Upcoming Gigs
public performances
16 Jul
An acoustic quartet steeped in the British Folk Tradition with influences of Celtic and American Bluegrass
With two albums released to critical acclaim and string of impressive concerts at major folk clubs and festivals, Open Water bring a fresh approach to acoustic music
”Building a timeless classic of hope and comfort, Open Water have achieved a harmonious union of Celtic instruments, swaying lyrics and jazz-infused solos. Above The Waterline holds the fortitude to ground us; the power to raise our collective spirit, and the charm to inspire us – leaving no stone unturned by this talented band.” subba-cultcha.com
”incredibly impressed…” Fatea Magazine
”Open Water’s second effort encapsulates everything that folk music is about – peacefulness, warmth, and resilience. With Above The Waterline, it’s clear that this band is here to stay” (PureDayz magazine)
”an emotionally honest and cohesive album that takes us on a journey into the past and also the present.” (Minted Muzic)
‘Above the Waterline is sure to pull in listeners with its vivid acoustic guitars combined with Joanne Doolan’s crystal clear, captivating vocals.” (Its Blitz Mag)
”Summer Cries, the lead single, has already caught a lot of attention, representing a perfect example of the band’s gentle yet powerful talent with layered acoustic guitars and the stunning vocal of lead singer Joanne Doolan. The accompanying music video was beautifully filmed in Deal’s adjacent woodland, and serves as a glowing tribute to the beauty of the song and the area it was born in. Open Water have managed to create something truly special and it is definitely worth a listen for those seeking out uplifting and meaningful music. (Best Music Blog USA)
Latest video: Summer Cries from ‘Above The Waterline’
16 Jul
Debut album from Kent based folk group, Open Water. ” I found it very much ticked enough boxes for me to listen to each track intently….This album …made me want to hear more.’‘ Jim Gaines, ‘Disc and Music Echo’ magazine
Buy now
Downloadable PDF Band Biography
Biography
Based in the South East of England, Open Water bring a fresh approach to acoustic music. Joanne Doolan’s unique vocals emanate from her Welsh musical roots. Guitars and other stringed instruments are played by Jeff Alexander and Richard Rozze. Jeff’s influences come from traditions as varied as the Renaissance lute and flamenco guitar. Richard’s influences stem from rock, blues and jazz traditions.
With refined vocal harmonies, Open Water create original music, taking folk music in new directions. The trio have recorded and performed with double bassists Alex Keen and Dave Whitford.
Tracks have been featured on BBC Radio Cambridge, BBC Radio Kent and BBC Radio Shropshire Folk Shows
Reviews:
”….heart – breakingly poignant [and] liltingly nostalgic…Joanne Doolan has a beautiful voice that puts one in mind of June Tabor or Maddy Prior.” Kent JazzFolk
”..incredibly impressed…” Fatea Magazine (‘Waiting For The Daylight’ was chosen for the Fatea summer showcase download compilation)
” A really entertaining album and for one whose taste is more rock – based, I found it very much ticked enough boxes for me to listen to each track intently. In my years as a reviewer there have been a few pleasant surprises, notably Carolyn Hester in the 60’s and Joanne Carlin (aka Melanie Harold) in the 70’s. This album had the same effect and made me want to hear more.’‘ Jim Gaines legendary reviewer for the ‘Disc and Music Echo’ magazine
”…they will find their natural home on the folk club circuit where they will be very well received…” Shire Folk
”..incredibly impressed…” Fatea Magazine (‘Waiting For The Daylight’ was chosen for the Fatea summer showcase download compilation)
”We waited a long time to welcome you to our little Club and were blown away by your performance.” Peter Muldoon, Orpington Liberal Folk Club
”Cracking they sound, magic. Very impressed by them indeed.” Doug Welch BBC Radio Kent Folk Show
Richard Rozze can be seen performing in a variety of contexts on the jazz, folk and pop scene and has earned a reputation as a creative and flexible musician. An in demand electric and acoustic guitarist, Richard has also added dobro, mandolin and tenor banjo to his bag and since has contributed to recordings by Paul Booth (Steve Winwood Band) and soulful folk trio ‘Arcelia” His songwriting skills can be heard in ‘Open Water,’ and Richard has also arranged and written for Big Bands and smaller ensembles.
Richard’s debut solo album ‘Learning To Fly‘ was released by ‘Pathway Records’ in November 2014. With this group Richard showcases his original compositions, embracing Jazz, Blues and the songs of the great ‘tunesmiths.’ Richard’s arrangement of Jimmy Webb’s ‘Wichita Lineman’ was featured on BBC Radio 3’s Jazz Line – Up Show. The album features quintet and quartet performances as well as two duo performances by Richard and saxophonist Paul Booth : a free improvisation ( ‘Closure’) and a free interpretation of Miles Davis’ ‘Solar.’
Listen/buy the album here:
https://richardrozzemusic.bandcamp.com
Richard has worked alongside musicians of many genres including, Paul Booth(saxophone) Dana Gillespie (vocals), Jeremy Peynton Jones (composer), Derek Nash (saxophone) Trevor Tomkins (drums), Tim Edey (multi – instrumentalist)
Richard is a former Graduate of London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he studied a Masters in Jazz. He currently teaches guitar and Jazz styles at Canterbury Christ Church University and has been involved in teaching on the Mehr Clef Jazz Summer Schools.
”Richard Rozze is an artist who has successfully forged a unique approach to his playing and compositions. He glides effortlessly through multi-genre worlds, his solos flawlessly committed to his surroundings. On this debut album, the listener will be enthralled by Rozze’s ability to fuse elements of rock, jazz, folk & Americana. You will stop asking yourself “what style of music am I listening to?” and realise the question is moot, it’s just great music!” (Paul Booth – saxophonist with the Steve Winwood Band)
See more at
www.richardrozze.co.uk
Award winning vocalist Joanne Doolan has been a regular on the London music scene, performing at the 606, The Hideaway, Royal Festival Hall and QEH.
She has also performed in New York, Iridium, Lennox Lounge and Cleopatra’s Needle.
Jo Started to perform as a jazz vocalist whilst training as an actress at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Since then Jo has developed her vocal style to embrace folk and country styles. She is a rare talent, capable of singing in many musical contexts. Her various musical influences undoubtably have helped Jo achieve a most unique sound.
‘Open Water’ features Joanne’s intriguing lyric writing, much influenced by the Romantic poets, ‘Shakespeare,’ Virginia Woolf, Rumi and the lyrics of Joni Mitchell
Jo released her debut album ‘Dream of A Dream’ in 2016
Listen/buy the album here:
https://jodoolan.bandcamp.com/
‘Jo’s heartfelt approach is a blessing. Vulnerability and talent in shedloads. I love her!’….Ian Shaw
An actress by training, this award winning vocalist with her powerful voice and direct approach looks set for a successful career on the UK vocal Scene.’ ..Steve Rubie
‘Gorgeously heartfelt singing, with a tone that will get you every time.’ …Sara Coleman.
Jeff is an acoustic guitar specialist, particularly classical and flamenco styles. He has researched early music and plays the lute and related instruments, and has been heavily involved in folk and latin styles.
His solo album ‘River Moon’ embraces Celtic and Renaissance lute styles. An accomplished composer, Jeff has recently been interested in developing his own guitar tunings to create haunting melodies and fascinating textures. Jeff has played in a vast array of musical contexts and has performed Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez in Canterbury Cathedral. An enthusiastic and much respected educator, Jeff has worked at Canterbury Christ Church University as guitar tutor and lecturer since 1979.
