One-on-one with Polly Bolton

Polly, a unique figure in the world of music, has allowed

Q: What first motivated you to get into music?
A: Well, I never wanted to be a singer - I wanted to be a zoologist. I wanted to study gorillas, so being in the music business is the next best thing. I was headhunted while still at college by Dando Shaft, a cult band from Coventry in the late sixties. Shacked up with the guitarist and that was it...

Q: How long were you with them?
A: About two-and-a-half years. Then I went to America to work with Blue Aquarius, who were a big soul/jazz crossover band. I ended up cleaning in a motel and singing in a rotten bloody cover band. I think I've paid my musical dues!

Q: Given your diverse range of musical experience, could that be where your unique vocal sound comes from?
A: Yes. I enjoy experimenting with my voice and that shows in my solo work more than the bands I've been in. I listen to music from all over the world, and I'm currently interested in developing voice workshops using music from many cultures.

Q: Do you have any plans for your next musical project?
A: We have just recorded settings of A Shropshire Lad called 'Loveliest of Trees'. There's more information on the Housman Website which is currently under construction. I've also got an album of jazz improvisations with Paul Dunmall, the jazz saxophonist. It's called Waterfall and should be released soon. I really enjoyed the project, and hope to do more improvisation work in the future.


Thanks to Polly for giving us that unique insight into the beginnings of her diverse career.
About The Polly Bolton Band. Includes the history of each of the members, stretching back as far as Polly's Dando Shaft days and coming bang up to date.
The definitive discography. A complete list of Polly's recordings from the early days with cult collectables Dando Shaft to the still-available Polly Bolton Band's recent recordings. Get 'em while they're hot!
How to order. Possibly the last chance to obtain the few remaining copies of the superb 'Songs From A Cold Open Field' and 'Woodbine and Ivy'.
Oak Barn Workshop Centre Since Spring 1999, Polly has been running her own workshop centre, deep in the heart of the Shropshire Hills. The centre has a variety of weekend and one day courses on subjects such as healing, gardening, local history , permaculture and singing. Polly's singing workshops include harmony singing and Celtic singing and those for the "really scared" who have been told they really can't sing. Polly also runs a community choir based at the centre called Larks.Bulgarian singer,Kalinka Vulcheva regularly runs workshops at Oak Barn and in August Sue Harris and Polly run a Singing Camp.For more details of the courses and photos of the centre link to http://www.oak-barn.co.uk/
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Site maintained by Bold Venture Software Ltd. All songs and lyrics copyright of Polly Bolton unless otherwise stated. Email Polly on info@oak-barn.co.uk. Enjoy.