A BAND of musicians who have worked on seminal pop and rock albums is set to play an anniversary gig in Bournemouth after a “whirlwind” first year.
Held By Trees will be playing at Absolute Music on Friday, April 28, celebrating a year since their debut album, Solace, was released to critical acclaim.
Bournemouth-based group founder David Joseph brought together musicians who worked on Talk Talk’s Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock albums as a project in lockdown, seeking to make instrumental, improvisational music that combines elements of prog-rock, post-rock and jazz.
“It’s ended up with a total of eight veterans of the Talk Talk and Mark Hollis albums getting involved, plus Tim Renwick came and played on it; David Knopfler from Dire Straits; Eric Bibb, who's a blues/roots legend; Mike Smith, who plays with all of Damon Albarn’s projects,” Joseph said.
“The album came out in April 2022 to widespread critical acclaim in things like Mojo Magazine, Classic Pop magazine and Empire Magazine; and abroad, in places like Germany.”
Also influenced by Pink Floyd, Solace reached number four on the Indie Breakers official chart, and number 23 on the Indie charts and physical sale charts.
They have been featured on both BBC 6 Music and Radio 3 and have begun working with record labels in America and the UK.
Joseph said it was a huge buzz to work with these musicians, who he knew from being an avid album sleeve reader as a teenager. He hopes Held By Trees provides a platform for them to express themselves.
“We’re trying to do things the old school way,” he said.
“We have to celebrate these amazing musicians while we still have them, and I guess that’s part of what Held By Trees is about, bringing together outstanding musicians on new music that celebrates them.”
The band is set to release new music this summer, recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios. Their upcoming gig in Bournemouth will feature music from Solace, as well as pieces improvised on the night and tracks from their upcoming EP.
“We’re celebrating with a party with our good friends at Absolute Music,” Joseph said.
“Because we’re a Dorset-based band, we are long-time customers at Absolute Music, and good friends with Al, who runs Absolute Music, so it makes sense to celebrate there.”
Tickets for the gig can be purchased on the band’s website heldbytrees.com.
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