News
RADIO SESSION
We have recorded a special radio-session for Folk Radio UK, and you can listen to it via the link below. it features three new versions of songs we've recorded previously, and a new track.
www.folkradio.co.uk/2012/04/session-big-eyes-family-players
NEW RELEASES
We're very happy to announce a new Big Eyes album release this year. It is a follow-up to the 'Folk Songs' album we made with Mr. Yorkston. As yet untitled, it will this time feature Alasdair Roberts, Nancy Elizabeth, Mary Hampton, Elle Osborne, James William Hindle, Adrian Crowley, Sharron Kraus, Heather Ditch and, of course, James Yorkston. Static Caravan Recordings will be releasing it. Exciting times! It is now scheduled to be released at the beginning of August 2012.
LIVE NEWS
Next show:
The Folk Forest, Endcliffe Park, Sheffield, Sat 21st July - Part of the Tramlines, city-wide event. Also playing is James Yorkston, Mary Hampton Band, Rachael Dadd and more. www.thefolkforest.net
LATEST RELEASE
The new album 'Family Favourites' is now available to pre-order from Karate Body Records. It is released on vinyl and digital formats on 22nd March 2011. The vinyl will also come with a free album download.
Karate Body Records
The album is a collection of instrumental reworked/rerecorded tracks from the Big Eyes back catalogue, plus three new pieces and a cover of 'Three Wheels' by The Dirty Three. It was recorded in an analogue and digital manner in Sheffield, UK and played by a 9-strong line-up of:
James Green (guitars, organs, zither, piano, cello, harp, harmoniflute, percussion)
David A Jaycock (guitars, harmoniflute, violin)
Katherine Jackson (violin)
Ellie Maxwell (violin)
Tom Kidston (bass guitar)
The Essence (bass guitar)
Paul Fletcher (drums, percussion)
Lindsay Aitkenhead (viola)
Heather Ditch (flute)
Sleeve notes for the record were written by Alex Neilson (of Trembling Bells/Directing Hand/Bonnie Prince Billy band).
Karate Body Records have previously released albums by Shipping News, Rachel Grimes and California Guitar Trio.
We also have a song appearing on a new CD/download compilation by French label Wool Recordings. 'Donkeys Disturbed By A Meteor Shower' (which is taken from the 'Donkeysongs' album) appears alongside tracks by Laetitia Sadler (Stereolab), Castanets, Le Volume Courbe, Peter Broderick and many more. The compilation is available from the Wool Recordings website, as well as Amazon, i-tunes and others.
FILM NEWS
Two BEFP songs ('Doreen' and 'Going Home') have been used in this excellent film about consumerism (full title 'Consumed - Inside the Belly Of The Beast') made by Slackjaw Films. It is available now on DVD and to download.
More info - http://www.slackjaw.co.uk/consumed
Facebook
We now have a dedicated big eyes facebook page. Come along and become a fan for more news, pics and info.
Folk Against Facism album
We're very proud to announce that one of the songs we recorded with James Yorkston for the 'Folk Songs' album ('Martinmas Time') will be featured on a forthcoming compilation for Folk Against Facism. Other artists on the compilation are Lau, The Unthanks, Roy Bailey, Christy Moore, Shirley & Dolly Collins and Kate Rusby. You can order it now.
T-SHIRTS!
A very limited James Yorkston & The Big Eyes Family Players T-Shirt is now available from the Domino Records web-shop (otherwise known as the 'Domino Mart') for £10.
Link to the Domino Mart
RECENT RELEASES
James Yorkston & The Big Eyes Family Players - Mary Connaught and James O'Donnell
A decidedly upbeat number from the 'Folk Songs' album is now out on 7-inch and download, backed with a brand new JY&TBEFP version of 'Barbara Allen', and also a remix of 'I Went To Visit The Roses' by the mysterious Silver Columns.
You can only order it from the Domino website here.
VIDEOS!
There are 2 videos for 'Mary Connaught and James O'Donnell'
Mary Connaught and James O'Donnell 1
Mary Connaught and James O'Donnell 2
James Yorkston & The Big Eyes Family Players - Folk Songs
TBEFP have collaborated with the Fife-based singer and songwriter on an album of old folk material, coming from England, Ireland, Scotland and Spain. It was recorded in Fife, Sheffield and Bethesda, North Wales in 2008/2009 and features the 2 James's (Green and Yorkston), Ellie Bond (violin) and Paul Fletcher (drums) from the recent Big Eyes line-up, plus Nancy Elizabeth (harp, piano, vocals), Pip Dylan (pedal steel), Luke Daniels (melodeon) and Dave Wrench (backing vocals).
It is out now on Domino Records, and available as a CD, LP, download and a special limited edition 3-disc set. The special limited edition includes the standard album, plus a live folk song session DVD (which includes non-album tracks), a CD of the session and an A3 poster. You can find out more from the Domino website here.
Also, a JY&TBEFP single 'Martinmas Time' b/w 'Nottanum Town' is also out on Domino. It is limited 7inch, all with hand-crafted sleeves by Yorkston's crew, our people and many others. More info here.
VIDEOS!
There are 2 videos for Martinmas Time and a Folk Songs film trailer
Martinmas Time 1
Martinmas Time 2
Folk Songs Trailer
____________________________________________________________________
RECENT LIVE SHOWS
VPRO DWARS Festival
The Big Eyes Family Players played at the VPRO Dwars Festival in Amsterdam on 23rd May 2009. They also recorded a radio session/interview and James recorded a solo session.
The band on this occasion was a 4-piece line-up featuring James Green (guitar/harmonium/vocals), David Jaycock (guitar/harmonium), Brian Ellis (bass/organ) and Paul Fletcher (drums)….
You can see the photos and hear the live show here.
And you can also hear James' solo set here.__________________________________________________________________________
RADIO SESSION
We have recorded a special radio-session for Folk Radio UK, and you can listen to it via the link below. it features three new versions of songs we've recorded previously, and a new track.
www.folkradio.co.uk/2012/04/session-big-eyes-family-players
NEW RELEASES
We're very happy to announce a new Big Eyes album release this year. It is a follow-up to the 'Folk Songs' album we made with Mr. Yorkston. As yet untitled, it will this time feature Alasdair Roberts, Nancy Elizabeth, Mary Hampton, Elle Osborne, James William Hindle, Adrian Crowley, Sharron Kraus, Heather Ditch and, of course, James Yorkston. Static Caravan Recordings will be releasing it. Exciting times! It is now scheduled to be released at the beginning of August 2012.
LIVE NEWS
Next show:
The Folk Forest, Endcliffe Park, Sheffield, Sat 21st July - Part of the Tramlines, city-wide event. Also playing is James Yorkston, Mary Hampton Band, Rachael Dadd and more. www.thefolkforest.net
LATEST RELEASE
The new album 'Family Favourites' is now available to pre-order from Karate Body Records. It is released on vinyl and digital formats on 22nd March 2011. The vinyl will also come with a free album download.
Karate Body Records
The album is a collection of instrumental reworked/rerecorded tracks from the Big Eyes back catalogue, plus three new pieces and a cover of 'Three Wheels' by The Dirty Three. It was recorded in an analogue and digital manner in Sheffield, UK and played by a 9-strong line-up of:
James Green (guitars, organs, zither, piano, cello, harp, harmoniflute, percussion)
David A Jaycock (guitars, harmoniflute, violin)
Katherine Jackson (violin)
Ellie Maxwell (violin)
Tom Kidston (bass guitar)
The Essence (bass guitar)
Paul Fletcher (drums, percussion)
Lindsay Aitkenhead (viola)
Heather Ditch (flute)
Sleeve notes for the record were written by Alex Neilson (of Trembling Bells/Directing Hand/Bonnie Prince Billy band).
Karate Body Records have previously released albums by Shipping News, Rachel Grimes and California Guitar Trio.
We also have a song appearing on a new CD/download compilation by French label Wool Recordings. 'Donkeys Disturbed By A Meteor Shower' (which is taken from the 'Donkeysongs' album) appears alongside tracks by Laetitia Sadler (Stereolab), Castanets, Le Volume Courbe, Peter Broderick and many more. The compilation is available from the Wool Recordings website, as well as Amazon, i-tunes and others.
FILM NEWS
Two BEFP songs ('Doreen' and 'Going Home') have been used in this excellent film about consumerism (full title 'Consumed - Inside the Belly Of The Beast') made by Slackjaw Films. It is available now on DVD and to download.
More info - http://www.slackjaw.co.uk/consumed
We now have a dedicated big eyes facebook page. Come along and become a fan for more news, pics and info.
Folk Against Facism album
We're very proud to announce that one of the songs we recorded with James Yorkston for the 'Folk Songs' album ('Martinmas Time') will be featured on a forthcoming compilation for Folk Against Facism. Other artists on the compilation are Lau, The Unthanks, Roy Bailey, Christy Moore, Shirley & Dolly Collins and Kate Rusby. You can order it now.
T-SHIRTS!
A very limited James Yorkston & The Big Eyes Family Players T-Shirt is now available from the Domino Records web-shop (otherwise known as the 'Domino Mart') for £10.
Link to the Domino Mart
RECENT RELEASES
James Yorkston & The Big Eyes Family Players - Mary Connaught and James O'Donnell
A decidedly upbeat number from the 'Folk Songs' album is now out on 7-inch and download, backed with a brand new JY&TBEFP version of 'Barbara Allen', and also a remix of 'I Went To Visit The Roses' by the mysterious Silver Columns.
You can only order it from the Domino website here.
VIDEOS!
There are 2 videos for 'Mary Connaught and James O'Donnell'
Mary Connaught and James O'Donnell 1
Mary Connaught and James O'Donnell 2
James Yorkston & The Big Eyes Family Players - Folk Songs
TBEFP have collaborated with the Fife-based singer and songwriter on an album of old folk material, coming from England, Ireland, Scotland and Spain. It was recorded in Fife, Sheffield and Bethesda, North Wales in 2008/2009 and features the 2 James's (Green and Yorkston), Ellie Bond (violin) and Paul Fletcher (drums) from the recent Big Eyes line-up, plus Nancy Elizabeth (harp, piano, vocals), Pip Dylan (pedal steel), Luke Daniels (melodeon) and Dave Wrench (backing vocals).
It is out now on Domino Records, and available as a CD, LP, download and a special limited edition 3-disc set. The special limited edition includes the standard album, plus a live folk song session DVD (which includes non-album tracks), a CD of the session and an A3 poster. You can find out more from the Domino website here.
Also, a JY&TBEFP single 'Martinmas Time' b/w 'Nottanum Town' is also out on Domino. It is limited 7inch, all with hand-crafted sleeves by Yorkston's crew, our people and many others. More info here.
VIDEOS!
There are 2 videos for Martinmas Time and a Folk Songs film trailer
Martinmas Time 1
Martinmas Time 2
Folk Songs Trailer
____________________________________________________________________
RECENT LIVE SHOWS
VPRO DWARS Festival
The Big Eyes Family Players played at the VPRO Dwars Festival in Amsterdam on 23rd May 2009. They also recorded a radio session/interview and James recorded a solo session.
The band on this occasion was a 4-piece line-up featuring James Green (guitar/harmonium/vocals), David Jaycock (guitar/harmonium), Brian Ellis (bass/organ) and Paul Fletcher (drums)….
You can see the photos and hear the live show here.
And you can also hear James' solo set here.__________________________________________________________________________
Other Related Releases
TBEFP have a song included on the Singing Knives CD compilation 'Singing At The Moon', along with The One Ensemble of Daniel Padden, Nalle, Mick Flower, Directing Hand, James Green (solo), McWatt and many others.
The song is called 'Alenky' and was recorded at the time of the 'Do the Musiking' sessions.
see the Singing Knives website for further information.
A collaboration album between James of Big Eyes and folkster James William Hindle is also now out, on French label Hinah.
It is an album of instrumental improvisations recorded in May 2005, featuring guitars, harmonium, singing bowl and harp, and also features the talents of one Jamie Crewe (of Feral Children). The release is very limited, so you may have to be quick!
See www.hinah.com for more info
Hinah have previously put out recordings by Greg Weeks (Espers), Devendra Banhart and The Transmissionary Six (Walkabouts/Willard Grant Conspiracy). A great DIY label!
TBEFP have a song included on the Singing Knives CD compilation 'Singing At The Moon', along with The One Ensemble of Daniel Padden, Nalle, Mick Flower, Directing Hand, James Green (solo), McWatt and many others.
The song is called 'Alenky' and was recorded at the time of the 'Do the Musiking' sessions.
see the Singing Knives website for further information.
A collaboration album between James of Big Eyes and folkster James William Hindle is also now out, on French label Hinah.
It is an album of instrumental improvisations recorded in May 2005, featuring guitars, harmonium, singing bowl and harp, and also features the talents of one Jamie Crewe (of Feral Children). The release is very limited, so you may have to be quick!
See www.hinah.com for more info
Hinah have previously put out recordings by Greg Weeks (Espers), Devendra Banhart and The Transmissionary Six (Walkabouts/Willard Grant Conspiracy). A great DIY label!
LATEST RELEASE
The Big Eyes Family Players - 'Family Favourites' LP/Download KBR015 Karate Body Records
'Family Favourites' is a collection of instrumental reworked/rerecorded tracks from the Big Eyes back catalogue, plus three new pieces and a cover. It was recorded in an analogue and digital manner in Sheffield, UK
"First there was Big Eyes, which was mostly James Green. Then some people more people joined. And then, when it became clear that there would never be a stable band line-up, the Big Eyes Family Players were born. This compilation set pulls together songs from this British band's albums and gives them a proper American airing.
What would be really nice is a full airing of all the Big Eyes (etc.) albums. At the moment, they are available electronically through various British labels. But a proper U.S. outlet would be nice. I'm just sayin'.
Few bands provide such a clear deconstruction of the folk form. Dirty Three, in its better moments, could do that. And there are songs here that do remind me of such travails. More often, though, Big Eyes rearranges folk traditions into its own particular groove. Pretty, yet unsettling.
I like both, especially when they come at the same time. Whatever the name and whatever the origin, Big Eyes has put together some stunning music during the last ten years. This album barely begins to do justice, but I'll take it. Absolutely amazing."
Aiding And Abetting Magazine March 2011