Noeleen Ryan-Smith

Guitar, vocals, bodhran, whistles

Born in Plymouth of Irish parents, folk music is in Noeleen's blood and she learned her first songs at the knee of her accordion playing father. She started her musical career learning the recorder at the age of seven, which naturally progressed later to the whistle. She has played the guitar from the age of eight and also learned viola, but did not discover her singing voice until sixteen, initially singing in a church youth group. After years of singing in musicals and cabaret shows, both solo and in duos, she rediscovered her folk roots when Bob Smith asked her to join 'The Highly Strung Band', the forerunner of Murphy's Lore. She soon added the bodhran to her range of instruments and more recently has even been known to step in as caller if the need arises. Noeleen finds playing music is much needed stress relief from her day job of secondary school teaching!

Alex Smith

Bass guitar, guitar, vocals

Brought up on a feast of folk music from an early age as Dad played in the local ceilidh band 'The Old Pull and Push', he broke with tradition during his rebellious teenage years and moved to the dark side of electronic music. He began experimenting on keyboards and then guitar, and found himself playing with local band Small Time,Big Time. They had a near brush with minor stardom, most notably with an appearance (badly) at The Mean Fiddler and with more success at The Rock Gardens (twice). Well that's how he remembers it!

He was invited to play guitar by his Dad, Bob Smith in 'The Highly Strung Band' and is now a firm 'born again folky' although he still has a soft spot for eighties electronica and indie music. He gained some training in music whilst learning violin at an early age, but his guitar and keyboard techniques are mainly self-taught (he did a good version of Gary Numan's 'Down in the Park'!).

Gill Collins

Sonic Fiddle

Gill has been playing the fiddle since she was 13, also learning piano and the clarinet. Her mother was a singer and piano teacher and both Grandfathers had played the violin. It was all too easy to pick one up one day and she took to it straight away. In 2004, she heard about an Irish music session in a local pub, turned up one night and hasn't looked back since. "There are an endless supply of tunes, the audience can't sit still when they hear the music played and I get to play standing up for the first time!" she says.

We were made aware of Gill by our good friend Titch of 'Black Sheep' fame, she initially 'depped' with us, but is now our regular fiddle player. Her enthusiasm is boundless!!

Richard Wirdnam

Accordion

Venerable and wise accordion and keyboard player. Over the years he has been involved with many local dance and folk bands most notably 'Diggory Venn'. Richard is also a prolific composer of original and excellent tunes which reflect his diverse interests and influences, ranging from English Morris, through Celtic to East European Klezmer for which he has particular love. His original composition 'Estampie' which has a Breton feel has become one of our favourite ways to end the night. Also known to sing a song or two when in the mood (most weeks) and has a penchant for corny old jokes!! Always seen with a smile on his face.

Julian Gurr

Our regular caller, Bodhran

Julian bought his first mandolin in 1989 before a six-month trip to India, simply because he thought it would be lighter and take up less space than his guitar (he was right!) Little did he realise that this was the first step along a completely new musical path. His love of traditional music extends to the dancing for which much of it is intended, and he is our most regular caller. It also led him to form the duo "Four Hand Reel" with Andy Stone. Also, Julian has in the past written about Celtic music for Folk on Tap, The Living Tradition, and Irish Music Magazine. He is currently finishing studies for an M.A.

This our usual line up, although we have a collection of friends who can help out if the need arises.

Mike

Accordion

Fine Irish Accordion player with a very unique style, covers for Richard and West Dorset gigs. Also possibly the 'coolest' guy in West Dorset? Certainly Weymouth anyway!

Peter

Accordion and Keyboards

A quirky, talented box player. Has a vast knowledge of all things, especially music and PA - Just don't get him started! Covers for Richard and gigs nearer Southampton.

Caroline

Whistles, Bodhran and Vocals

An excellent Bodhran (taught by no less than Stefan Hannigan) and Whistle player, also provides Vocals singing traditional, contemporary and original songs.

Bob

Banjo, Mandolin and also provides some songs

Available as cover for band members or instead of a caller if a 'music and song' night is your preference. Silver haired stalwart of the local Folk scene for many years, also available for Banjo and Mandolin lessons!

We also know lots of callers,including the magnificent Gary Nunn, the fabulous Lisa Purkiss, the very talented Lynden (great with kids) and others, so if Julian is already booked due his immense popularity or commitments with his duo then we can always organise someone to help you through the dances. If necessary Noeleen can step into the callers shoes.

Ceol agus craic!