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I cannot list all the acts I know nor do them justice in one paragraph, but to give you some idea of the range, here are just
a few in random order:
PIAFFINITEE are Djamila, a wonderful singer from France superbly accompanied on accordion by Basil Bunelik. They perform
Edith Piaf songs interspersed with musette accordion solos. Ideal for Arts Festivals, Twinning Associations, & cabaret.
TONY ORESHKO & Dave Lunnis perform Gypsy Jazz style standards with accomplishment gained through years of playing in
Jazz venues all over the country and in Europe.
SIGNS OF LIFE are an eclectic band comprising fiddle, accordion, guitar and vocals serving a refreshing salad of Gypsy,
Celtic, Cajun and klezmer music, ideal for parties, ceilidhs etc
MERLIN SHEPHERD is Britain's top klezmer clarinettist, who reaches into the soul of his music and lays it in front of
mesmerised audiences all over the world. He gives concerts with his trio at festivals and arts centres and loves doing weddings
and workshops with accordionists including yours truly.
JOHN HOLDEN is a world class balalaika player now living in Cornwall after a career touring the major venues of the world
with several Russian/Cossack dance and music ensembles. The enchanting sound of the balaika is ideal for Russian themed events.
SWERVEY WORLD are in a class of their own with their witty interpretations of Jazz and Film classics played on Sax, Guitar,Bass
and Side drum. Humourous vocals and plenty of kazoo. Great fun for parties, Colleges, Festivals and street events.
SEVEN STARS CEILIDH BAND features the aforementioned Phil Bertoud plus Mike Vickery on mandolin and spoons, Kip Pratt,
caller and fiddle, and Les Thompson on accordion.
THE JEWS BROTHERS are a five piece band from New Zealand who I heard at the Soho Festival on their way to Womad this year.
I was knocked out by their musicanship and originality. Their music owes more to Jazz than Jews but would suit a wide variety
of festivals.
OI VA VOI are another band drawing on jewish themes, but this time in a totally contemporary mode, fusing Hip Hop, East
European motifs and the energy of youth. Book them for your fashion-conscious college events.
CHRIS GLASSFIELD is a well respected guitarist and composer. If you can get him away from his busy recording schedule
he performs at classy events solo or with flautist Suki Wray
HOWARD JONES is a local (SW) singer/guitarist working in good hotels and bars, with a comprehensive repertoire and a professional
presentation.
ROBERT MANDEL is far from local, I met him in Budapest and he is an authority on Hurdy-Gurdy and early music in Central
Europe. He gives fascinating, informative concerts world-wide either solo or with the Robert Mandel Quartet. Ideal for Early
Music festivals, hurdy-gurdy workshops and music colleges.
A TICKLE IN THE HEART One of my favourite klezmer trios, they are from Germany and feature double bass & guitar providing
a very tight rhythm section with clarinet and some vocals going straight to the heart. Very popular in Germany they can visit
for short tours here at reasonable cost.
JOEY THE LIPS the South Wests top soul band. For a spectacular memorable occasion, book this hot ten piece band - air
conditioning recommended.
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