String Theories consists of:
Glenn Skarratt (guitar and mandolin)
James Church (dobro)
Simon Watts (violin & viola)
Together they explore the boundaries of ‘New Acoustic’ music. Their unique sound is rich and evocative with instrumentals and vocal songs inspired by great acoustic players such as Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Chris Thile and Edgar Myer, the trio play music drawing on broad influences with music reminiscent of classical, jazz rock, bluegrass, Irish and more, but falling into none of these categories. Both highly structured and highly improvised, they challenge themselves with each piece to create a wide scope of musical moods.
Glenn and Simon have been performing together for over a decade as the duo, ‘Skarratt & Watts’ and have crafted a tight and dynamic live act between them. Since meeting the young, super-talented James Church, String Theories have received rave reviews at festival and concert performances and supported the Flying Emus on their 2014 Sydney tour.
Visit their Facebook site.
Oliver Downes Trio consists of:
Oliver Downes (piano, vocals)
Joshua Kreisler (electric guitar)
Jack Towers (drums)
Oliver will be joined at Humph Hall by Joshua Kreusler and Jack Towers, lending his instantly familiar chamber pop tunes a unique jazz inflection to chart a a high-definition musical passage through the darkness into the light.
String Theories
"The thing about String Theories is that they make it look so easy. It isn't! These guys are masters at their craft . . . yet the music is so accessible and entertaining. Just loved having this band open for us on our NSW Reunion Tour dates in 2014." (Genni Kane, lead singer - Flying Emus - multi Golden Guitar and ARIA Award winning band)
“This talented trio make light of the complexities of what has come to be known as New Acoustic Music, creating a remarkably accessible sonic universe that draws the audience in & challenges them in equal parts. “
“Lately it seems one can’t avoid the emergence of new acoustic music/bluegrass/old timey/folk noir etc., deployed by a variety of musicians, young and old of varying backgrounds, but the truth is that nothing beats a group of journeyman musicians who cut their teeth on music that some are just discovering, players who clearly, to hear them play, understand this multi-faceted genre from the inside out."
Oliver Downes
"[Downes’] compositions and arrangements create nebulous, ethereal soundscapes, deftly woven by the tensile orchestration… Give your mind permission to wander" - The Music
“An impressive and eccentric work of baroque pop, [‘Ultraviolet’] packs soaring melodies and sharp wit in equal measure, underpinned by intricate and eclectic chamber instrumentation.” - Tone Deaf
“[‘Ultraviolet’ offers] twinkling piano melodies, subtle percussion work and on-point lyrics [brought] together in a well thought-out, deliberate piece of downtempo pop.” – Hhhhappy
