John Bushby: vocals, guitar, bouzouki, whistles, Scottish Lowland pipes in A, Scottish Smallpipes in D,C,A , Northumbrain Smallpipes in G, Galician bagpipes in C (Gaitas), recorders, mandolin.
Caroline Bushby: vocals, celtic harp, whistles.
Influences
Since we were very young we have always had a love of Scottish music. Not surprising considering our ancestry.
John remembers as a kid singing songs of Robbie Burns. Back in those days about all you could get on record was Kenneth McKellar, Andy Stewart ( Donald where's your Troosers) and the odd pipe band recording. So that's what we listened to! Sorry to admit that. What else could you do. Hey, shows our age doesn't it!
We both tried to follow the classicl music route but our taste were too eclectic to stick to this. Nothing wrong with good rock 'n' roll either!
We then got to hear of groups like the Dubliners and The Clancy Bros. In about 1973 we got to hear of bands like Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Incredible String Band and the like. By 1974 things took a another turn. We heard Planxty and from then on hooked on Irish music. Then we started deleving deeper and discovered more and more great bands and singers like 5 Hand Reel, Dick Gaughan, Whistlebinkies and and from Northumberland, The High Level Ranters. The celtic/folk juggernaut was rolling.
We must even confess to all the folkies that we did and still do have a soft spot for a bit of good country music.
Still enjoy classical and not adverse to a good smattering of Early Musik.
From then on we have spread our musical catchment to the world of piping, Gaelic song, celtic harp etc.
I suppose some of our more recent influences have been those bands and people listed below. Where do you start? There are just so many great acts out there and more springing up.
Just recently become influenced by the music from Galicia and Asturia. Great music there.
So here is a bit of a list of a few of our current favourites:
Andy M Stewart, Dougie McLean, Ishbell McAskill, Catherine-Anne McPhee, Hamish Moore, Matt Seattle, Planxty, Felpeyu, Steeleye Span, Capercaillie, MacTalla, Rankin Family, Sarah and Rita Rankin, Silly Wizard, Kris Drever, Ivan Drever, Duncan Chisholm, Runrig, Jez Lowe, Sean Keane, Colin Buchanan, Danu, Julie Fowlis, Nic Jones, Dave Burland, Kathryn Tickell and the list goes on and on and on and on and on.......
Sounds Like
We have a unique and original sound with our blend of instruments and voices. Some of our music has been said to have an "Early Music" feel.
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Originally from Tasmania, Australia, we now live in Northumberland, UK after arriving here late in 2005. Yes, I know most people go the other way! We were at the forefront of the Tasmanian and Australian folk scene for many years as both performers and concert promoters. We are slowly but surely getting into the music scene here.
Read all about us and more in our Blog.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
Nice gig at the Bridge on Monday. We enjoyed it. Brian ( band's accordionist) bought your 'Borderlands' C.D. and we are very impressed with it. The trouble is....I want an Irish bouzouki now! I want one, I want one. Hope to see you again soon. Trev (of 'Few Broth')
I have had a lovely morning listening to your new CD - I love it
The singing and musicianship are wonderful. I don't know anything about the technical bits, but the production sounds magic to me. Lovely choice of material. I have just got to the last track, and the hallelujahs make me think I am in heaven
Absolutely stunning set at t'Side Cafe last night!! What a vast array of individual and collective talents on offer..... Mmmmm! (But less of the 'mean Scot within you' cracks, John - tho' it is certainly cost effective and incredibly canny of you to have made such a variety of beautiful - both in sound and visually - instruments. Hey, the Scots are the most generous (in heart, love, friendship or money) set of folks that I personally have come across..... I'm glad you admitted the early musical influence there - I remember learning 'Donald where's your troosers?!' at primary school, would you believe, along with many other wonderful traditional Scottish songs. I just may request that, next time I have the pleasure of getting along to one of your gigs!
Hi It was lovely to see you (and indeed to hear you) again. Thanks for your beautiful performance on the open stage. Hope you get booked next year. Will you be at Bromyard...we think that will be our next? Amanda x
(Just enjoyed your music again - first time was at The Cumberland singaround - and, yes, John really is a MULTI-instrumentalist!)
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace -
2 of 230, walkaboutsverse.741.com: WALKABOUT WITH MY PEN
Once drove an old sedan, up north, From a place in Sydney to Cairns; Then to Kuranda I went forth, By train, to look without set plans.
I browsed through the trendy market, With fresh fruits of tropical kind; Walked to the creek through lush thicket - Nature’s hand giving peace of mind.
I dined in a scenic cafe; Then, outside, as I wrote for yen, Some passing Kooris called-out: “Hey, You go walkabout with your pen.”
Request or question, I don’t know - Assured voices, elderly men. That’s now several years ago, And I’ve seen the world - with my pen.
thanks for adding me to your page! My wife and I saw your recent gig at the Wylam Institute, arriving late, but in good time to see your full performance. Just wanted to say you were fantastic! We really enjoyed it, and will definitely be in your next audience. Hope we don't have to wait too long!
Hi, thanks, it was great to meet you at Towersey. Several people have gone on to be booked at Towersey following the open stage, including me and Eddy! So good luck, you can do it! We hope to see you before then, we need the action sorted on our bazouki so we will be contacting you.
Hi there John and Caroline
Welcome to Myspace. Hope to see you in the not too distant future. I'm still practising on the whistles you made me and the cats are still here, so I can't be doing too badly!!
x Nic
