The Vagaband
On 10th February 2024 we hosted a wonderful evening with José McGill and The Vagaband. The hall was packed and we were treated to a really special evening. Further information about the band follows;
José McGill and the Vagaband’s soulful, rustic approach to their music makes their extraordinary blend of Americana, toe-tapping folk-jazz and soulful rock a unique proposition in an age where music is often presented in a way that is too studied, too knowing and somewhat safe.
Their musicianship means that consummate band-leader José McGill can rely on the band for sturdy backing as well as stellar improvisation for the fantastic home-grown repertoire and the inspired cover versions too.
The Vagaband are designed to be lapped up in huge gulps by an audience that likes to have all their musical needs satisfied and their dancing shoes cajoled into action as well. They are nigh-on impossible to dislike. Heroes in their home town, walk with them as they take on the world.
Formed in 2006, East Anglia based The Vagaband took their brand of roots rock across the UK and Europe. Playing bars and house concerts they eventually honed their craft to become festival favourites, performing regularly at Glastonbury and many other national festivals.
With a rotating line up of multi-instrumentalists and José McGill and Gregory Cook at the helm, they have released a consistent output of slick Americana.
Reviews
‘The British band The Vagaband released the phenomenal “Beautiful World”, five years after “Something Wicked This Way Comes”. The Vagaband create a musical world of its own, suggesting Americana, Blues and Folk and Rock n’ Roll, tapping out that timeless sensation you’d find it hard not to love. In many ways, The Vagaband stands out as a more than interesting band reviewing their three previous albums, innovating within their genre through expansion. They’re not a band that’s afraid to explore their sound and fix something that isn’t broken. One of the best albums of this 2023, “Beautiful World”.’ Dirty Rock Magazine (Spain)
‘The Vagaband – proof that the devil doesn’t always have the best tunes…stunning.’ Q Magazine
‘Right up there with the best of their contemporaries.’ BJ Cole
‘Top new roots band of Europe’ – Poll – The Alternate Root