bio
Rookery Lane have their musical roots firmly set in contemporary folk, but their sound has a harder, musically literate rock edge. Formed in 2016 by Eileen Foulkes-Boyt and James Laws after discovering their mutual love of folk music and a desire to write their own songs. They released their debut album, Scrapbook, in 2017 and it was well received by local music press and has had air play around the world. The band's 2nd album, Reflections of the Tao was released in June 2023.
As Eileen and James’ writing partnership evolved, so did their sound and the need for additional musicians to achieve that sound became evident. A few musicians travelled the path and left to follow their own path until the current line up was achieved and now Rookery Lane is Eileen Foulkes-Boyt (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), James Laws (keyboards, harmonica, backing vocals), Stephen Castle (viola, mandolin, bass, mandolin, backing vocals) Martin Slater (guitar, banjo, bass, mandolin) and Malcolm Patterson (drums and percussion),
Influenced by bands such as rock stalwarts Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Genesis and folk music royalty, Richard Thompson, Sandy Denny, Clannad, just to name a few, their sound features soaring, a cappella three voice harmonies, acoustic and electric guitars, and the melancholic sound of the viola which brings a haunting, emotional, almost ethereal feel to their music. Although drawing on these musical influences, the band prides itself on a unique quality to its music all its own.
The band have entertained audiences across West and South Wales with their repertoire which comprises lyrics and melodies of its own creation, together with a carefully curated selection of covers. They deliver an eclectic set built from a diverse range of songs which include their own numbers across a wide variety of themes and selected songs of others.