Rachael McShane is best known as the cellist, singer, fiddle player (and only girl!) in 11-piece folk big-band Bellowhead. She is now embarking on a solo career, working alongside musicians whose backgrounds are rooted more in jazz, soul and funk than in folk. Rachael’s band, featuring James Peacock (piano), Jonathan Proud (bass) and Adam Sinclair (drums), combine their eclectic influences to create interesting and exciting arrangements of traditional songs. Her debut album is rich with tales of many men, ranging from kind-hearted, well-meaning gentlemen to thieves, mysterious strangers and somewhat sinister characters. However it is the shrewd and audacious women who shine through in these traditional songs.