The Andy Raven Band plays urban folk: contemporary folk driven by fiddle and cajon with gritty, humorous and poetic lyrics. Formed from the gutters of Reading, the Andy Raven Band is Graham Judd, composer and multi-guitarist; Ben Humphreys on harmonium, acoustic and electric bass; and the dog with the drum, Rikk Smith, driving rhythms with cajon, yambu, bodhran and spoons. Andy leads the band with fiddle, vocals, and guitar.

The Andy Raven Band has been building a steady following, entertained crowds in acoustic venues across London, at the Bracknell Outthere Festival, The Big Day Out, the Cambridge Folk Festival ‘fringe’, Reading Beer Festival, a residency at the Town Hall bar in Reading, and numerous gigs in pubs, clubs and folk venues.

The band entertains with witty and subversive tales of local intrigue, finding love in Berkshire (and Hampshire), re-interpretations of traditional tunes and satirical political comment.

Maverick Magazine said of the most recent CD, 'Heads and Tales': "Fusing fiddle with the greatest folk poetry with a strong British flavour you will find yourself hopelessly captivated by the magic of Andy's sound, and the energy certainly makes you eager to witness a live performance ...(4 out of 5)".
Ken Livingstone's assistant - "Ken Livingstone will not be commenting on the CD".
Radio 3's Late Junction - "We like your music, but we won't be playing it on our show".
The Biz Magazine - "'Whilst his lyrics are bitingly clever, they are also warm and humane, filled with detail and wit".
Radio 1 Unsigned - "Andy Raven plays great violin and has a great voice ... the band has a confident sound and knows where they are going ... a bit fey (7 out of 10)".
Anon: "Andy Raven plays rusty violin with a sawn-off spanner".

(Saturday Street Fair, Saturday evening Portcullis Club, Sunday afternoon Cross Keys Garden Stage)

Andy Raven Band's Myspace