable message of hope and optimism, but the music lacks variation in pitch and pace, resulting in a consistency that won't attract the causal listener. There's a rocky undercurrent which betrays the band members' musical backgrounds, but it's essentially a subtle album that rewards those who make the effort to appreciate it.

Graham Hazelwood - Acoustic Magazine

A five piece acoustic outfit from Berkshire fronted by Emma Johnson and with instrumentation that includes violin and African drums, their 'folk fusion' meld of trad, blues, and world music has seen them regularly performing across the South East and London. They're now looking to spread the horizons with the release of their debut album. It's a crowded field out there, but, ahem, all things considered, they have several factors in their favour. For a start, Johnson's pure but earthy vocals combine traditional leanings with a contemporary sensibility, so that you're as likely to hear Jacqui McShee and Sally Oldfield notes as Denny, Eliza Carthy or Rusby. The playing too is strong, exemplified by violinist Gethin Webster's short intro instrumental Kuebiko (a Japanese scarecrow deity) and the textures he brings to Manipulative Perspectives, Adrian Holden's intricate guitar work and Phil Daniel's smouldering ethnic hand drum percussion showcase on The Neverending. The material stands tall too, with the bruised heart emotions of Self Pity, the heady musical interplay on Clear Your Conscience and the wounded Numb all highlights. If there's a reservation it's that sometimes the percussion overwhelms the more delicate aspects, but there's no reason to think this isn't about to see their gig diary and order books about to become increasingly full. (View Online)

Mike Davies - NetRhythms

Contact

For bookings and any other information please email info@allthingsconsidered.org.uk or call Phil on 07773 256151

Tech Spec

Emma - Vocals

1 x Vocal Mic

Gethin - Violin and Backing Vocals

1 x DI Input, 1 x Vocal Mic

Adrian - Acoustic Guitar

1 x DI Input

Ben - Acoustic Bass

1 x DI Input

Phil - Percussion

Flexible depending on venue. From 1 x Instrument Mic (Djembe) to 3 x Instrument Mic (Djembe, Cajon, Cymbals, Shaker)

Stage Layout

Flexible, but generally Vocals, Violin and Acoustic Guitar standing at front of stage and Percussion and Acoustic Bass seated behind