The Hundred Man Orchestra

Bio:

.... .. .. .. The Hundred Man Orchestra are a high-energy, exciting and talented new trio who have launched an unusual sound on flute (Kieran Szifiris), banjo (Dan Walsh) and bass (Jon Proud).Though an unlikely combination, the threesome were rapturously received during their debut performance at Towersey Festival last year not just for their entertainment and technical prowess, but also their surprisingly wide variety of influences including funk, jazz, folk, bossa nova and Arabic. The outstanding solos and rhythmic accompaniment compliment the excellent self-penned tunes on show. The result is a unique sound built around Szifiris' distinctive raw and breathy style, Proud's groovy bass lines and Walsh's unusual style of clawhammer banjo.

All Youtube clips filmed and uploaded by Simmo7ts.

Member Since:

January 23, 2008

Members:

KIERAN SZIFIRIS: FLUTE

The band was originally formed by Kieran Szifiris, one of the top young flautists on the folk scene who provides much of the tune playing and some memorable improvisation and rhythmic backing built around a distinctive breathy, percussive tone. Kieran has won many competitions and has had his music featured on the BBC series 'It's Not Easy Being Green' as well as performing at numerous festivals across Britain.

DAN WALSH: BANJO

Touted as a 'banjo virtuoso' Dan Walsh, has had many high accolades including that of Irish music legend Desi Wilkinson as a 'master of his instrument' and has been pronounced 'the best banjo player I've seen in Britain' by Hayseed Dixie's Don Wayne Reno. Dan provides some astonishing lead work which delves as much into funk and metal as the traditional bluegrass! Dan has also performed at various types of venues all over Britain, showing off his versatility on an instrument often confined only to American music. His main influences are folk, jazz, rock, blues, funk and various world musics.

JON PROUD: BASS

The trio is completed by bassist Jon Proud, an oustanding musician, mainly in funk and jazz, who provides a rock solid basis with a variety of bass grooves whilst allowing himself some opportunities to show his stunning ability in some memorable solos! Jon has performed in various bands and is a highly sought after session musician in the North East and beyond. The unusual rhythm partnership of banjo and bass is one of the most distinctive features of the trio.

Influences:

Folk, Funk, Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass, Rock, Metal, Arabic

Sounds Like:

earthy, groove based fusion.

Record Label:

Unsigned