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Candacraig are a duo from Lincolnshire, comprising of Sharon Cannings (Vocals, keys, mandolin) and Martin Nicholls (Guitar, Cello), Specialising in “cinematic anthems and dark twisted tales”, they span rock and folk, to create their own form of neo prog rock.They have been compared to Renaissance, Curved Air, All About Eve, Maddy Prior, Kate Bush and Anathema. Although writing songs since they met in 1992, both pursued acting careers and the songs remained unrecorded. Fast forward 25 years and several careers later, both were depping as professional musicians in tribute bands. The lockdown of 2020 forced a change in direction, rediscovering the songs they had written, plus writing several more. However, the launch of Candacraig was haunted by Covid, illness and tragedy.
After recording the first version of their album, Sharon was diagnosed with bowel cancer in October 2021. Thankfully she successfully battled the disease and is still in remission. When Sharon returned to fitness, they were determined to re-record and remaster the original songs in 2021. Then Covid claimed Martin’s mother, delaying progress on the album further.
Through financial backing from Help Musicians’ “Do it Differently” fund, they were able to engage the services of Michael Latham and a number of talented musicians to enhance the original tracks that were originally recorded at home. The remastered version was released in 2022.
After a year of touring both as a duo and with a full five piece band, they started work on their second album- a significantly quicker endeavour than the first! Recorded at Trapdoor Studios in Bradford, it was released in February 2024.
The albums reflect both Sharon and Martin’s influences, drawing inspiration from the likes of Pink Floyd, Kate Bush, Marillion, and the Laurel Canyon movement of the late 60s, particularly Crosby, Stills and Nash.
As a Limelight featured band in Prog Magazine in June this year, they have had a rapid ascent in 2024, with well received live shows, notably at Fusion 5 and Highway ‘24 this year, with several festival and support slots lined up already for 2025.
Support is from Dikajee and more info will be supplied later
Tickets for this Little Ember Session are £15 in advance and £17.50 on the door
Please be advised that there is NO disabled access to the room where the concert is held. There is a short staircase to reach the concert room unfortunately
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Talbot Hotel Oundle, 7 New Street, Peterborough, PE8 4, United Kingdom,Oundle
Tickets
