50p No. 88 Winter 2008/2009 - Devon Folk

Dan and Caroline Hollingshurst, who met while
studying music at Cardiff University, use violin,
ute or recorder and piano accompaniment to
play for folk dancers, The number of repeats and
playing time for each of the seventeen tracks
is clearly given, and the sleeve notes include
the notation for some previously unpublished
dances, including Hazel Moir’s White Wheat.
There’s plenty of variety to more than ll a dance
club evening, with reels and jigs for American
contras, Playford style dances include Parson’s
Farewell, Well Hall, Red House (the tune is a
minor version of Ty Coch Caerdydd), and Bouzer
Castle. The traditonal favourite, Morpeth Rant,,
with a second, less well-known version and John
Chapman’s ever popular Clopton Bridge, to the
tune of Swinging Safari (very effective, I might
add !) and a number of other modern composed
dances are also featured
While primarily intended for use for dancing, it’s
also enjoyable to listen to, though in this respect
Bouzer Castle, delightful tune as it us, tends
to pall by the 9th time through. (Interestingly,
Bouzer is believed to be the local pronunciation
of Bolsover, in Derbyshire). Instrumentally, I’m
particularly partial to the opening track, a set of
American reels, where the solid piano rhythm &
ddle melody is reminiscent of some of the best
of the New England bands.
If I were still using recorded music for calling, I’d
be very happy to have this CD in my collection.
But I’m not passing it on to another caller - it’s
good to play just by itself.
John Tarling
Colin Andrews
Calling
to recorded or live music
Beginners to experienced
Family dances a speciality
Up to one hour’s drive from Axminster
Tel. 01297 34804
‘Oggle
Band’
The Oggle Band’s concert repertoire
fuses traditional music with elements
of jazz, rock and world influences.
The five piece,
multi-instrumental line up
creates a rich and varied sound,
ranging from soft melodic numbers to
lively jigs, reels and other energetic
tunes and songs.
On the dance front, the band has
established a reputation as one of the
liveliest, most entertaining ceilidh
bands in the South West,
playing high energy music which
defies you to keep still!
The line up consists of:
Edward - guitar, whistle, saxophone
and clarinet
Garry - melodeon, percussion and
caller for the dancing
Rhys - melodeon, guitar
Keith - drums
Jo – fiddle
As well as playing regularly at
local venues, the band has performed
for ceilidhs and in concert
at various festivals
and for other events
beyond their North Devon home.
For bookings and further information
contact:
Garry Thompson 01271 865030
e-mail garry.thomp@btinternet.com
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