After 12 years working as a trio followed by a four piece, Pennyless are now back to the original duo of Penny Stevens and Les Woods, based in South Lincolnshire at the borders of Cambs, Northants, Leics and Rutland.
Theirs is a special sound that is distinctly English cooking up lively, quirky and downright mystical songs from folklore, medieval history and their own musical minds.
Troubadours on fiddle and guitar, the instrumental arrangements are irresistibly fiery and melodically golden, with warm harmony vocals.
Working alongside the original material Pennyless throws in occasional roof-raisers from Irish, European and American roots tradition, and promises a distinctive performance of character, humour and variety.
As with most creative musicians, influences are diverse, from Incredible String Band, Pentangle, Steeleye Span, Donovan, Jethro Tull, David Bowie, Syd Barrett, and the realms of English folklore, poetry, history and legend. “Pennyless..trips and shimmers in the shadow of Pentangle..flute and fiddle threading like sunlight through long grass” R2 Rock and Reel magazine 2014
“a psych-folk tradadelia gem” fRoots magazine, Oct 2012
“Pennyless.. where real ale meets mushroom tea” R2 Rock n Reel magazine Nov 2012
“folk rock with pep and zest” Music maker magazine Nov 2012
“This hard working and ever-popular fixture of the East English live folk music scene offer their fifth album, In the Park in six years. Pleasingly tight in it’s delivery, their accomplished musicianship carries forth delightfully intricate arrangements that ebb and flow beautifully.” Shindig magazine March 2017