The Memory Band

The Memory Band is an English folk group from the United Kingdom, founded by Stephen Cracknell in 2003 and active since then. It has a changing line-up and a wide pool of collaborators drawn from across different styles. Over the years, members and contributors include Al Doyle, Adem, Simon Lord, Nancy Wallace and Lisa Knapp. The current members listed are Stephen Cracknell, Rob Spriggs and Nancy Wallace.

Formation and approach

Cracknell sets up the group as a flexible project rather than a fixed band. His idea is for it to function as an “imaginary band” made real through contributions from many musicians, with live performances using acoustic arrangements that change in number and recordings taking a new approach to traditional music.

Albums and releases

The Memory Band releases its self-titled debut album in 2004. That record shows an early interest in landscape and place. A period of extensive live activity follows, including performances across the country and appearances on the independent festival circuit. The second album, Apron Strings, follows in 2006 and is licensed to Peacefrog in the UK and Discristina Stairbuilders in the US. In 2011 the group releases its third album, Oh My Days.

Later work and related projects

After a break spent producing and performing on There Were Wolves by The Accidental in 2008, Cracknell reforms and expands The Memory Band, increasing the number of musicians involved and developing side projects. These include performances of music and songs from Paul Giovanni’s score for The Wicker Man, The Balearic Folk Orchestra, created with Welsh filmmaker Kieran Evans, and a live show called Folk on Film, which continues the group’s interest in soundtrack music.

On The Chalk

On The Chalk (Our Navigation of the Line of the Downs) is the group’s fourth album. It is conceived by Cracknell during time between live performances and is described as a return to a more programmed style of recording. The release marks another change in the group’s long-running emphasis on evolution and reworking of traditional forms.