Band influenced by Janice Joplin, Fleetwood Mac and Jefferson Airplane, but with music distinctively their own

Award-winning Cambridge band Fred’s House make a long-awaited return to Newbury on Saturday, having previous appeared at ACE space in 2015 and 2016 and at Arlington Arts in 2018, writes Stephen Ottner.

Of their 2018 gig, N2 reviewer Brian Harrington reported “their feelgood sound is based on some superb two- and three-part harmonies and is more than a little reminiscent of some of the best West Coast American music of the 60s and 70s” concluding with “brilliant and entertaining”.

The band's website describes their music as “70s West Coast inspired folk/rock but have their own distinctively fresh sound that is very much part of now”.

Although influenced by the likes of Janice Joplin, Fleetwood Mac and Jefferson Airplane, their music is distinctively their own.

Fronting the band is Vikki Gavin, a classically trained vocalist, whose voice simply soars and is complemented by harmonies provided by three of the other four members of the band.

On electric guitar the virtuoso playing of Lachlan Golder brings a rock component to the band’s sound, while Pru Ward, on fiddle, provides a balancing folky feel.

Underpinning this is the formidable back-line of funky dancing bassist Gafyn Jameson and on drums
Paul Richards whose infectious smile resulted him being known as “The Happiest Drummer”.

Fred’s House have appeared at many festivals, including Cambridge, and invited to Bob Harris’ Under the Apple Tree sessions.

In 2017 the band embarked on a 13-date tour of China as part of the Nanjing International Music Festival playing 1,000-plus capacity venues.

For their gig at ACE Space on Saturday, Fred’s House will be supported by Me for Queen (the alias of Reading-based Mary Erskine). Doors 7.30pm, start 8pm.

Tickets £14 from WeGotTickets.com, events@acespace.org.uk or 078911 76940.