The Easy Orchestra is cool, energetic and totally brilliant! The band started life when they met at the University of Strathclyde studying music.
Being fans of great easy listening performers including Burt Bacharach, Andy Williams and Dusty Springfield, they were always expanding their vinyl collections by exploring in charity shops. From here the trio performed easy listening classics, which developed into their own sound, drawing from 6Os, Pop, Lounge and Jazz.
Using this unique sound, they began reworking modern classics to fit their easy listening vibe that includes versions of The Kaiser Chiefs ‘Predict a Riot’ and Gun ‘n’ Roses ‘Paradise City’.
Their live performances have become legendary especially in Glasgow, where they have managed to reach a large audience through non-stop gigging. The band members are Mark Rafferty on Vocals and Acoustic Guitar, lain Edgar on Congas and Vocals and Marco Cafolla on Piano.
With this line up the band deliver an energetic, upbeat sound with the rhythmic drive of the Congas, Acoustic Guitar and eccentric flair of the Piano. Mark’s ravishing voice augmented with lain’s backing vocals completes a full, rich sound. Visually you can expect a treat, Mark serenading members of the audience, Iain and Marco’s choreographed moves and all dressed in cravats and velvet jackets. This magic formula has resulting in the band taking bookings all over the UK and Europe.
If you haven’t seen this band live then you will know someone who has!
In recent months the band has secured a weekly residency on BBC Radio Scotland’s ‘MacCauley & Co’. Which broadcasts every Friday morning from 9.3Oam till 1 1am. On the show the band perform two songs in which one is an easy listening version of a current UK chart song, coupled with a song of the more classic variety.
Guests get the ‘easy’ treatment when the band introduce them with a fitting sting, these guests who have enjoyed the band include Michael Pajin, Denise Van Outen, Rick Wakeman and a host of other celebrities.
The Easy Orchestra has just completed their self-entitled debut album. Such was the demand from fans and regular listeners, they produced this album quite simply because people want to take the band home with them. This 12-track album includes half covers and half original songs. The covers include all the songs you would hear at a regular Easy Orchestra gig, but have been given the studio treatment with a dash of horns and a sprinkle of incredible vocal harmonies.
The original songs are a culmination of all the bands influences and favourite sounds, fans themselves of the style they play, these self-penned tracks are their take on the easy-listening genre. The end result is songs new and old alike, coupled with an array of interesting instruments (Theremin, Moog and Baritone Sax to name a few) and all played in the Easy Orchestra way. Enjoy!
