| The Dolmen | |
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The Dolmen at the Elf Fantasy Fair 2011 in Haarzuilens, the Netherlands |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Genres | Folk, neo-medieval, Celtic rock, pagan rock, gothic rock, alternative rock |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Members | |
| Tony (Taloch) Jameson Keri Pinney Josh Elliott Kaleigh Marchant Chris Jones |
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The Dolmen are a Weymouth, Dorset, UK medieval/folk-rock band that incorporate elements of Celtic, folk, pagan-themed, and historically based musical works into their largely original repertoire. As of 2011, group members are singer and songwriter founder/member Tony (Taloch) Jameson, flautist and vocalist Keri Pinney, guitarist/singer-songwriter/lyricist Josh Elliott, bassist and vocalist Kayleigh Marchant, drummer Chris Jones, and additional percussionist Chris Pinney.
The majority of the band's songs and music are composed and produced by multi-instrumentalist Jameson. Guitarist Josh Elliott has collaborated with Jameson on the most recent albums, contributing lyrics, musical composition and production assistance. Essential, but non-musician members of the band are lyric contributor and collaborator, Mark Vine; Kirsty Kelly, long time sound engineer; Richard Edwards, Tour Manager, and Marloes Visser, General Manager.
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The Dolmen began rather informally in or about 1990, with their first public appearance at The Duke of Albany pub in Weymouth, Dorset, where they debuted as a mainly folk music oriented group. Since that time, they have become well known on the local and surrounding areas music scene, appearing over the years for repeat performances at many major UK music venues and festivals; among them the Glastonbury Festival in 1995 and 1997, the Farnham Jazz and Guilford Festivals, The Children of Artemis Witchfest,[1] and The Pagan Federation festivals. They have also appeared frequently at Stonehenge in support of The Dolmen Grove, a United Paths Pagan organization based in the South of England.[2]
In 2007, members of The Dolmen were invited special guests at the first New Seven Wonders of the World ceremonies in Lisbon, Portugal, Jameson's original composition having been chosen as the official anthem of that year's "Wonders" contest. [3][4]
In 2011, the band debuted the continental European leg of their "Storm Tour" with performances at the Elf Fantasy Fair in Haarzuilens, The Netherlands.[5]
The Dolmen also appeared over the summer of 2011 at the Keltisch Midzomer Festival, Fantastyval Wouwse Plantage, the Sneek Festival; and in September 2011, at the finale of the Highland Games, in Hank, Netherlands.
The Dolmen are an independent, self-published group. Their musical style covers a wide range from traditional Celtic folk music to electric rock, including modern interpretations of historical material and events.
In 2008, the band released "Winter Solstice", a collection of original carols and songs inspired by the ancient pre-Christian themes of the season, drawing heavily upon the pagan traditions and mythology of the British Isles associated with the celebration of Yule.
The Dolmen's early 2010 album, The Crabchurch Conspiracy[6][7][8] is a departure in many ways from their general offerings in that it is a musical re-telling of the events of a little known but decisive battle of the English Civil War taking place in February 1645 at the strategic Dorset seaport of Weymouth. Based on the book of the same name by author/historian and Dolmen collaborator Mark Vine, the album utilizes both song and spoken word to recount the daring exploits of the Sydenham brothers, William and Francis, who thwarted the Royalist conspirators in their bid to seize the town, culminating in The Battle of Weymouth. Professor Ronald Hutton of the University of Bristol, a leading expert on 17th century Britain, speaks a stirring introduction to the album.
In August 2010, the band released their first double album, "Spirits of the Sea", a collection of original songs, sea chanteys, and atmospheric musical arrangements interspered with tales and narrations of the historical exploits of several well known pirates, buccaneers and 'gentlemen of the marque'. Among the album's Poole, Devon, Dorset and Bristol UK privateers are Blackbeard, Calico Jack, William Lewis, Cap'n Ned Lowe, Henry Strangways (pirate), and the sinister husband and wife team of Eric Cobham and Maria Lindsey. The album also celebrates in song and story the infamous Harry Paye of Poole, whose life and adventures are spoken of on the album by a linear descendent, Mr. Bob Paye. Mr. Paye, a retired educator, lives still within the area from which his famous ancestor sailed forth. "Paye Day", now a charitable event, is celebrated each Summer in Poole in honor of their famous pirate son.
Aside from the band's collective efforts, Taloch has released several solo albums over the years. Among the most notable is "Crowdance", a largely shamanistic themed journey that explores his ancestral Native American heritage, incorporating also ancient spiritual elements of his Welsh roots.