The Hunch

Event information

The Hunch are a band that are hard to pin down to a particular genre, but what you definitely do
get is the sound that you will instantly recognise as The Hunch sound, no matter what they are
playing whether its Folk, Irish tunes, Americana, Pop classics, Spanish and even Jazz!
The band have known each other for many years and have always wanted to get together to throw
all their influences into the mix and see what came about, and as Michael said ‘I have a Hunch it
will work!’.
The band have now expanded to a 5-piece following the addition of Cajon player Marcus Frost
(who singlehandedly lowers the average age of the band significantly!) and adds another
dimension to that of the original members:
Michael Doonan: founder member of the 70’s folk innovators Hedgehog Pie and part of the North
East dynasty – The Doonans, well known on the international folk circuit for many years. Some
know him better as ‘John’s son, Rosie’s Dad! Michael provides lead vocals and with soaring
Uilleann Pipes and various flutes adds to many of The Hunch tracks – who knew pipes could
replace the Fender Strat! As a Tenor Sax player and vocalist he was also part of the very
successful soul band ‘The Solicitors’.
Bob Thomas: Also a well known part of the folk circuit having great success with ‘Kitsyke Will’,
Bob has also had successful partnerships with Michael and Jon Burge and Jed Grimes. Having a
background originally from soul music he brings another dimension with his more soul and rock
influenced lead vocals and harmonica along with bodhran. Bob was also for many years the vocal
force behind The Solicitors with Michael and Tony.
Tony Bacon: Began performing life as an accordion player in the ceilidh band ‘The Shroggs’ at the
age of 14 - after Michael had asked his Dad’s permission! Tony also spent some time with Chris
busking around the streets of York and Wakefield before taking the sensible route (some say) into
university, studying music and recording. On leaving he spent some time as a sound engineer
before eventually bringing the keyboards and vocals to The Hunch via ‘The Solicitors’.
Chris Hanks: Following early years busking with Tony and playing with local blues bands, Chris
has spent many a year honing his guitar skills on the road busking around Europe before settling
in Spain for many years. Now back in the UK along with his Spanish influences Chris also brings
with him a more jazzy inflection to The Hunch sound along with his vocals. Chris also continues
to play with ‘The Tony Foster Band’.
Marcus Frost: The new boy – brings youth, a mean cajon and a voice to make you swoon – much
to the annoyance of the rest of the band he can silence an audience with his version of Snow
Patrols ‘Chasing Cars’! Having played with Chris in the past he was an obvious addition bringing
the driving beat and other vocal influences to expand The Hunch repertoire.
The Hunch never fail to entertain both with their eclectic mix of original and cover versions of
songs and tunes, but their on-stage humour and rapport and musical connection means you will
get a night to remember!