About us
We’re a shape shifting band of folk musicians and misfits. We play in two formats:
The Folk Format
Here several of us turn up with an oddball collection of instruments and cheerfully wreak havoc. Never underestimate the mayhem that can be caused by a few determined individuals armed with a beaten up guitar, bass uke, cajón, djembe, assorted bird calls, duck quacks, Acme Whistles and the ‘Incredible Thunder Machine’!
The Festival Format
When asked to make a serious racket, the same individuals turn up with electric guitars, full drum kit, keyboard player and electric bassist. In this format the scope for chaos is enormous. We love doing this, though we’re mightily relieved to reach the end of a set without getting accidentally (or intentionally) electrocuted.
Meet the band
Captain Crackers
Vocals and Guitar
The Cap’n emerged one morning fully formed from the mists of the New Forest clutching a battered guitar. Nobody knows where he came from or where he’s going to. All that is known about him can be gleaned from the lyrics of a collection of songs written to test the fabric of the universe and undermine reality as we know it.
Ivan Chandler
Keyboards
We’re hugely privileged to have Ivan on board. He’s a virtuoso keyboard player and always astonishes us with his energy, creativity and improvised solos, that is once he’s found the on/off switch! Ivan is one of the kindest people we’ve encountered and we wouldn’t exist without his patient encouragement and mentorship. Check out his fabulous band The Go Go Five for a masterclass in Motown, ‘60s Soul, Jazz, Rock & Blues.
Caroline Ellis
Woodwind & Percussion
Caroline is a bit of an instrumentalist who plays recorders, clarinets and saxophones. She also deploys a menagerie of bells, whistles and unusual instruments including a unique ‘acoustic thunder machine’ which is unleashed with gusto at key moments in our set. With her vocal harmonies she’s a much valued member of our eccentric musical troupe.
Richard Law
Bass guitar & ukulele
Rich is a talented multi instrumentalist who loves playing bass guitar and uke. He has a massive collection of vinyl albums which informs and inspires his playing. Rich is our band’s taste maker who fearlessly takes us into forbidden musical territory. You have been warned!
Keith Fletcher
Drums & Percussion
Keith loves jazz and we love Keith. When he’s not playing with us you will find him playing with The New Forest Big Band, the Harry Young Quartet and Jazz Avenue. Keith worked for many years on cruise ships where he backed many top named artists in the fields of pop, rock and jazz. Keith has the distinction of performing one of the best drum solos on YouTube. On reflection, it may be the only drum solo on YouTube…