Feast Of Fiddles

The brainchild of Hugh Crabtree , THE FEAST OF FIDDLES consists of a whole bunch of the best fiddle players in the country playing with a rock based backing band.

This merry band of folk and folk rock superstars have been together in varying formats for nine years and only play once a year in the early spring. This year the band (in alphabetical order) consists of....

Garry Blakeley - Garry's dynamic fiddle playing is held in high regard by the likes of Peter Knight of Steeleye Span and Barry Dransfield. A founder member of the group Four Poster Bed, Garry was also a member of The Mariners, a founder member of the internationally known group Brian Boru, the successful Celtic group Spitzkarine, folk-rock band Better Days, (who toured with Steeleye Span), and also the duo Rogues in Rosin (who also toured with Steeleye on two occasions as well as supporting Christy Moore). Since 1993, Garry has been playing professionally with Pete Fyfe in the popular duo Band Of Two. 1995 saw Garry playing in the Celtic fusion band, The Tabs. Other musical experiences include working with Jackie McAuley of Poor Mouth, Doug Scarratt of Saxon and ex-"Neighbours" star (!) Craig McLachlan!

Joe Broughton - although a classically trained violin player, Joe's style owes much more to folk, jazz and blues. Joe studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire where he now teaches Folk Music. Between 1987 and 1992 Joe worked in circuses, which explains why Joe has as been known to play fiddle on stage whilst riding a unicycle! In 1997 Joe joined the legendary Albion Band, whose leader Ashley Hutchings describes him as a "massive individual talent". Joe's infectious enthusiasm and in-between song banter puts most comedians to shame. Joe has released a book of his own tunes and an album from Joe's collaboration with Kevin Dempsey, "Every Other World", was released at the end of 2001, followed by his solo album "Sound Engine".

Hugh Crabtree (melodeon and vocals) is the founder and "bossman" of The Feast of Fiddles team. Playing in the band Whittakers Patent Remedy, with such members as John Underwood , Martin Vincent and Ian Sanderson, much of what "The Feast " play now is based on the Whittakers Patent Remedy arrangements.

Ian Cutler has been playing with "The Feast" since the beginning. Most famous for his music on the cult film "The Wicker Man" starring Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee , Ian has played with Bully Wee, guested with Fairport Convention and now plays with The Hot Rats. Renowned for combining speed and accuracy with a laconic style that makes it all look so easy , Ian is a joy to watch on stage.

Dave Harding (electric bass) provides not only the solid bass rythmns.Along with his partner in crime JohnUnderwood , he can be seen mercilessly pushing the bass line to dizzy limits whilst still injecting the humour that makes him renowned.

Tom Leary (Violin) - Tom's lists of credits are endless and include Little Johnny England and guesting with Fairport Convention - there is not much that Tom has not seen or done within the music world. Now working with Kevin Dempsey, Tom is a beautifully tender player with a great gift for writing melodic tunes.

Dave Mattacks is the rhythmic drumming backline of "The Feast". Playing with Paul McCartney, Fairport Convention , Steeleye Span and Chris Rea , he is probably the most sought after drummer there is, with his dynamic cross rythmns and breathtaking speed. He now resides in America and plays with Mary Chapin Carpenter.

Brian McNeill (Violin and bouzouki) is one of the best traditional Scottish players around. A member of the legendary Battlefield Band, Brian was also a member of Clan Alba. His witty antics on stage are by now legendary, and his superb Scottish dance tunes will have the audience on their feet and dancing in seconds. His solo albums have received critical acclaim and his live performances are in much demand. He has most recently taken up the post of Head of Scottish Music at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Dance in Glasgow .

John Underwood (rhythm guitar) and Martin "Hank" Vincent (lead guitar) are both also member of Whittakers Patent Remedy. Martin has played with the Albion Band and lends a distinct "grunt" to the proceedings with his great electric guitar solos.

This year's (2004) FEAST OF FIDDLES will also feature two of Brian McNeils's students from The Royal College of Scottish Music and Dance.