PAUL MARTIN (border bagpipes, english bagpipes, mandolin, whistle)
TRISH WINTER (wooden flute, whistle)
NIKKI WILLIAMSON (fiddle)
SIMON KEEGAN-PHIPPS (accordion and a range of budget instruments)
GED LAWSON (guitar)
Horseplay are based in County Durham in the north of England, and play music from their own regional tradition. Formed in 2003, they have quickly established a reputation as a highly original band who inject energy and excitement into Northumbrian music.
While their music has a very contemporary feel, Horseplay's sources include 18th and 19th century Northumbrian and border collections such as those of John Peacock (1800-1805), William Dixon (1733), William Vickers (1770) and Bruce & Stokoe (1882). In particular they draw on music from the distinctive border bagpipe tradition, which predates that of the more widely known Northumbrian Smallpipes. From a musical foundation in these powerful old tunes, and using a range of other materials - their own compositions, tunes picked up on their travels - Horseplay have built a unique sound.
This is uncompromising drone music powered by bagpipes, driven by rhythmic guitar and edgy fiddle with grungy accordion and the sweetness of the wooden flute, all played with drive, energy and precision. Quite simply, it sounds like nothing else.
The debut album Roughshod is now available direct from the band by clicking HERE. You don't need a paypal account to pay using your credit card. Just press the button!
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
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..?
Mercurius Company are presenting a celebration of Purcell's 350th Anniversary, in a fully staged performance of some of his most inspired music, including excerpts from operas and incidental works. With period instruments, costumes and dance.
This is a totally independently produced and funded. Let's show all that despite economic uncertainty, financial crisis and turmoil there are people who still dare to dream and produce something exciting and inspiring.
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.
Thanks for adding Rambles. NET to your friends' list!
Hey, if you would like your music to be considered for a feature on our site, be sure to send a couple of review CDs our way. (You can find the mailing address on our page.) We love to share music with our readers!
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.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace -
230 of 230, walkaboutsverse.741.com: AS GOSPELLERS HAVE SAID/CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith’s the star that we glance Attending Christ’s churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
Sorry for the wrong introduction of tunes. Is it "Pell Mell" that you play here? I looked at the "Branle" and it was not the tune I thought it was!!! Cheers...
Thanks for the add. I love your version of the Branle des Cheveaux here. Not the typical English Country Dance version played here in the States - but of course, it's your namesake...
Thanks for the add! Came upon your Myspace via browsing Thesession.org, so of course I felt impelled to make contact. And glad I did -- like your sound a lot. Best of luck in all your music-making!
Online Now!
