Wirral band Elbow Jane to perform on Radio 2 on Christmas Day

Dec 21 2011 by Liam Murphy, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL’S own Elbow Jane will kick off Christmas Day with an appearance on Radio 2.

The acoustic roots band will play on the festive edition of Good Morning Sunday with Aled Jones, the second time they have been asked on the national radio show.

Elbow Jane combine bouzouki, mandolin, guitar, keyboards and percussion with vocals and harmonies, led by frontman, singer, guitarist and songwriter Richard Woods.

But they will be focusing on more festive songs on Christmas morning and will perform two new seasonal tracks.

Elbow Jane’s agent Mike Woods said: “Those of you with kids or in charge of cooking will doubtless be up!

“ This blend has won them national acclaim from other artists, festival organisers and radio stations across the country.

“We'll be playing twice live between seven and nine.”

The rest of the line-up includes Kev Byrne on guitars, keyboards and vocals. He has performed with numerous groups and even played alongside and supported artists such as Jools Holland, Mike Silver and Allan Taylor.

Chris Chesters, Colin Burgess (percussion) and Acoustic magazine’s ‘Songwriter of the Year’ Joe Topping on vocals, guitars, mandolin, harmonica make up the quintet.

In September Elbow Jane launched their latest album, The Boldest Blood, with a gig at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton.

Their fourth album and their second release through Fellside Recordings, it is made up entirely of original material written by band members Kev Byrne, Joe Topping and Richard Woods,.

Bass player Chris Chesters said it had been hard “hard work” but added: “We all have a say in the song arrangements and we’re all great friends, which helps when you’ve got to tell someone else that what they’re doing is rubbish!”