Banter - Heroes

by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 8 / 3 / 2024

Label: Mrs Caseys' Records
Format: CD

Excellent fourth album from acoustic folk band Banter, who pay tribute on it to their own musical heroes

Review

The highly acclaimed four piece acoustic folk band Banter have recently gone from strength to strength and are hugely popular for their great live performances at festivals and their ability to take both traditional and original songs to a new level. They are soon to release their fourth studio album, 'Heroes' - a record where the four members of the band pay tribute - both collectively and personally - to their own musical heroes. The new album showcases Banter's innovative and highly skilled musicianship as they re-work traditional and contemporary material plus also compose some fine original songs – like the thought-provoking 'Picking a Ship'. The band's version of 'Lay Me Down' by John Tams has been described by folk legend Martin Simpson as “Better than the original” whilst their performances of Pete Coe's 'Rolling Down The Ryburn' and David Francey's 'Torn Screen Door' have impressed many. Ralph McTell recently shared a stage with Banter and described them as “Absolutely fantastic”, enthusing about their “Beautiful harmonies”. And Ashley Hutchings said “Banter have opened a new chapter with their exciting take on basically English dance music”. Banter's creative powerhouse and singer plus keyboardist is Nina Zella whose voice was compared by BBC Radio 2's Mark Radcliffe to that of Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie. Others in the band are Mark Jolley, bass guitar, fiddle, guitar and vocals; Tim Walker, drums and percussion, brass, vocals and dance-calling plus Simon Care, melodeoan stalwart who performs “Jake's Jig”, the final track of the album which he dedicates to his life-long friend and musical collaborator Gareth Turner who died late last year. Banter will be touring the UK between March and April and will officially launch 'Heroes' at Harmony Voyages' Costa Festival in Ibiza in late April. However, the new album can be ordered now at www.banter.band/shop/ where details of Banter's touring dates can also be found.

Track Listing:-

1 The Oak And The Ash
2 Picking A Ship
3 Rolling Down The Ryburn
4 Seneca Square / Soldiers Joy
5 The Last Rose Of Summer
6 The Lass Of Richmond Hill
7 Below Below
8 Eve Of New Year Merry
9 Torn Screen Door
10 Morgan Rattler
11 Lay Me Low
12 Jake's Jig