To anyone who hears them, it is obvious there is a great musical bond and their enormous repertoire of songs is an eclectic mix of everything from traditional to contemporary, either a cappella close-harmony, or backed by Bob's supportive guitar which never detracts from the singing. Gill has a stunning voice and with Bob's sensitive harmonies the result is truly beautiful. Bob is fortunate to have heard many traditional singers from a childhood steeped in the music via his parents (Len & Barbara) who were famously fine singers. Since they first met in 1983, Bob & Gill have performed at far too many UK Clubs and Festivals (large and small) to list, not to mention local community groups and BBC Radio, earning themselves a well-deserved high reputation . They also perform with their 8-piece group ‘Tinkers Bag' and have "organisational roles" with the odd Festival, Folk Club and Arts outfit in their ‘spare' time!!
Play or Sing, read a Poem, tell a Story, listen, fetch the beer, anything
Pete plays bouzouki, melodeon, Appalachian dulcimer and banjo and uses step-percussion whilst singing (yes probably all at the same time) and has been described as "a one-man folk industry". Even though he's toured for many years all over the UK and the planet, he's still as fresh as a daisy and newly enchants listeners, performing from his vast repertoire of traditional and original songs and dance tunes. His vital on-stage presence is legendary and the fun extracted from his view of the world comes out in some of his songs like ‘The Alimony Run' and ‘Sold Down the River' - try not to miss him.
Jim Lloyd said Pete was a "one-man folk industry" and in spite of the years touring, he's still fresh as a daisy performing his vast repertoire of traditional and original songs and dance tunes. His vital on-stage presence is legendary.
A delightful singer and banjo player, Sara is fascinated by the linkages between the song traditions of both sides of the Atlantic - a transplanted American, she has lived in Scotland for 30 years, touring the UK, the USA and Canada performing in clubs, festivals, workshops and summer-schools. Born in the US, her son Kieron has lived mostly in the UK and his fine singing reflects his lifelong love and reverence for the old songs (from either side of the pond) whether it be old-time mountain music, or the blues, or from contemporary songwriters steeped in the traditon. He has adapted the sound and style of the old-time banjo to fit the guitar on which he skilfully accompanies himself and/or Sara. As well as solo gigs, they have toured the UK as a duo since 2001 and have a gift for creating a great rapport with their listeners.
Roy Harris
The Living Tradition
Issue 66 Dec 2005
Back to Fo'c'sle 2006-2007 Programme
Back to Fo'c'sle January 2007 Programme
On to Fo'c'sle March 2007 Programme