The Memory Band returns in 2010 with a new album of material. The first since leader Stephen Cracknell took a sabbatical to tour and record with The Accidental. The album was mostly recorded whilst The Memory Band was entertaining audiences up and down the country with their highly successful live set of Paul Giovanni's score to The Wicker Man. Many of the people who have been part of those shows make their recording debuts with The Memory Band on the new album alongside more long standing associates. As usual the Memory Band features a host of talents varied and inspiring, such as new singer Jess Roberts, Liam Bailey and Hannah Caughlin from The Accidental, the legendary Dot Allison and Mancunian folk singer Jenny McCormick. Gifted guitarist and songwriter Sam Carter lends a helping hand as does singer and multi-instrumentalist Nancy Wallace, who after years of sterling service in The Memory Band has stepped out into the solo spotlight in the last year to much acclaim. Young guitar turks Jon Smith and Pete Greenwood pitch in as does our new star of musical arrangment Sarah Scutt. the album features a brand new rhythm section of drummer Tom Page from electronic Rocketnumbernine, who are touring with Four Tet this year and bassist Jon Thorne best known for his work with Lamb. Old friends Adem and Sam Genders and harpist Serafina Steer make appearances and our new violinist Quinta joins Jennymay Logan and Rob Spriggs in our much vaunted string section. No doubt we've missed a few folk off the list but you get the gist.We will be previewing the album at a special show on March 1st at the Electroacoustic Club in our favouite London basement at the Slaughtered Lamb in Clerkenwell, with a band comprising a good number of the above folk, mostly depending on how many we can fit on a small stage.Expect the usual balearic mix of folk, dance and psychedelia with the odd singalong to songs old and new.