Three Cane Whale

Three Cane Whale

Three Cane Whale is a British instrumental trio from the United Kingdom, based in Bristol, whose music consists of acoustic miniatures shaped by folk and minimalist influences. The group records each track in a different location, and its pieces are noted for combining intricate detail with a spare sound, often suggesting landscapes, journeys and different atmospheres.

Members and instruments

The trio consists of Paul Bradley, Pete Judge and Alex Vann. Alex Vann plays mandolin, bowed psaltery, bouzouki, zither, banjo and other instruments, and is also a mandolinist with Spiro on Real World Records. Pete Judge plays trumpet, harmonium, lyre, dulcitone, tenor horn, glockenspiel and other instruments, and also plays trumpet with Get The Blessing on Naim Records. Paul Bradley plays acoustic guitar, miniature harp and tin whistle, and also works as a one-man band for Fleur Darkin’s Dance Company.

Recordings and recognition

The band’s self-titled debut album is selected by Cerys Matthews as one of her five favourite modern folk albums. Its second album, Holts And Hovers, receives fRoots Editor’s Choice Album of 2013, is named among The Observer’s Hidden Gems of 2013, and appears in Acoustic Guitarist magazine’s list of 20 Essential Folk Albums. The third album, Palimpsest, is recorded at Real World Studios in Wiltshire and produced by Adrian Utley.