Whapweasel
19th Jun 2010@ 18:45 Big Top
WHAPWEASEL have become such a fixture on the festival and dance circuits in recent years that it’s hard to believe they haven’t always been around. The Whaps were propelled into the limelight in 2003 when their third CD, 'Relentless', shifted wagonloads on the back of heavy national radio coverage, unanimously enthusiastic reviews nationwide and indeed worldwide, featuring on the prestigious fRoots Top Ten Playlist and Mojo's list of Best Folk CDs of 2003. The band were nominated for the Horizon Award (Best New Act) in the annual BBC Radio 2 Folk Award and in 2005 returned to the folk awards as winners for 'Best Dance Band'.
Since then the band has evolved into the 10-piece behemoth of 2010, sucking in all manner of styles and influences on the way, and emerging with a twin-box front line in the majestic form of Simon Care (Edward II, Albion Band, Tickled Pink) and Saul Rose (Faustus, Waterson:Carthy, Random). John Hirst (UK Mapex Drummer of Tomorrow winner) has replaced Bob Wilson, and trombonist Joe Fowler's jazzy slurs and jabs will be bringing exciting new colours to the legendary toot section.
The Whaps are now developing a parallel reputation as a concert attraction – a natural progression for one of the most visually compelling bands around. But over and above their distinctive stage-wear and cunningly choreographed soft-shoe shuffles, it’s the band’s repertoire of self-composed tunes and some carefully selected songs, that gives them their unique musical thumbprint, with five albums of strikingly original material released over the last decade.
A typical Whaps show blends a dizzying diversity of elements into a multi-cultural, multi-vitamin mélange that would coax a sloth in a coma onto the dancefloor. Hang on to your hats: the Mighty Wind of Whap is heading your way...featuring the mighty Gordon Potts as your caller.
