‘An inspirational blend of folk and classic 60’s pop’

Big in Japan?… well certainly Russia, Germany and, er Macedonia, which is the result of songwriter Tim Ellis taking a risk which many bands shy away from. The band have taken a somewhat unconventional , praiseworthy and adventurous route to develop their fanbase. Picked up via Myspace (in the days when it was fit for purpose!) by a very nice Russian lady who offered them a tour of her home country, they, er, said OK… and from April to the end of July 2011 they packed their bags and guitars and high tailed it to the outer reaches of western music’s appeal.

Having enjoyed being lauded as the Acoustic Beatles they embarked on some more touring in unpronounceable obscure towns across Europe and released their fourth album at the beginning of 2012 called Jack and Sunshine which seemed to go down really well.

‘It had some kind reviews and we went on a number of radio stations, such as Genevieve Tudors Folk show on BBC Radio, All FM in Manchester and BBC Radio Stoke and 6 Towns Radio amongst others.

Andy Hughes, from Acoustic Magazine, chose ‘Miss Emily’ as his best acoustic track OF ALL TIME at the end of 2010!

Here is the video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSlkHaJv2UM

The imaginatively titled new album ‘For Sale’ was released on 17th March 2013.

The 12 track album showcases the songs which people seem to have enjoyed the most, as well as a couple of new ones, ‘The Ballad of Crazy Nicole’ and ‘I Want You’. Which will be the second and third tracks released off the album, following ‘Miss Emily’, which will be released on itunes and the like at the end of April. This is to give us time to recover from our third European tour – like the tour in September 2012, this one will cover Holland, Germany and Switzerland. See, we are gluttons for punishment! Will we ever learn? (nah!) Just got to hope that you like the new album and can offer us some more gigs in our home country – we’ll travel to the ends of the earth to get our music out there (evidently) but our families would prefer it if were big in Stoke ! ;)’

 

Deep, dark, Americana with a decided edge is Ghost Trains’ M.O. It’s real soul of humanity stuff which makes for compulsive listening 

FATEA Feb 2011

 

Ghost Trains have a sound that bridges the gap between Nick Drake and Crowded House, with the melancholy spirit of one and the delicate guitar mastery of the other….Tim’s melodic and lyrical constructions travel various, always unique paths as they unravel. 

ACOUSTIC MAGAZINE June 2011

 

These songs hit on all levels as you absorb the serenity, sentiment and feelings of the human psyche contained within. Tim’s songwriting is sublime and touches on subject matter which affects us all – love, love lost and found, love found and lost again. Ghost Trains perfectly capture your mood at any given moment, it is meaningful and heartfelt – reaching deep into your soul.

When they perform ‘Michael Caine’ it is simply mesmerizing to witness, Tim’s voice is emotive and powerful, filling the room, the guitar interplay is a joy to behold. 

They conclude the evening with another personal highlight of mine from the new release ‘Deathdance’ and again the vocal harmonies are to the fore with some wonderful intricate guitar and subtle vibrant percussion. So there you have it, I felt privileged to have been there. 

John West STOKE SOUNDS Feb 2011

Their music is an inspirational blend of folk and classic 60’s pop, characterised by tight harmonies, outstanding guitar playing and pounding rhythms played out with the kind of energy and conviction borne out of complete confidence and belief in what they are doing. 

Icarus Live Review from Blackheath Convert Hall, London. Feb 11

 

As a long-term fan of this band, I have said before that it is a mystery to me why Tim Ellis’s songs are not being covered by any number of top-selling artists, and why Ghost Trains are not riding the current and growing wave of popularity of acoustic music. I can only put it down to that elusive break – being heard by the right ears of someone who can open the right doors. If there is any justice, it’s only a matter of time.

Catch Ghost Trains live in the UK before America and the world claim them. 

Andy Hughes ACOUSTIC MAGAZINE October 2012

 

Jack & Sunshine 'must surely cement Ghost Trains' position as one of the finest proponents of Anglicised Americana out there performing. Hopefully this, their third album will also provide them with the recognition their songwriting and performance deserve. It never ceases to amaze me that a band like this can sell out tours of Russia and yet barely get arrested in part of their own country. There is something very natural about this album, it strikes a chord because it's easy to relate to, feels like it's something that's part of your collective knowledge.' FATEA Magazine March 2012

Soundcloud link to review the album : http://soundcloud.com/ghost-trains/sets/ghost-trains-for-sale/

Ghost Trains website : http://ghosttrains.net

Ghost Trains facebook : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghost-Trains/101895013184626 

Miss Emily video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSlkHaJv2UM

'Live' video from a recent gig, medley : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulLiCjenXPU

 

Contact for bookings : Helen Meissner 07969 249286

Email contact : helenmeissner@hotmail.co.uk or via the website.