Moonrakers

Moonrakers – a mix of the classical and folk traditions

Moonrakers are group of four musicians based in Oxford in England.

Some are from the classical and some from the folk tradition.

Instrumentally, the group is sufficiently diverse to create different sound textures for each piece. The fact that the band, “just OOZES quality,” (Living Tradition) is down to the careful arrangements and selection of tunes and songs, presenting “exquisite music” (BBC).

Traditional tunes and contemporary songs

Moonrakers

The choice of material is largely from the Irish, Scottish, Welsh and English traditions, reflecting a love of traditional tunes and contemporary songs ‘in the idiom’.

Jon Bennett composes both tunes and songs and arranges much of what the group does.

He explains: “We’re not trying to stretch boundaries or join the Nu-folk brigade; and you’re unlikely to find us in a session thrashing through tunes at breakneck speed. Rather, we weave a tapestry of sound around the tunes and songs both old and new, giving them an entirely fresh appraisal - and our audiences love it!”

Anna Lockett’s Celtic harp is very much a centre piece of the group, complemented with Liz van Santen’s fiddle, and Jon’s bouzouki, guitar, whistles and bodhran.

Moonrakers have released three albums

The warm vocals of Jo Daley, the youngest member of the band, combine with Jon’s rich baritone.

Moonrakers now have three albums under their belt and have received glowing reviews in the music press (“highly infectious”- Maverick; “fine organic collection of apt musicianship” - Earbuzz).

They’ve appeared at Oxford, Wantage, Witney, Lechlade, Alcester and Wolvercote festivals in the last year, plus the annual Folk for MS Concert.

Festivals would be our natural outlet

Although they have a strong following locally in Oxfordshire, like so many contemporary bands they find themselves in a crowded market.

“Festivals would be our natural outlet, but organisers play safe with big names, then fill the remaining rosters with local (free) bands, so it’s very difficult to get booked in venues beyond our home ground.” says Jon.

Song writing and guitar workshops

Moonrakers do, however, have other skills to offer. Apart from experience in running song writing and guitar workshops, Jon has a back catalogue of self-composed children’s songs, several of which have been published in BBC books and even performed by a mass choir in Wembley!

Last, but not least, Moonrakers have produced their own multi-media show “A History of the Celtic Harp” with slides, narration and live music which can be either a stand-alone presentation, or an unusual and interesting addition to any festival.

Find out how you can feature in Irish Music Forever’s Video Showcase.