DESPITE the easing of Covid restrictions, dale youth folk band Cream Tees was robbed of the chance to perform before an audience this summer.
The young musicians have been regulars at the Saltburn Folk Festival for the past six years.
In its place, the group reunited during at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, for a day’s rehearsals and recording.
During the morning session, the group worked with professional folk musician Saul Rose who helped to shape their tunes and performance techniques.
Then a high definition video recording of their set was made with dale sound engineer and videographer Tom Stanier.
Cream Tees co-ordinator Rupert Philbrick said: “The experience equipped the individuals with new arrangement and performance ideas and built on existing experience in professional performance settings.
“It also created a lasting record of the group's current line-up.”
He added: “With some of the older performers due to depart for university, the recording session was a fitting finale for the musicians – some of whom are leaving after more than seven years of playing in the group.
The recording was live streamed at last month’s Saltburn Folk Festival.
Hot on the heels of the Saltburn Folk Festival, the Cream Tees show was streamed as part of Whitby Folk Week’s online programme.
The performance can be viewed online at https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uBhMjEv714&t=86s.
The project to rehearse and record at The Witham received support from the neighbourhood budgets of Barnard Castle’s four county councillors – Richard Bell, James Rowlandson, George Richardson and Ted Henderson.
While the recording signalled the end for some, the group is on the look-out for the next generation of folk musicians.
Mr Philbrick said: “With the new school year ahead, Cream Tees would welcome support from the community in spreading the word about the music they play.
“The group is always open to new musicians joining their weekly term-time sessions each Thursday at TCR Hub, Barnard Castle, from 4pm to 5.30pm.
“So if you are aged eight or older, play an acoustic instrument to a Grade 1 (or equivalent) standard and like the idea of playing music in a multi-instrumental ensemble, then get in touch.”
Contact Mr Philbrick via email at info@mathot.co.uk for more information.
