I wanted to add my twopenn’orth to the growing chorus of appreciation for UK roots band Hatful of Rain. My friend Chloe Overton sings and plays mandolin (and sometimes guitar) with the band, which also features Phil Jones (upright bass, clawhammer banjo and vocals) Fred Gregory (mandolin, guitar and vocals) and James Shenton (fiddle). Based in Sussex, Hatful of Rain play original material which draws on influences from bluegrass, old-timey music and Appalachian folk. 

In January 2012, Hatful of Rain signed up with the Lewes-based independent Union Music Store record company to release Way Up On The Hill, which will be their first full-length CD. The album will be released on 30th May 2012, and judging by this video of the title track, it should be an absolute corker! The release of the video generated a real buzz, garnering praise from luminaries of the UK folk music scene including Mike Harding and Bob Harris. Hatful of Rain play live regularly in the south of England so check out their gigs page if you are in that area and want to experience some great picking and singing, served up with real originality and flair. You can order the new album from Union Music Store here.