• 27
  • 03
  • 2019
  • 07.30
  • pm

Ward & Parker

Please note this is an 18+ event

Ward and Parker are John Parker previously of JCB song fame in Nizlopi and Cliff Ward, founding member of folk super group The Willows.  After being thrown together by Stu Hanna to form The Megson Band back in 2016 the duo now seem like an act destiny brought together.

Between them hold many years experience on the stage and are excited to be performing together. JP has worked with a huge number of acts over the years and performed extensively all over the world with acts such as Ed Sheeran, Kate Rusby, Newton Faulkner, Nick Cave, Polly Paulusma and Jake Morley to name but a few!

After many years compiling a long list of songs Cliff felt the time was right to start going out playing them and John was onboard from the outset.  The combination of JP’s beautiful soaring double bass and beatboxing style accompanying Ward’s songs and guitar playing is the perfect mix and is not to be missed.

“Your voice was sweet and joyful. Bass playing was remarkable. Overall sound great. Best act for me at the festival!” – Ian Murray, Ely Folk Festival 2018

Alternative, acoustic, jazz, folk pop with influences from John Martyn, John Butler, Newton Faulkner and more… Expect a diverse set from upbeat pop to soul searching songs of love and loss and all performed with fine musicality and a real sense of two musicians both performing in the moment.

Given that Cliff Ward and John Parker already have excellent reputations as founder members of two very successful bands (The Willows and Nizlopi respectively) I was expecting good things from the new partnership of these two fine musicians, but I must say I was completely blown away by their recent performance at my club, not only by their genre defying music – acoustic jazz-folk-pop doesn’t really do it justice – but by their sheer energy, verve and sense of fun. These guys are clearly having a ball playing together! Great songs, fab vocals, superb playing and musicianship, plus wonderful synergy, this is a partnership made in heaven. They really are fantastic and I can’t wait to see them again. If they come to your local club soon, be to sure to catch them – you won’t be disappointed! – Kontra Roots, Northants