the park bench social club
The Park Bench Social Club are part of a new generation of bands that mix musical genres with abandon (and incredible virtuosity). Celtic fiddle tunes, traditional folk bluegrass, gypsy jazz, bhangra and old time Americana are all standout influences. Their music is characterised by amazing energy and is played with a big smile on their faces.
The band met while attending the world-renowned Newcastle University Folk and Traditional Music degree course based at the Sage Gateshead. Coming from different parts of the world all three guys contribute a wide range of influences to the melting pot that is The Park Bench Social Club. The last 18 months has seen the band playing increasingly prestigious gigs across the UK wowing audiences wherever they play and gaining many new fans.
Fiddle player Ross Couper is becoming one of the U.K. folk scene's most sought after musicians who counts Young Shetland Traditional Fiddler of the Year among his personal accolades. He was also winner of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award (as part of the band Bodega). Ross hails from the Shetland Islands, bringing with him a huge range of influences, from the strong Shetland fiddle tradition to Jazz and country. Ross's astonishing energy and dynamic approach to performing sets him apart from his peers.
Will Lang, described as one of the best young Bodhran players on the scene, has gained wide spread recognition from being a past All-Britain Champion, All-Ireland Finalist and founder member of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award finalists Chillum. In addition to being in high demand on the folk circuit Will has aroused considerable interest from world musicians due to his unique Bhangra Bodhran style and has played with Mercury Music Award winning Nitin Sawhney. Will's unique approach helps create the genre-defying style of the band.
Aidan Curran, on guitar, mandolin and vocals, brings a background in bluegrass and blues to the mix. A founder member of Canadian band The Rock Island Ramblers, Aidan has played with “folk royalty” Eliza Carthy and been a member of a number of bands all with terrific live reputations and it this experience that makes him such a confident and exciting player, much in demand for his instrumental virtuosity and amazing voice.
Individually the band possess excellent reputations, but it is together where they become so much more than the sum of their parts. Their energetic and exhilarating performance style is a joy to watch and, as the audience can clearly tell, a joy to perform.