Jacqui Johnson Jon Bennett Sarah Fell Becki Luff
Moonrakers is an Oxford-based group of four musicians who pride themselves in having brought traditional and contemporary folk music to new audiences in village halls, churches, arts centres and festivals across the UK. The fact that the band "just OOZES quality" (Living Tradition) is down to the careful arrangements and selection of tunes and songs, presenting “exquisite music” (BBC). The material is a combination of traditional Irish, Scottish, Welsh and English music and their own contemporary songs and tunes, still very much 'in the idiom'.
There is a tapestry of multi-instrumental acoustic sounds and harmonies around each song and tune. Becki Luff's luscious Celtic harp is complemented by Jacqui Johnson’s superb cello, backed by Jon’s bouzouki, guitar, whistles and bodhran. The warm vocals of Sarah Fell combine with Jon’s rich baritone. Moonrakers now have five commercially produced albums under their belt and have received glowing reviews in the music press (“highly infectious”- Maverick; "fine organic collection of apt musicianship" - Earbuzz). They've appeared at folk festivals in Oxford, Broadstairs, Wantage, Bunkfest, Guildford, Cropredy, Towersey, Witney, Penn, Lechlade, Alcester, Shennington and Wycombe over the last few years.
Moonrakers have built a strong following from playing in less-traditional venues. For example, their “In-Spires” tour has taken them to over 70 churches and village halls in the South. Their album Green to Gold received a 4-star rating in RnR magazine (2023) and was FATEA magazine's Album of the Month (July 2023). Their music is featured in Series 2 of the BBC television drama 'Beyond Paradise'.
Moonrakers also have other skills to offer. Every year they run residential and day courses in multi-instrumental Folk Orchestras at Benslow Music, Halsway Manor and a number of arts centres. They have published their own compositions in two volumes, "New Acoustic Music for Folk Ensembles" (Vols.1&2, Mel Bay, 2021/23) along with performance videos of each tune.
There is a tapestry of multi-instrumental acoustic sounds and harmonies around each song and tune. Becki Luff's luscious Celtic harp is complemented by Jacqui Johnson’s superb cello, backed by Jon’s bouzouki, guitar, whistles and bodhran. The warm vocals of Sarah Fell combine with Jon’s rich baritone. Moonrakers now have five commercially produced albums under their belt and have received glowing reviews in the music press (“highly infectious”- Maverick; "fine organic collection of apt musicianship" - Earbuzz). They've appeared at folk festivals in Oxford, Broadstairs, Wantage, Bunkfest, Guildford, Cropredy, Towersey, Witney, Penn, Lechlade, Alcester, Shennington and Wycombe over the last few years.
Moonrakers have built a strong following from playing in less-traditional venues. For example, their “In-Spires” tour has taken them to over 70 churches and village halls in the South. Their album Green to Gold received a 4-star rating in RnR magazine (2023) and was FATEA magazine's Album of the Month (July 2023). Their music is featured in Series 2 of the BBC television drama 'Beyond Paradise'.
Moonrakers also have other skills to offer. Every year they run residential and day courses in multi-instrumental Folk Orchestras at Benslow Music, Halsway Manor and a number of arts centres. They have published their own compositions in two volumes, "New Acoustic Music for Folk Ensembles" (Vols.1&2, Mel Bay, 2021/23) along with performance videos of each tune.
CD Reviews
"Simultaneously timeless and startlingly contemporary...wonderful arrangements throughout, thoroughly engaging from start to finish." Oz Hardwick, RnR Magazine, Oct 2023
"Green to Gold was our Album of the Month, July 2023, and very well deserved too." FATEA magazine/Blues and Roots Radio, July 2023.
"This band is creating a lot of interest and they're certainly not short of accolades" Irish Music Daily, August 2023
"....Here they are again, delivering in spades......performed with effortless authority." The Living Tradition, May 2020
"..a lovely deep rich sound ... highly recommended" Shire Folk, April 2020
"The band imparts an upbeat positive feeling ...sparkling ! " Dai Jeffries, Rock&Reel/Folking.Com, May 2018
"Gently uplifting, sensitively crafted songs and tunes...…easy on the ear, and yet not without a certain depth." FATEA magazine, May 2018
"Moonrakers are the real deal...an impressive foursome.." The Living Tradition magazine , Feb 2018
"Multi-instrumental and vocal delights throughout. The band plays with skill and verve" Shire Folk magazine, Dec 2017
"Startlingly talented, performing luscious songs and tunes rooted in traditional music." Oxford Times, May 2016
“Your version of ‘The Unquiet Grave’ is the best take on this song that I've ever heard; quite magical and darkly beautiful”, Phil Widdows, Producer, FolkCast Radio, October 2013.
Live Show Testimonials
" Wow, your Winter Show was so good! We didn't know what to expect, but the linking of songs with the history of the material was very special - it worked beautifully." Rachel Marsden, Oxford, December 2024
"Our aim has been community outreach, and you very much helped this happen on Saturday. A really special evening - your music was so much appreciated by us all." Sue O'Farrell, Great Missenden, July 2024
"Our headline act on the Sunday, Moonrakers gave us a dazzling mix of lyrics, catchy music and an array of instruments. A really good end to the festival." Dianne Rockett, St Neots Festival, June 2024.
"Wonderful concert on Saturday, everyone said how much they enjoyed. It was refreshingly different to the usual musical evenings." Val Gristwood, Great Hampden, Bucks, May 2024
"My goodness, this was really special! Sold out concert, beautiful presentation and wonderful playing" Roger Wyncliffe, Buckingham Summer Festival, July 2023.
"The four of you create such a finely woven tapestry of sound. You've written some lovely new songs and tunes; this was your best concert yet." Robin Lipsey, Wolvercote, May 2023.
"Beautiful afternoon of songs and music. Thank you, Moonrakers!" Pamela Ansell, English Music festival, May 2023.
"With an audience of 98, the evening was a great success with many people praising the beautiful playing, singing and music selection", Friends of St Laurence, Warborough, November 2022.
"Absolutely everyone has said that they loved the music and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. We want you back next year!" Gill Smith, Lea, Wiltshire, September 2022.
" Fabulous lunchtime spot on the Main Stage at BunkFest! Excellent!" Stuart Wallace, BunkFest 2022, Wallingford, September 2022.
"Such a special evening at Waterperry Gardens - 250 people! Love the combination of cello, harp, guitar, and fine harmonies." Jim Gulliver, Waterperry, August 2022.
"Thank you so much for last night's concert. The audience went away buzzing!" Tony, Ellesborough, June 2022.
"Anne and I would like to thank you and Jacqui for another really enjoyable Moonrakers Folk Orchestra weekend. Such fun and we learn so much." Nigel Rea, Benslow Music, June 2022.
"Thank you so much for such a lovely weekend. It was a small oasis of peace and music and kindness, with a few chuckles along the way." Mick Atkin, Benslow Music, June 2022 .
"Thanks to you all for a great weekend at Halsway Manor. I have immediately booked again for next year!" Jacki Reason, Halsway Manor, May 2022
"Thank you so very much for an inspiring week with terrific music with Moonrakers Folk Orchestra. I loved it. Just the right level for me - plenty to tax the brain but not so hard I couldn’t participate." Sophie Miller, Halsway Manor, March 2022
" A wonderful multi-instrumental sound. Everyone went away really bubbling with enthusiasm. Come back again!" Ian Melrose, The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury, January 2022.
"The variety and professionalism of the evening hit exactly the right note. The WhatsApp and email airwaves here have been ringing with expressions of appreciation!" Wade Allison, Ludgershall, December 2021.
"Thank you so much for Saturday - it was so enjoyable and great to hear your new songs as well as more familiar tunes. All of you are so talented and professional, it was a real pleasure to host you here again." Clare Burgess, Duns Tew, October 2021
"What a comeback! After 18 months of COVID lockdown, the Waterperry amphitheatre was the ideal setting, with bird song above adding to the sublime music and vocals of Moonrakers. A capacity crowd of 270 enjoyed a most memorable and perfect evening." Jackie Richards, Waterperry Gardens, August 2021.
"An informal, entertaining and informative evening of excellent music from one of Oxford's finest bands", Oxford Times, January 2020.
"An evening of harmonious accomplishment, wit and wisdom with traditional songs and instrumental combinations tweaked and twerked to joyous effect" Daily Information, December 2019.
"If you haven't seen a concert by Moonrakers, you're in for a real treat...an absolute magical evening that will sweep you away on waves of pure joy. The evening ended too soon for me." Denise Hrouda, Wolvercote, September 2019
" A packed evening for you on the main stage, and many compliments from the audience. Excellent!" Jo Tuffs, Director, Broadstairs Folk Week, August 2019.
"Perfect afternoon, beautiful music from Moonrakers and supporting musicians" , Clumps Orchard Festival, May 2019
"A magical evening!", Lesley Williams, St James, Cowley, April 2019.
" For some of our audience this was the first time they'd been to a folk music show, and they came away bubbling with enthusiasm and asking for Moonrakers to return again soon", Andy Winter, Operations Manager, Holy Trinity Stratford, April 2019
"What a fantastic evening! 90 people came and saw this really fine Oxford-based band play some top quality music. Spellbinding interplay between the harp and cello, plus some great songs and a really lovely atmosphere created by the band. Thanks so much!" Henry Richardson, Restore, Oxford, Feb 2019.
"An evening of thought-provoking ideas, harmonious accomplishment, wit and wisdom..." Daily Information, Oxford July 2018
"Deliciously nuanced feast of Celtic splendour", Oxford Times, July 2018
"Great turnout and so well played by all of you. You have new fans!" Jenny Dobson, Burnham, Bucks, May 2018
"What a lovely evening! We had so many positive comments. Come back soon!" Eileen Stevens, Acton Turville, March 2018
"Moonrakers are an exceptionally talented combination" Readifolk folk club, Jan 2018
"Simultaneously timeless and startlingly contemporary...wonderful arrangements throughout, thoroughly engaging from start to finish." Oz Hardwick, RnR Magazine, Oct 2023
"Green to Gold was our Album of the Month, July 2023, and very well deserved too." FATEA magazine/Blues and Roots Radio, July 2023.
"This band is creating a lot of interest and they're certainly not short of accolades" Irish Music Daily, August 2023
"....Here they are again, delivering in spades......performed with effortless authority." The Living Tradition, May 2020
"..a lovely deep rich sound ... highly recommended" Shire Folk, April 2020
"The band imparts an upbeat positive feeling ...sparkling ! " Dai Jeffries, Rock&Reel/Folking.Com, May 2018
"Gently uplifting, sensitively crafted songs and tunes...…easy on the ear, and yet not without a certain depth." FATEA magazine, May 2018
"Moonrakers are the real deal...an impressive foursome.." The Living Tradition magazine , Feb 2018
"Multi-instrumental and vocal delights throughout. The band plays with skill and verve" Shire Folk magazine, Dec 2017
"Startlingly talented, performing luscious songs and tunes rooted in traditional music." Oxford Times, May 2016
“Your version of ‘The Unquiet Grave’ is the best take on this song that I've ever heard; quite magical and darkly beautiful”, Phil Widdows, Producer, FolkCast Radio, October 2013.
Live Show Testimonials
" Wow, your Winter Show was so good! We didn't know what to expect, but the linking of songs with the history of the material was very special - it worked beautifully." Rachel Marsden, Oxford, December 2024
"Our aim has been community outreach, and you very much helped this happen on Saturday. A really special evening - your music was so much appreciated by us all." Sue O'Farrell, Great Missenden, July 2024
"Our headline act on the Sunday, Moonrakers gave us a dazzling mix of lyrics, catchy music and an array of instruments. A really good end to the festival." Dianne Rockett, St Neots Festival, June 2024.
"Wonderful concert on Saturday, everyone said how much they enjoyed. It was refreshingly different to the usual musical evenings." Val Gristwood, Great Hampden, Bucks, May 2024
"My goodness, this was really special! Sold out concert, beautiful presentation and wonderful playing" Roger Wyncliffe, Buckingham Summer Festival, July 2023.
"The four of you create such a finely woven tapestry of sound. You've written some lovely new songs and tunes; this was your best concert yet." Robin Lipsey, Wolvercote, May 2023.
"Beautiful afternoon of songs and music. Thank you, Moonrakers!" Pamela Ansell, English Music festival, May 2023.
"With an audience of 98, the evening was a great success with many people praising the beautiful playing, singing and music selection", Friends of St Laurence, Warborough, November 2022.
"Absolutely everyone has said that they loved the music and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. We want you back next year!" Gill Smith, Lea, Wiltshire, September 2022.
" Fabulous lunchtime spot on the Main Stage at BunkFest! Excellent!" Stuart Wallace, BunkFest 2022, Wallingford, September 2022.
"Such a special evening at Waterperry Gardens - 250 people! Love the combination of cello, harp, guitar, and fine harmonies." Jim Gulliver, Waterperry, August 2022.
"Thank you so much for last night's concert. The audience went away buzzing!" Tony, Ellesborough, June 2022.
"Anne and I would like to thank you and Jacqui for another really enjoyable Moonrakers Folk Orchestra weekend. Such fun and we learn so much." Nigel Rea, Benslow Music, June 2022.
"Thank you so much for such a lovely weekend. It was a small oasis of peace and music and kindness, with a few chuckles along the way." Mick Atkin, Benslow Music, June 2022 .
"Thanks to you all for a great weekend at Halsway Manor. I have immediately booked again for next year!" Jacki Reason, Halsway Manor, May 2022
"Thank you so very much for an inspiring week with terrific music with Moonrakers Folk Orchestra. I loved it. Just the right level for me - plenty to tax the brain but not so hard I couldn’t participate." Sophie Miller, Halsway Manor, March 2022
" A wonderful multi-instrumental sound. Everyone went away really bubbling with enthusiasm. Come back again!" Ian Melrose, The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury, January 2022.
"The variety and professionalism of the evening hit exactly the right note. The WhatsApp and email airwaves here have been ringing with expressions of appreciation!" Wade Allison, Ludgershall, December 2021.
"Thank you so much for Saturday - it was so enjoyable and great to hear your new songs as well as more familiar tunes. All of you are so talented and professional, it was a real pleasure to host you here again." Clare Burgess, Duns Tew, October 2021
"What a comeback! After 18 months of COVID lockdown, the Waterperry amphitheatre was the ideal setting, with bird song above adding to the sublime music and vocals of Moonrakers. A capacity crowd of 270 enjoyed a most memorable and perfect evening." Jackie Richards, Waterperry Gardens, August 2021.
"An informal, entertaining and informative evening of excellent music from one of Oxford's finest bands", Oxford Times, January 2020.
"An evening of harmonious accomplishment, wit and wisdom with traditional songs and instrumental combinations tweaked and twerked to joyous effect" Daily Information, December 2019.
"If you haven't seen a concert by Moonrakers, you're in for a real treat...an absolute magical evening that will sweep you away on waves of pure joy. The evening ended too soon for me." Denise Hrouda, Wolvercote, September 2019
" A packed evening for you on the main stage, and many compliments from the audience. Excellent!" Jo Tuffs, Director, Broadstairs Folk Week, August 2019.
"Perfect afternoon, beautiful music from Moonrakers and supporting musicians" , Clumps Orchard Festival, May 2019
"A magical evening!", Lesley Williams, St James, Cowley, April 2019.
" For some of our audience this was the first time they'd been to a folk music show, and they came away bubbling with enthusiasm and asking for Moonrakers to return again soon", Andy Winter, Operations Manager, Holy Trinity Stratford, April 2019
"What a fantastic evening! 90 people came and saw this really fine Oxford-based band play some top quality music. Spellbinding interplay between the harp and cello, plus some great songs and a really lovely atmosphere created by the band. Thanks so much!" Henry Richardson, Restore, Oxford, Feb 2019.
"An evening of thought-provoking ideas, harmonious accomplishment, wit and wisdom..." Daily Information, Oxford July 2018
"Deliciously nuanced feast of Celtic splendour", Oxford Times, July 2018
"Great turnout and so well played by all of you. You have new fans!" Jenny Dobson, Burnham, Bucks, May 2018
"What a lovely evening! We had so many positive comments. Come back soon!" Eileen Stevens, Acton Turville, March 2018
"Moonrakers are an exceptionally talented combination" Readifolk folk club, Jan 2018
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Folk Orchestra & Ukulele Weekends Moonrakers run a series of Folk Orchestra and Ukulele & Singing residential weekends, plus day events every year - at Halsway Manor (Somerset), Benslow Music (Hertfordshire), Oxford, and several festivals. These are for players and singers of all standards and include tuition, multi-instrumental arrangements and the opportunity to perform and record the results. For more information, go to www.ukuleleoxford.com
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Jon's Intermediate to Advanced Ukulele online course is available here: www.udemy.com/course/intermediate-to-advanced-ukulele/
It has been independently rated by CourseMarks as being in the top 2% of online courses from a sample of almost 100,000. |
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