Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra are the ones to watch on the UK's growing Americana scene; as a six piece band (featuring guitars, mandolin, harmonica, accordion, double bass and drums) they play an eclectic mix of Western Swing, Gypsy Jazz, Hokum Blues, Ragtime, Cajun, and Country, all with similar themes of debauchery, disasters, drink and debt. Formed in Newcastle Upon Tyne in 2010, they have recently self-released their debut album, "Money Isn't Everything", a follow up to their sell-out EP "Teepy Eepy". They have toured throughout the UK with American riverboat rag-time band, Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three, as well as playing national festivals such as Summertyne Americana Festival, Beatherder, Solfest and Cheltenham Literature Festival. With a set that comprises of original songs and old blues gems, they are sure to make your feet tap and your booty shake.
Jools Holland Hootennany guest Pokey LaFarge, who the Tea Pad Orchestra supported last September says...
"Out of the growing UK scene of bands with early American music influences, I'd say Rob Heron & the Tea Pad Orchestra are most likely to be the gem. I mean to say that they have one of the more original sounds budding. There is good songwriting with dynamic and unique instrumentation for the style. It's only magnified by the their clever arrangements. Most importantly they feel the old music but they're more concerned with speaking in their own voice, like you should, instead of someone else."
-Pokey LaFarge
Their debut EP "Teepy Eepy" was self-released in 2011 and is available from their website.
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