The Pheasantry (Chelsea)

Open Water are an acoustic quartet steeped in the British Folk tradition with influences of Celtic and American Bluegrass. Based in the South East of England, Open Water bring a fresh approach to acoustic music. Joanne Doolan’s unique vocals emanate from her Welsh musical roots. Guitars and other stringed instruments are played by Jeff Alexander and Richard Rozze. Jeff’s influences come from traditions as varied as the Renaissance lute and flamenco guitar. Richard’s influences stem from rock, blues and jazz traditions. With refined vocal harmonies, Open Water create original music, taking folk music in new directions.

”….heart – breakingly poignant [and] liltingly nostalgic…’’

Kent JazzFolk

The band are promoting their second album ‘Above the Waterline:’

‘’We have been inspired to write hopeful, uplifting, often ‘spiritual’ music that would unite all. The music has the ability to heal and uplift and we are excited to bring these sounds to the Pheasantry for the first time.

We have been greatly inspired by Kent’s beautiful coast line, historic buildings and Folklore. There is a song on the album, ‘Lone Tree Hill’ inspired by a gruesome tale of a soldier posted at Dover Castle. Another song ‘The Tinker’ was inspired by Richard’s Grandad who made dolls house furniture. Other songs ‘Summer Cries,’ ‘ I Trust The Road,’ and ‘Rainbows End’ embrace the human journey, letting go of the ego and following a simpler path, ‘Winter Bride’ is a heartbreaking story of a lady, who pregnant, was left at the altar. ‘Mabinogion’ is Jo’s ode to her birth place, Wales’’.

The concert is a must for acoustic guitar players as Jeff Alexander has a unique and melodic approach to altered guitar tunings. Richard, who trained at London’s Guildhall School of Music, combines bluegrass and jazz styles in his guitar solos. Bassist Dave Whitford can regularly been seen playing at Ronnie Scotts amongst other venues and award winning vocalist Joanne Doolan has received praise throughout the country on both the folk and the jazz scene.

Band Line Up

Joanne Doolan (vocals)

Richard Rozze (guitars/mandolin/dobro/banjo/vocals)

Jeff Alexander (guitars/vocals)

Dave Whitford (double bass)