Ceilidhography

Super funked-up celildh band from the West Midlands, high energy & great musicianship makes them the perfect act for your event

Originally formed by a couple of ex-Morris dancers from the Ironmen and Severn Gilders, Ceilidhography have been playing English ceilidh for 8 years. Ceilidhography's current line-up of melodeon, fiddle, lead and rhythm guitars, bass guitar and drums, along with a core of great musicianship and rock-solid ensemble playing has made them popular with festival audiences and promoters across the country.

They are firmly based in the English tradition and are hugely danceable. Their influences range from the rocked-up sounds of Oysterband and Peeping Tom through to the intricate playing of Kathryn Tickell and Brian Finnegan, via a huge range of popular styles including jazz, rock, and world music. The band deliver wide variety through their repertoire, whilst always returning to the very danceable styles they first played for Northwest and Border Morris.

Ceilidhography’s unique, rocky, funked-up folk has secured them a loyal following across the UK & theyalso building a reputation on the continent.    

 

The Band:

Simon Bannister – melodeon                                      Emily Sanders – fiddle

Matthew Keegan-Phillips – sax/recorder                 Josh Smallbone – Electric Guitar

Matt Pearson – Bass                                                     Gerry Bailey – Guitar

Jacob Wheeler - Drums                                                Caller

We work with the best callers on the ceilidh circuit. They are all experienced in explaining dances to all ages & abilities; the crowd will soon be on their feet & swinging through sets, whether they are experienced dancers, complete novices or anywhere in between!

Technical:  Ceilidhography tour with their own PA & engineer.

Stage Size: 18 x 14 x 3ft is ideal (end on). If there is no stage the band can perform on the flat floor with a drum riser.

Dance Floor: The dance floor needs to be an adequate size to dance ceilidhs on. One set (8 – 16 people) needs 3m x 4m; generally you’d expect at least 4 sets to dance at one time (6m x 8m dance floor)

Show Selling Points:

·       Suitable for all, adults & families, a real community event.

·       No experience needed – all dances are taught step by step by our experienced callers.

·       No partner needed – dances are usually for couples in sets rather than couples alone, and partners are often changed throughout the dance, giving the opportunity to mix with lots of people!

·       The band & the music are steeped in the tradition of the English Midlands.

·       A different & surprising night out, always enjoyable. Interactive – but not in a scary way!

·       Talented musicians – Matt KP (sax) is working with International Morris collaboration Must Come Down. Simon (melodeon) has played alongside the best in the industry, including John Spiers (Bellowhead) and Simon Care, whilst Matt (bass) also plays tuba in an award-winning Brass Band. Emily (fiddle) comes to us from powerful folk trio Isambarde and is also collaborating with Chris Sherburn (Last Night’s Fun).

·        Fun and energetic, ceilidh dancing gets those endorphins flowing

• Ceilidhography are a visually exciting band, great to watch  – as is the dancing!

 

A great band with an excellent sound and a personality to match" - Phil Bassindale, caller.

"I saw Ceilidhography for the first time at Bromyard Festival 2009, where they were kicking up a veritable storm. Great band" - Simon Care, musician.

"A smashing band still in touch with its roots, a rare skill which produces an even rarer sound, one not to be missed" - Mike Rust, festival organiser.