Boys of the Lough

Boys of the Lough have always had a strong Scottish and Shetland element, mixed with Irish, English and other international influences. In their illustrious 40 year history, they have travelled all over the world, taking their music and song to huge audiences. Over that time they have evolved, never afraid to incorporate new strands in their work.

The Shetland fiddle tradition is upheld by Kevin Henderson, who has been playing with the band since 2002. He came to the fiddle at nine years of age, and went on to receive tuition from the near-legendary Willie Hunter. Kevin also plays with Shetland band, Fiddlers Bid; with fiddle-based band, Session A9; and - reflecting the fact that he now lives in Norway - with The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc.

Malcolm Stitt is originally from An Gearasdan (Fort William), where his father had a ceilidh band. Malcolm was appointed as a Pipe Major at the age of 14, but is now better known for playing the guitar and bouzouki. He's been instrumental in founding and performing with a number of bands, as well as recording them. His first visit to the Island was as a member of Keep It Up, and he has performed at Yn Chruinnaght with Deaf Shepherd and the Chris Stout Trio. Now resident in Ramsey, Malcolm has brought his musicianship and expertise to collaborations with a number of Manx musicians, including harper Erika Kelly, with whom he performed at Yn Chruinnaght last year.

For information about Cathal McConnell and Brendan Begley, see the entry for Ireland!

Click here for the Boys of the Lough website

Duo Vincendeau/Felder

Two superb Breton musicians, Stevan Vincendeau and Thomas Felder have come together to play an exciting blend of Breton traditional music and their own compositions, all strikingly arranged for Stevan's accordion and Thomas' fiddle.

Stevan is originally from the Bro Wen, 'the white country' of salt marshes in the south of Brittany, from the beautiful walled town of Guerande. Thomas is from the area round the Breton capital of Rennes. They first came together when playing for festou noz almost 10 years ago. Since then, they have become very popular as performers, not only for dancing, but also in concert. They have also recorded an album, Samajhima.

Click here for Duo Vincendeau/Felder's MySpace page

9Bach

9Bach provide a fresh twist to traditional Welsh folk songs, with idiosyncratic arrangements accompanying the haunting voice of Lisa Jen Brown. She founded 9Bach with Martin Hoyland (guitar) about seven years ago, and the band have become recognised for arrangements which bring colour and life to the stories and make them accessible to a contemporary audience.

In addition to their vocal harmonies, 9Bach use harp, harmonium and cello with drums, bass, guitar and keyboards. Joining Lisa Jen and Martin are Esyllt Glyn Jones on harp, Ali Byworth on drums and Dan Swain on bass guitar.

Their name is a bilingual pun. Rather than 'naw', the Welsh for the number nine, the number should be pronounced as the English 'nine'. That sound is the same as the Welsh 'nain', which means 'grandmother'.

Click here for 9Bach's website

Click here for 9Bach's myspace webpage

Boys of the Lough

Boys of the Lough have always had a strong Irish element, mixed with Scottish, Shetland, English and other international influences. In their illustrious 40 year history, they have travelled all over the world, taking their music and song to huge audiences. Over that time they have evolved, never afraid to incorporate new strands in their work.

Cathal McConnell is a founder member of Boys of the Lough. He is originally from County Fermanagh. In addition to his All-Ireland championship-winning flute and whistle playing, Cathal is well-known for his fantastic fund of songs, ranging from serious big ballads to humorous ditties. His introductions, even to the serious pieces, are noted for their wit, as Cathal is quite the raconteur. He has been honoured as Traditional Musician of the Year at the Willy Clancy Summer School, and was awarded a Gradam Ceoil music award for his singing in an event televised by TG4.

Brendan Begley has been playing with Boys of the Lough since 1997. He is from a musical family in Coirce Dhuibhne, the Gaeltacht area of the Dingle peninsula (An Daingean) in west Kerry. Brendan was responsible for setting up an opportunity for people to learn more about traditional music with the Scoil Cheoil an Earraigh (Scoill Chiaullee yn Arree) which is held in Ballyferriter every February. In addition to playing his button accordion, Brendan is a fine singer of songs in Irish.

For information about Kevin Henderson and Malcolm Stitt, see the entry for Scotland!

Click here for the Boys of the Lough website.

Leski

Leski is a Cornish trio which combines the guitar playing and vocals of Steve Hunt, the fiddle playing and vocals of Richard Trethewey, and the distinctive hammered dulcimer playing of Kerensa. This is a welcome return visit by Leski, whose performances were so much enjoyed in 2009. The hammered dulcimer in particular intrigued many people, with its bright sound. Kerensa had tuition from leading players including American musician Jim Couza. She played as a professional musician 'up country' for some time before moving back to her native Truro.

In addition to bands in Cornwall, Richard Trethewey has performed with bands and as a soloist in the Newcastle area, where he studied for the traditional music degree. In addition to traditional material, Richard also writes and performs his own songs and tunes, some of which he has recorded on his 'Dig Where You Stand' album.

Steve Hunt has played with a number of leading Cornish bands including visitors to Yn Chruinnaght, Dalla. He's originally from the Island, but his family moved away, and he ended up in Cornwall. He's accompanied by his wife Carmen, who'll once again be leading some Cornish dancing for us at Yn Chruinnaght.

Click here for Leski's myspace webpage

Click here for Richard Trethewey's website

Click here for Steve Hunt's myspace webpage