Drumming Up Hope is an annual music event that takes place in Essex, UK and features some of the best fresh, new, independent and unsigned talent as well as a sprinkling of well known, well loved artists! The Drumming Up Hope Festival was established in memory of drummer Michael Bettell who in September 2003, died aged only 41of a brain tumour. ALL profits from this recording go to the oncology ward at the hospital where he was cared for. This year sees performances from some 40+ artists during the two day event and many of these artists are featured on this release. Including acts such as Jane (one of the UK’s highest selling independent artists) , Maria Nayler (who enjoyed chart success with Robert Miles with the single ‘One and One’), singer songwriters Phil Burdett and Vince Freeman, old favourites Eddie and The Hot Rods and Celtic folk rockers The Marshmen plus many others - this album is a great opportunity to sample a selection of some of the best new writers and singers around … From wistful ballad s and indie pop to get up and groove dance numbers, there’s something to appeal to everyone on this taster of exciting new music … When you buy this album, not only will you discover some great, raw,unmanufactured artists but you’ll be supporting a very worthy charity too! MICHAEL BETTELL & FRIENDS • Hope (instrumental - the last piece Michael wrote before his death) JANE • Never To Blame (Dido/Norah Jones style) STEVE McLEAN • Always (Big chorus, upbeat pop) MARK CUNNINGHAM • Beautiful Thing (feelgood, singalong - a la Stevie Wonder) MARIA NAYLER & THE TASTE EXPERIENCE • You (wistful, fragile ballad) JEWELS • Beach (dance along rock/pop) DOOBIESNAX • Don’t Wanna Grow Old (reminiscent of Squeeze , pop) FICTION • Pop Song (female fronted, indie pop at it’s best) VINCE FREEMAN • Brooklyn Bridge (gorgeous, sensitive song - of Damien Rice, David Gray genre) DAVE MASCALL • Mean To Me (toe tapping, blues ) OLLIE WINIBERG-BETTELL • Commercial Suicide (Prog’ rock style track composed and performed by Michael’s 14 year old son ) EDDIE & THE HOT RODS • Better Without You (Rolling Stones-esque rocking!) THE MARSHMEN • Feelin’ Low (Celtic rock) FRANCESCA BERLIN • Stronger (wonderful, power pop from this 16 year old songstress) PHIL BURDETT • Sophia (heartbreaking, acoustic poignancy) WINIBERG • Be My Star (80’s style rock- big guitar and chorus) STUD 100 • You Should’ve Listened To Your Mother (funky Motown-ish, upbeat groove) JOSH WINIBERG • From Nothing (Breathtaking, solo piano composed and performed by Michael’s stepson Josh - similar to Ludovico Einaudi / Michael Nyman) For full credits, artist profiles and further information about this event, please visit http://www.drumminguphope.com/