I have to say when I’m at a festival or in a field with my tepee with the burning embers of a real fire, this is a group of people I would like there with me, I can listen to Grace and the Magic Roots for ever and that would be the perfect setting with them. Their music is a little psychedelic, yet very enchanting combining folk based rhythm and lyrics.

Grace and the Magic Roots are made up of 3 people, Grace, George and Lawrence. They came together through a love of similar music and friendship built over the years. Something I have noticed with all bands I have met in the last few months resounds very clearly, bonds and friendships are built through music. This is where their wonderful music originates from, what does amaze me about this band is they have only been playing as a band for about 6 months.

Grace has a voice that just soothes you, I always feel a sense of calm when she sings, the words just seem to flow naturally, Grace also plays rhythm with the band, and maintains the flow while they play. Grace's first instrument was the Cello and has played the guitar since she was 15 and also writes some very beautifully meaningful lyrics.

George is a funny character who and makes me laugh, however he is a very talented young man, his style and understanding of the mandola really brings something to the band. Many time whilst watching the band I have heard George shouting "It’s a Mandola!" It gets called allsorts of names. He is definitely been in complete love and has been hugely influenced by The incredible string band, but so have they all. He started playing guitar at primary school and had a lot of fun playing the drums at secondary school.

Lawrence on the cello adds a nice deep beautiful harmonious sound behind the band. This instrument is obviously a true love of his. Cello's are really known as classical instruments but Lawrence takes it outside these boundaries. He’s been in various bands and does the bands recordings at his own recording studio.

Their songs are a mix of original music written and performed by all 3, amd they also do covers such as Army soldiers by Kate Bush, and I believe they are working on an EP at the moment, which they are arranging a launch party for. Below is a review of material they have already recorded and played live.

From the vinyl crackles at the beginning of the song Marie Lamont (a Scottish witch tried in 1662), the song seeps a mystic quality with Graces sweet vocal tone contrasted with dark lyrics of witches, angels and myth. The bands effortless playing and some superb production adding in sweeping psychedelic strings and otherworldly noises all add up to make one of the most original and accessible recordings in their current set.

The song ‘lalalalalala’ demonstrates just how diverse Grace and the Magic Roots can be. It is a chunk of good time roots reggae, which romps and bounces along spilling sunshine, love and warmth at you without compromise. You just can't help but smile when you listen to this song. Lily Allen really needs to take note of how sunshine and smiles gets done PROPERLY! As Grace and the Magic Roots have the tunes, the integrity and the passion for music that is a rare thing these days.

If you would like to catch Grace and the Magic Roots Live here are there upcoming shows.

They also Launch there EP this sunday at Cafe Bruxelles
21 mar 2010 6-10pm EP Launch Caffe Bruxelles
23 Mar 2010 20:00
The Musician, Leicester, supporting Ann Scott Leicester, Midlands
28 Mar 2010 19:00
hare and hounds - birmingham