Neil

FEATURED SONG

Album:

Released: 1 Jan 2007

Label:

Genre: Experimental / Folk / Other
Location Preston, UK
Profile Views: 18693
Last Login: 05/12/2009
Member Since 17/05/2006
Website www.hurdy-gurdy.org.uk
Record Label TDF
Bio
Still making and playing hurdy-gurdy. After 30 years, I'm starting to get the hang of it ! .. .. ..MyGen.. ..Profile Generator.. ..
Members
Usually solo hurdy-gurdy but occasionally as a duo with Tom Walsh on button accordian
Influences
Back in the 80s, there were few hurdy-gurdy oriented bands around and the main influence was the traditional French group La Chavanee which is still a highly respected group. Blowzabella and Rosbif were also inspirational back then. In later years, many French bands have brought the music of the hurdy-gurdy up to date, notably "Tapage" and the music of Gilles Chabenat, Maxou Heintzen, Patrick Bouffard,Philippe Besson,Philippe Prieur and many others.
Sounds Like
The hurdy-gurdy has its own distinctive sound. The drones work with the melody to give a constantly changing harmony which works well in many musical genres. The mainstream repertoire of the instrument in modern times is French traditional dance music where it is often played with the French bagpipe and melodeon. I have been playing some Irish trad. tunes lately which also work well.