Third Ear Band

The Third Ear Band is a British experimental rock and folk cross-culture band that emerged from the 1960's London underground scene. Originally formed by members of two bands, they started as a psychedelic rock and jazz group before evolving into an all acoustic ensemble. Their unique sound combines medieval influences with Eastern ethnic elements, creating a genre of instrumental music that is both avant-garde and aesthetically "rock". They gained recognition for their soundtrack to Roman Polanski's "Macbeth" and continued to evolve through the 1970s and beyond, recording several albums.

Unquestionably the strangest band on the Harvest label, the Third Ear Band has been enthusiastically championed by DJ John Peel. Their music showcases a fusion of genres, blending traditional instruments such as hand drums, violin/viola, oboe/recorder, and cello. Despite facing challenges such as stolen equipment early in their career, they persevered and reformed multiple times over the years.

In the 1980s, after reforming for a special one-off performance at an Italian festival, a new incarnation of the Third Ear Band was born. This lineup went on to record several more albums than the original band did during its existence. With their rich history of live appearances and radio sessions documenting their evolution throughout different decades, this influential band continues to captivate listeners with their innovative approach to music.