Iron & Oak
Roots music from both sides of the ocean ...
(Sarana VerLin & Heather Bristow from America and James Slater from the UK) could well be the inventor of a new musical genre: Folk Stroke Americana. Bringing you roots music influences from both sides of the ocean, their style is a fusion of Contemporary Folk, Alt-Country, Swampy Blues and Red Dirt music. Their musical chemistry is based around their entwining voices and sublime harmonies, bedded on a layer of rhythmic guitar and sweet smoky violin. They've toured internationally separately. Together as singer-songwriters they perform their own compositions along with original arrangements of old and new songs…performing songs of love and loss… some grit, some sweetness, some darkness, some light… all with a bit of humour along the way.
Heather Bristow
Heather Bristow grew up in North Carolina but has made her home in England for more than a decade now. She released her debut cd of original songs, 'Hope on the Vine', in 2009, tracks from which were finalist entries in the UK Songwriting Contest (UKSC), have been featured on radio programmes around the world and appeared in the top 10 on the Roots Report's UK and US folk charts in the Spring of 2010 based on airplay. Heather has performed at bluegrass and folk festivals throughout England in a variety of line-ups, including Didmarton and Cornish bluegrass festivals, Priddy Folk Festival, Cambridge Folk Club, the Village Pump Weekender (Trowbridge), Folk at the Oak (Corsham) and a variety of venues in the Bath and Bristol area. She has performed with The New Essex Bluegrass Band, Appalachia and Hog Ranch, among others, and was a founding member of The Woodberrys. She currently performs modern and traditional folk, original songs and blues as the duo Two Corbies with her long-time collaborator Colin Sillence (who features on tracks on both CDs) and also bluegrass/Amerciana with Sean Hogan of Hog Ranch. Her harmonies also appear on the track 'Ribbons & Blows' on Stroud-based band Wilderpsin's newly released CD launched 21st Nov. 2012, 'Something to Crow About.'
Sarana VerLin
There are many ways to describe Sarana VerLin...energetic, captivating, and multi-talented just scratch the surface. However there is one word that ties them all together and is true to their character: Sarana VerLin is Real. She sings honestly from her heart and soul combining art, story, and song in perfect unison. With seven studio albums to date, her solo album “Bats & Butterflies” received a Detroit Music Award for acoustic/folk recording. Combining intimate smoky vocals, hard driving rhythms and energetic performances, Sarana VerLin has developed a truly unique sound that leaves her audiences wanting more. With classical training and rock roots, her current style explores the boundaries of Folk, Rock, Celtic and Americana…and where these lines blur is where she thrives!
Detroit native Sarana VerLin started writing & playing multiple instruments at age 10 and was performing internationally at the age of 12 on classical violin. In her teens she was performing folk music in coffee houses. In her twenties she fronted the rock group Natasha which won a Detroit Metro X Music Award for Best New Talent. She's worked with Grammy award winners Don Was (everyone from Elton John to Rolling Stones) & Steve King (Romantics, Eminem), and producer Ben Grosse (Debbie Harry). She's in the Detroit Metro X Music Hall of Fame alongside artists such as Aretha Franklin and Iggy Pop.
In 2011, VerLin embarked on an ambitious new journey and moved to England where she performs solo or with the group Iron & Oak, and tours with her Detroit music partner Billy Brandt in the US and UK.
James Slater
James Slater has performed solo, as a duo and as part of a band in clubs and venues across the UK, Europe and USA. He’s always been a singer-songwriter blending folk, country, blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, gospel, and other external influences. He’s played in various bands including folk, blues, and soul…currently playing as a member Anglo American band Iron & Oak. James has developed his own unique fingerpicking style that is very recognizable. 2018 saw the long waited release of his album ‘Bitter Truths’ a collection of crafted songs which reflect his love of Americana.
