Marshmallow

小簡(jiǎn)介
Marshmallow is a four piece band based in London, England.
The first Marshmallow album was made mainly in the attic of a house in Stoke Newington, London. It was written and mostly recorded by Alan Gregg who used to play bass in a band from New Zealand called The Mutton birds. After the Mutton Birds he toured all over the world playing bass with chanteuse Bic Runga.
In 2002 Alan arrived back in London and set about recording a bunch of songs which had accumulated over the previous couple of years. This collection turned into the first Marshmallow album.
Other musicians added their talents - among them were the aforementioned Columbia recording artist Bic Runga on drums and vocals, and Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith on backing vocals.
"I guess I'm drawn to music which is uplifting and life-affirming" says Alan "and that's what I set out to make with this album."
The Marshmallow album is full of big tunes and little stories, with guitars that go jingle jangle and harmonies that chime. Like alot of the best pop music, the songs on the album seem simple on the surface, but reveal more upon closer inspection.
At the end of 2003 the Marshmallow album was released in the UK to an enthusiastic reponse (see reviews section) and the Marshmallow band was born.
On drums is Bert Thomas who is from Montgomery, Alabama. He has played with Ima Robot, Reeves Gabrels, Jason Faulkner, Rolan Bolan, Har Mar Superstar and he even played percussion on David Bowie's album 'Earthling'. He has never been known to eat anything other than McDonalds, Burger King and maybe the odd pizza. Rock critic Greil Marcus once called Levon Helm 'the only drummer who can make you cry' - he hadn't heard Bert Thomas.
On guitar and vocals is Richard Turner. He has played with a slightly embarrassing tribute band which he doesn't really want to disclose too much about. He has a music degree from Goldsmith College and was the most highly qualifed busker in Germany in the years 1995-1997. He was described in the Reutlinger General-Anzeiger as a 'folk legend'. He likes reading biographies of newsreaders.
The most recent addition to the Marshmallow line up is Cy Winstanley on Guitar and vocals. Cy grew up on the Whangaparoa Peninisula in New Zealand and was once part of a group who came fourth in a New Zealand high schools barbershop quartet singing competition. He is a keen bluegrass enthusiast who prefers to play shoeless.
The band has already begun work on the second Marshmallow album. It's working title is 'Are You Loathesome Tonight?' and it is due out in late 2004/early 2005