Pillowfish are a
progressive folk
Progressive folk was originally a type of American folk music that pursued a progressive political agenda. More recently, the term has also been applied to a style of contemporary folk that draws from post-Bob Dylan folk music and adds new lay ...
duo comprising Tom Drinkwater (vocals,
Irish bouzouki
The Irish bouzouki () is an adaptation of the Greek bouzouki (Greek: μπουζούκι). The newer Greek ''tetrachordo'' bouzouki (4 courses of strings) was introduced into Irish traditional music in the mid-1960s by Johnny Moynihan of t ...
,
guitar
The guitar is a fretted musical instrument that typically has six strings. It is usually held flat against the player's body and played by strumming or plucking the strings with the dominant hand, while simultaneously pressing selected string ...
) and Helen Bell (
viola
; german: Bratsche
, alt=Viola shown from the front and the side
, image=Bratsche.jpg
, caption=
, background=string
, hornbostel_sachs=321.322-71
, hornbostel_sachs_desc=Composite chordophone sounded by a bow
, range=
, related=
*Violin family ...
and
fiddle).
Formed in mid-2005 in York, England, they released their first album, ''Common Knowledge'' in 2006.
They are stylistically eclectic and draw on a variety of influences in their original material, which is mainly a mix of political song, whimsical absurdity and folk-influenced instrumentals.
Drinkwater's acerbic vocal style seems to polarise reviewers, and has been likened to
Tymon Dogg
Tymon Dogg (born Stephen John Murray) is an English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Dogg's career started early with shows at the Cavern and Peppermint Lounge in Liverpool when he was 15. As well as pursuing a solo career, he colla ...
,
[Rock'n'Reel magazine issue 5, Jul/Aug 2007] Robin Williamson
Robin Duncan Harry Williamson (born 24 November 1943) is a Scottish multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and storyteller who was a founding member of The Incredible String Band.
Career
Williamson lived in the Fairmilehead area of Edinbur ...
,
and
Ian Anderson
Ian Scott Anderson (born 10 August 1947) is a British musician, singer and songwriter best known for his work as the lead vocalist, flautist, acoustic guitarist and leader of the British rock band Jethro Tull. He is a multi-instrumentalist ...
.
Discography
*''Common Knowledge'' (2006) (Pillowfish PFCD0601)
# "Seven Stolen Stars"
# "The Revolution will be in Colour"
# "The First Bonfire / Pillowfish"
# "Addiction"
# "The Ice Sculptor"
# "The World to Mend"
# "Cruel Sea"
# "Move your Money"
# "Hunting the Off-Licence / Trip to Heligoland"
# "She's So Dark"
# "Fingerprints and Smudges"
''Common Knowledge'' has been reviewed by David Kidman in Netrhythms, Tim Moon in Tykes News, Tim Carroll of Folkwords,
[ Mike Wilson on Folking.com, ''Fiddle On'' magazine,][''Fiddle On'' magazine, July 2007, Issue 23] and '' Rock'n'Reel'' magazine.
References
{{Reflist
External links
Pillowfish website
Folking.com - review of 'Common Knowledge'
British folk music groups
Musical groups established in 2005
2005 establishments in England
British musical duos
Folk music duos