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Traditional dance music runs in Neil's family. His Grandfather and Mother were
both fine clog dancers, and his Uncle Sam Steele collected valuable recordings
of East Anglian musicians in the early 1960s, now on the Veteran CD 'Heel and
Toe'. He learned to play fiddle and flute with the Irish communities of Manchester
and Crewe, before turning his attention to the dance music of England. He has
been a lifelong folk club performer, Morris dancer, and band musician, though
his interests in music are wide ranging. His first album Crosspatch (limited
release on CD-R) explored the potential of traditional tunes using modern arrangements.
Over the last 5 years he has worked with and continues to tour with Cheshire
singer, Roy Clinging. Their CD 'Another Round' is available from Wildgoose Records,
or direct from the artists. He has a passion for English dance music, and has
amassed a huge repertoire of tunes, including many from his native North West.
His latest Wildgoose recording, with Tony Weatherall (from the Boat Band) is
'The Whitchurch Hornpipe' and features 26 dance tunes collected from recently
discovered 19th century manuscripts from North Shropshire.
He can also occasionally be spotted playing fiddle for Kinnerton Morris, calling
and fiddling for Hobnail Roots, or playing in regular English tune sessions
in Nantwich.
CD REVIEWS: THE WHITCHURCH HORNPIPE - Featured on fROOTS magazine playlist
(August/September issue)
...a model of the way that English dance music should be played.
Vic Smith, fROOTS
...an excellent and unusual collection of tunes, which should have anyone
interested in English dance music hastily acquiring a copy.
Paul Burgess, Shreds & Patches
The Whitchurch Hornpipe is very welcome as both a source recording and a relaxing
hour of regional music.
Alex Monaghan, FolkWorld EU
...the playing is as spirited as you could wish....the music is a joy.
Greg Stevens, Musical Traditions Internet Magazine.
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