Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer have been carving out a reputation for delivering innovative new slants on traditional tunes, fascinating originals and songs in festivals and folk clubs around the country.
Vickis unique style of playing the Scottish Smallpipes; that is at once spell-bindingly beautiful and haunting is perfectly complimented by Jonnys driving guitar playing.
On stage the two create a performance that is skilled, funny and never dull!
Vicki and Jonnys strong educational background makes their workshops as powerful for a festival event as their performances.
About Vicki (Scottish Smallpipes, flute, voice, nyckelharpa)
Vicki's musical tradition comes from both Scotland and Sweden. Following in her Scottish father's footsteps Vicki is a second generation piper, and from her Swedish mother she plays the nyckelharpa and translates Swedish ballads and is reading Harry Potter in Swedish.
Having begun the music ladder at the age of five, Vicki went on to study the double bass at the Royal College of Music, becoming the principal double bass and winning the solo double bass competition. Alongside of this Vicki has performed solo concertos' with many different orchestra's.
Vicki has studied under all the best pipers including Hamish Moore, Davie Taylor and Gary West, taking the most radical and inovative techniques from each.
About Jonny (Guitar, accordion, vocal)
Composer and competition-winning guitar player; Jonnys outstanding technical ability, coupled with a wide-ranging musical taste has made him a tireless and forceful musical innovator.
Thanks for being our friend...
We've moved, too - now upsatirs at Albert & Pearl, 118 Upper
Street, Islington (opposite the Town Hall). December SoftlySoftly is on
THURSDAY 3rd ..hen from January, it's every first and third
Wednesday of each month...
See you there I hope x
Lovely sounds, guys! 'Trooper and the Maid' was a pleasant surprise - didn't recognise the title but it was just an old friend in disguise... that's what makes folk songs fun
Hello you two ! Thank you so much for the friendship - we both love your music and I do hope to get a chance to see you live again soon - hopefully in much better condition than I was in Stainby ... Yes, we may just meet again at one of the many lovely festivals on our little great island - you are marvellous musicians ...and the things you do with your voice, Vicki .... truly amazing !!!
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..?
You guys were amazing on the last night at Bideford, powerful, funny and moving. Hopefully bump into you again sometime soonish all the best Si and Rosalind x
Fantastic music, very much enjoyed seeing you guys at Bideford, haven't stopped listening to your CD since I got back. Hopefully see you playing at Swanage in a few weeks.
Enjoyed your Sidmouth sets and was good to see you supporting George Papavgeris, another favourite performer. Jonny's jokey put downs kept the sets upbeat and the music was superb as always.
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After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 2 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): 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.
Many thanks for your recent Sunday afternoon session in Grays - you made many new friends, including "non-folkies" drawn in from the main bar. You're sounding really sharp for the festival season - wish you every success. I'd recommend latest cd to any casual browsers of your Comments section. Love from all at FaB Club, Grays.
Hi guys, What a great set at Hedingham last night. As predicted, my mum and dad absolutely loved it too and we're all loving the cd. There's just so much love in this house! Lia
Click link above to listen to samples and order - $9.95 + s&h
Tampa Taiko is a professional drumming duo that has performed their unique style for a vast array of audiences, performing at festivals, concert halls, schools, workshops, summer camps, corporate and VIP events. Using a collection of taiko drums made by themselves from discarded wine barrels, Tampa Taiko has developed a dynamic fusion of old and new styles of drumming, bringing a contemporary vibrance to an ancient martial artform.
Hi Vicky and John great to meet you a couple of weeks ago.Thanks for your nice message. I hope to build up a reputation on the folk circuit so if you have any advice I would love to hear it. great to meet you and I hope to see you again sometime. Love to take you guys for a drink and a meal.All the best Stew
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