422
- Genre
- World | Celtic | English
- Country
- England
biography
TO HEAR 422 Click on MUSIC at top of picture.
422 are one of the most talented young bands on the Traditional music scene. Sam Pirt (piano accordion), Emily Ball (fiddle and viola), Sophy Ball (fiddle), Ian Stephenson (guitar) and Joey Oliver (whistles and oboe) had all known each other and each other's music for many years, so that when they formed 422 at a Folkworks Youth Summer School in 1999, it instantly gelled into a tight, innovative unit, winning the BBC Young Folk Awards in December of that year.
Since then, 422 has toured extensively throughout the UK and played at major festivals including Cambridge, Sidmouth, Towersey, and Beverley as well as overseas in Germany, Sweden, and twice at the prestigious Tonder Festival in Denmark.
The band's repertoire reflects the diverse musical influences of the band members; they play tunes from across the British Isles, Scandinavia and Northern America, many from their native Northumberland, and some from further afield. In performance they have a driving energy that is reflected in their music as well as their more subtle and complex arrangements, which show a more reflective side to their playing.
422 gives concert performances in a wide range of venues from large festival and theatre stages, to smaller, more intimate venues such as community halls and clubs where the more intricate arrangements can be appreciated to the full. The band loves playing for dances, which is second nature to all its members, and all are excellent workshop leaders in many styles of music with a variety of instruments, and a range of formats from being a solo artist to playing in a band.
422 has recorded 2 CD's on the Fellside label - 'One' in 2000 and 'New Numbers' in 2003, and has also provided the music for Howard Goodall's Channel 4 series 'Great Dates'.
"The playing is really good - it's tight, elaborate, imaginative and professional, without being forced or self-conscious; that is to say, despite the musicians' relative youth, the music itself is mature. Quality instrumental music, which presents traditional music in a contemporary way - lively, energetic, slick and enjoyable." - Stirrings
"Individually, they're all mighty players. Collectively, they're a force to be reckoned with." - The Living Tradition
One still listens slack jawed to the sheer quality of playing, but now the quintet grab your heart as well as your head. Be prepared to be stopped in your tracks: this is music you cannot ignore." - Tykes News
"The group are slick, imaginative arrangers and very proficient instrumentalists." - Froots
forthcoming dates
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