THE BAND
Rachel Petyt (fiddle & vocals)
Dan Abrahams (double bass, guitar, vocals)
Sam Gillespie (vocals, guitar flute)
Michael Starkey (banjo, guitar, vocals)
Wayward Jane’s music is a modern interpretation of American folk and Old Time traditions, blending roots music with fresh arrangements and original songs. Their rich sound features fiddle, clawhammer banjo, double bass, guitar, wooden flute and close vocal harmonies. Wayward’s live shows have a joyful energy, expressing the fine musicianship and playful chemistry of the four musicians and friends. Ranging in mood from bouncing, energetic tunes to tender and soulful songs, Wayward Jane tend to leave audiences with a glow in their hearts.
Wayward Jane have appeared together at folk clubs and festivals across the land, touring extensively in the UK and Ireland. They were recently featured live in session on BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk where Bruce MacGregor remarked “they’re just that bit different from anything else happening in Scotland!”
The band are busy members of the Edinburgh traditional music scene, playing in bands such as Brothers Gillespie, Dowally and Michael Starkey & Hannah Read, as well as collaborating with artists such as Rachel Baiman, Phil Alexander (Moishe’s Bagel) and Hog-Eyed Man.
They have released three albums - “Wayward Jane”, “Old Train”, and “The Flood”. The latter led to rave reviews, plays in Radio 6Music and a live performance on BBC Radio 4’s “Loose Ends”.
PRESS
“Their music glows with authenticity in sound and spirit as it traverses different genres while never losing sight of their own roots”
“This is music to relish”
“It’s a lovely album with pleasant surprises wherever you turn”
“From the first notes, you know the playing is going to be of a high standard”
“Wayward Jane demonstrate folk’s willingness to comment on current issues, in this case the multitude of issues prompting global crises. Timeless in its sound, yet palpably current in its narrative, this is a potently contemporary and soulful listen”
“Reminiscent of the Transatlantic Sessions, Wayward Jane have a grasp on American folk traditions and make the music their own”
“Wonderfully warm and intimate”
“A strikingly diverse opus where these traditions blend seamlessly into a personal tapestry of sound”