Scottish Dancing Bands - A

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Bands listed here are, in alphabetical order:


A and E Ceilidh Band *Ceilidh*

Based in: Isle of Skye, Western Scotland
Style: Ceilidh/Disco
Typical line-up: 3-4 piece: accordion, pipes, drums, fiddle and singer
Recordings:
Contact: Ally K MacPherson
Email: a.macpherson37@btinternet.com
Tel: 07979903440

Information supplied by Ally K MacPherson.

ABlaze in the Bothy *Ceilidh*

Based in: Edinburgh and Glasgow, Southern, Scotland,
Style: Ceilidh
Typical line-up: Fiddle, accordion, drums, MIDI-bass, caller. Can also include piper and keyboard
Recordings:
Contact: Andrew Horne
Tel: 0141 889 9655
Email: blazeinthebothy@hotmail.com
Web page: homepage.mac.com/blazeinthebothy

ABlaze in the Bothy are an exciting band, full of excellent musicians with backgrounds in the RSAMD (Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama). If it is for a function, then we could also provide a disco. We core of the band is quite traditional but we can also bring in our piper for a fast and wild ceilidh night.

Two of the band also play with The Porridge Men (www.porridgemen.com) whose platinum-selling album "Planet Porridge" was famously used by the UK's ice skating team as their chosen music for the freestyle dance section at the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics.

Information supplied by Iain MacPhail.

Absent Friends *Ceilidh*

Based in: Edinburgh, South-east, Scotland,
Style: Ceilidh
Typical line-up: 4-piece plus caller
Recordings:
Contact: Ian Forrest
Tel: 0131 669 8108
Email: forresti@blueyonder.co.uk

We consist of Lead guitar/vocals, Keyboard split with bass left hand and keyboards right hand, Fiddle/mandolin/guitar/flute/whistle/backing vocals bod, and me, Drums, vocals and calling Scottish Country dances when required.

We play every fortnight on Fridays in Biddy Mulligan's Irish Pub in Edinburgh (live rehearsal effectively!) . This allows us to take gigs of other styles such as ceilidh, weddings, functions and rock venues as well to keep us enthusiastic and solvent!

Information supplied by Ian Forrest.

Accidentals Ceilidh Band *Ceilidh*

Based in: Lothian, the Borders, Fife
Style: Ceilidh
Typical line-up: fiddle, keyboard, Northumbrian pipes, bass guitar and caller
Recordings: None
Contact: Noel: (0131) 443 9723
Graham: (01875) 320503
Email: accidentals@wallacemusic.co.uk

Information supplied by Alan Gardiner <alan1l@gardco.co.uk>.

The Alan Crookston Ceilidh Band" *Ceilidh*

Based in: Central Scotland,
Style: Ceilidh
Typical line-up: 3 or 4 piece band. Accordion, piano and drums, plus fiddle if desired.
Recordings: Note Before Time (Glassfield)
Contact: Alan Crookston
Tel (mobile): 07824 566430

Information supplied by Alan Crookston.

Alan Gardiner *Ceilidh* *SCD*

Based in: Biggar, South-east, Scotland,
Style: ,
Typical line-up: 3 or 4-piece: accordion, keyboard and drums, plus optionally accordion or fiddle
Recordings: True Reflections (1993)
Highlander Music CD 7 (1998): HRMCD507
RSCDS Book 26 (1999)
Contact: Alan Gardiner
Tel: (01899) 220473
Email: alan@gardco.co.uk

Information supplied by Alan Gardiner

Alan Ross *SCD*

Based in: Falkirk

Style: Scottish Country Dance and Ceilidh
Typical line-up: Accordion, Piano, Drums - can be augmented to 4 or 5 piece stripped down to a one-man band.
Recordings:
Contact: Alan Ross (alansband@sky.com)
Tel: [+44] (0)1324 559793
A new band on the scene. However, Alan is well known in Country Dance circles throughout the U.K. having featured as a member of the Lothian Scottish Dance Band for over twenty years, during which he has had substantial broadcasting and recording credits. He has also played for Scottish Country Dancing all over Europe and Scandinavia. Alan regularly plays throughout the UK, and often plays for smaller country dances on as a one-man band, using Midi - Accordion.

Comments made about the band include:

"You play tunes which I've not heard anyone else play"

"A terrific dancing beat for Country Dancing"

"How do you get that fantastic sound?"

Information supplied by Alan Ross (alansband@sky.com).

Alastair Scott Ceilidh Band *SCD* *Ceilidh* *Weddings*

Based in: Northern Ireland

Style: Weddings, ceilidhs, SCD
Typical line-up: 4/5 piece. Accordions, fiddle, drums and dance caller
Recordings:
Contact: Amanda Robinson 0798 668 1611
Tel: 0798 668 1611
Email: alastairscottceilidhband@hotmail.co.uk
Web: www.alastairscott.com
Find us on Facebook and YouTube.

4/5 piece ceilidh band based in counties Antrim and Tyrone. Award wining musicians and experienced Callers. Available for ceilidhs, weddings, concerts and corporate events. No function too small...no distance too far. Music and dances to suit all ages and abilities.

Information supplied by Amanda

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Alastair Wood *SCD* *Ceilidh*

Based in: Edinburgh, Lothian

Style: Scottish Country, Ceilidh, Old Time
Typical line-up: 4 or 5-piece: 2 accordions, fiddle, guitar and drums.
Recordings: RSCDS Books 17, 32 & 34
Contact: Alastair Wood
24 Barnton Park Gardens,
Edinburgh
EH4 6HN
Tel: [+44] (0)131 312 6730
Emai: band@alastairwood.co.uk
Alastair Wood's band is unusual in having a guitar instead of the more regular keyboard; this gives a distinctive sound. The band appears regularly on the BBC Radio Scotland 'Take the Floor' Scottish dance programme, and as well as playing at events up and down the country, has played in the Far East on a number of occasions for the St. Andrews Societies of Singapore and Jakarta, Indonesia.

Information supplied by Alastair Wood

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Dependably brilliant with a broad repertoire - Ed

Albany *SCD* *Ceilidh*

Based in: Fife, Scotland
Style: Ceilidh
Typical line-up: 4/5-piece: accordion, scottish/gaelic/contemporary vocals, guitar, piano & drums.
Recordings: Sonas (1999): TRCD 9904
Contact: Billy Anderson
4 Kingsloan Court
Largoward
Fife
Scotland
Tel: 01334 840469
Email: billy.anderson@ukonline.co.uk

ALBANY is a 4/5 piece band featuring BILLY ANDERSON on midi piano-accordion and Mod Gold Medalist MARGARET MACLEOD on Scottish/Gaelic/Contemporary vocals, with guitar, piano and rhythm accompaniment, providing a varied selection of music and song for mixed dancing, including Ceilidh, Old-tyme and Modern.

Over the years, ALBANY have toured extensively throughout United States and Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia , Germany and continue to travel and entertain all over Scotland, with occasional visits to England, Ireland and Wales.

The ALBANY STAGE SHOW is extremly popular throughout the East of Scotland, which also features JACKIE PAUL on guitar, KENNY DOWNIE on drums, ALAN KITCHEN on piano, along with piper DUNCAN SOUTAR and Scottish Folksinger JIM REID.

MARGARET MACLEOD and BILLY ANDERSON are continually involved in radio and television presentation and appear as a duo in cabaret within the HILTON HOTEL GROUP during the summer season.

Having recently released their 4th album on THANE RECORDS, the band is in great demand for weddings, corporate events, concerts and other social functions.

Information supplied by Billy Anderson <billy.anderson@ukonline.co.uk>.

Alistair Lennox & The Thistle Dubh Ceilidh Band *Ceilidh* *Wedding*

Based in: Glasgow, South-west, Scotland,
Style: Ceilidh, Wedding
Typical line-up: 3-piece: accordion, fiddle and drums; can add flautist
Recordings:
Contact: Alistair Lennox
64 Croftburn Drive
Croftfoot
Glasgow
G44 5HX
Scotland
Tel (home): 0141-630 1003
Tel (mobile): 07830 198891
Email: info@thistledubh.com
Web page: WWW.THISTLEDUBH.COM

Band Profile.

We are a trio of professionally trained musicians playing the Accordion, Fiddle and Drums (we have an optional Flautist if required) who deliver our exciting style of 'Ceilidh' music to our audience via the very best in modern public address systems. Stage lighting is also used to illuminate the band during our performance.

Our versatile, energetic, creative and professional style of playing reaches out to all age groups, thereby ensuring that our blend of music will be enjoyed by the novice, discerning dancer and musical enthusiast alike.

In demand throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK (with a recent gig in Dubai under their belts) you can be assured that attending a 'Thistle Dubh' Ceilidh - be it a wedding, graduation, birthday party, school dance or fundraiser - is a real (or should that be reel) foot tapping, kilt swirling experience.

Ceilidh Dancing

We know from experience that not everyone who attends a 'Ceilidh' knows what to do. Therefore all dances can be called by the band if required, to ensure that the dance floor is full from start to finish - so the inexperienced dancer needn't worry about making mistakes.

The following dances are typical of the ones we get asked to play on a regular basis: Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant, Strip The Willow, St Bernard's Waltz, Eightsome Reel, Duke of Perth, Postie's Jig, Britannia Two-Step, Military Two-Step, Virginia Reel, Postie's Jig, Eva Three Step, Slosh, Birdie Song, etc., and many more!

Ceilidh Disco

If required 'Thistle Dubh' can also incorporate a disco (full disco lighting system included) alongside the ceilidh for a complete evening's entertainment. This has proved time and time again to be a very popular choice of entertainment with our client's and our vast selection of CDs ensure everyone's tastes will be catered for.

Our Ceilidh

Just being there will provide you with not only a sensational evening of swinging Scottish Ceilidh Dancing, but also with a host of delightful memories to take home and rave about, until you attend another 'Thistle Dubh' Ceilidh!

It goes without saying, that we are fully aware of your expectations regarding timekeeping, appearance, performance standard, attitude and professionalism.

We won't let you down!

Information supplied by Alistair Lennox <info@thistledubh.com>.

Stuart Anderson *Ceilidh* *Old Tyme*

Based in: Hawick, South-east, Scotland,
Style: Ceilidh, Old Tyme
Typical line-up: accordion fiddle drums keyboard, depending on whether a 3 or 4 piece band suits your requirements.
Recordings:
Contact: Stuart Anderson
Tel (mobile): 07958 225535
Email: stu4517734@aol.com
Louise Cowie
Tel: 01968 679583

This is a superb scottish dance band, a self taught accordionist. They can provide a mixture of dance music for the beginner or the more experienced dancer. A caller can also be available on request. Available for weddings, ceilidhs, birthdays, etc.

Information supplied by Louise Cowie.

Angels of the North *SCD* *Ceilidh* *Reeling* *Old Tyme* *Northumbrian Ceilidh*

Based in: Northumbria, North-east, England,
Style: SCD, Ceilidh, , Old Tyme, Northumbrian Ceilidh
Typical line-up: Two fiddles, melodeon, accordion/pipes/mandolin, guitar, tenor banjo/english concertina/pipes
Recordings: short demo CD available
Contact: Noel Jackson
3 East Law
Ebchester
County Durham
England

Tel: 01207 560684
Email: noel.bats@btopenworld.com

The Angels of the North aim to be amongst the leading ceilidh bands in North-east England. Their material is drawn from many parts of the British Isles but concentrates on dances, tunes and songs from Northumbria, both old and new. The Angels are actively involved in both archive research and composition, so a typical programme will include dances and tune sets from five different centuries.

The Angels of the North pride themselves on providing bespoke ceilidhs, carefully crafted to make each event into a special occasion.The Angels apply only two criteria when selecting material: does it have a North-eastern connection and is it fun!

Information supplied by Noel Jackson <noel.bats@btopenworld.com>.

Annasach *Ceilidh*

Based in: Edinburgh (although will travel anywhere)
Style: Ceilidh
Typical line-up: fiddle, keyboard, bass and dance caller (Tricia Matthews)
Recordings: Snippets (2015)
Here & There (2016)
Contact: Annasach (info@annasach.co.uk)
Web: http://www.annasach.co.uk/
Mobile: (07768) 563138

Annasach (Gaelic for unusual, unconventional) are a three-piece ceilidh band plus dance caller and are available for all occasions. We have been playing for ceilidhs, parties, birthdays, weddings and folk festivals since 1990 from Aberdeen to Zurich!

The sound of the band has a more folk based slant rather than traditional ceilidh with the current line-up being fiddle (Yvette Rosie), keyboard (Andrew Elders) and bass (Colin Wilson). This provides an energetic, vibrant sounding front line mixed with a forceful, funky piano and bass back line.

Our dance caller, Tricia Wilson, (who is probably the most important member of the band!) has years of experience and is guaranteed to calm any nerves and make sure that everyone enjoys themselves.

Information provided by Colin J Wilson (colin@annasach.co.uk).

Arcadia Music *SCD* *Ceilidh* *Reeling* *Old Tyme*

Based in: England
Style: SCD, Ceilidh, Reeling, Old Tyme
Typical line-up: Assorted
Recordings:
Contact: Max Rankin
Tel: 01306 730040
Fax: 0870 0526969
Email: scottishdance@musi.co.uk
Web page: http://www.musi.co.uk/

Arcadia is a live music agency which specialises in providing Scottish ceilidh and dance bands for any kind of event in England and mainland Europe. Arcadia is run by Scottish dance band fiddler (and piper) Max Rankin. I know the majority of Scottish dance musicians in the South of England personally and have played with a good number of them. Because of that we are uniquely placed to advise on and supply a Scottish dance band appropriate to any function - we know which bands sound authentically Scottish, which do a good wedding ceilidh, and which can handle a specialist 'Reels' (or 'Reelers') evening with 500 guests. We are happy to answer enquiries without obligation.

Information supplied by Max Rankin <scottishdance@musi.co.uk>.

The Assembly Players *Ceilidh* *ECD*

Based in: Lanarkshire, South-west, Scotland,
Style: Ceilidh, ECD
Typical line-up: Accordion, Fiddle, Keyboard and Caller
Recordings: Doon the Brae (2004): APCD 0401- Scottish Ceilidh dances with full instructions
Contact: Nicolas Broadbridge
Email: info@nicolasbroadbridge.com
Web page: http://www.nicolasbroadbridge.com/page4.htm

The Assembly Players started as a Scottish Ceilidh Dance Band in 1989 (after the demise of The Gallivanters Ceilidh Band), playing mostly for Scottish ceilidh dances until the issue of their first CD in 1994. By this time, the original keyboard player, Dick Burger, had gradually given up playing with the Band, and his place had been taken by keyboard player and pianist extraordinary Brian Prentice. Brian's arrival enabled Nicolas to steer the band further towards his first and abiding passion, English Country Dances.

With the subsequent issue of one, and sometimes two, recordings annually since 1994 The Assembly Players' reputation as an English Country Dance Band has steadily grown, so that they have been invited to play at many dances and Balls, workshops and folk festivals both in England and abroad.

Owing to Nicolas' teaching and MC'ing commitments, The Assembly Players do not play as a band as often as many others, but despite this restriction and being based in Scotland, the band has played for dances or Balls at Cecil Sharp House, Eastbourne, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Oxford, Darlington, Norwich, Gloucester, Leamington, and abroad in Holland and the USA.

The band is still in demand in Scotland for Ceilidh Dances, and these feature prominently in the diary.

Information supplied by Nicolas Broadbridge.

Auld Reekie Ceilidh Band *Ceilidh*

Based in: Edinburgh
Style: Ceilidh
Typical line-up: caller, 2 fiddles, mandolin, guitar and bass, or piano.
Recordings: none at present
Contact: Robert Brice (robertbrice@blueyonder.co.uk)
3F1, 55 Marchmont Road
Edinburgh
EH9 1HT
Tel: 0131-229-6962
email : robertbrice@blueyonder.co.uk
Web: http://www.auld-reekie-ceilidh-band.com/

We've been playing around Edinburgh for the last 10 years and have a strong line up of experienced musicians. The band is led by fiddles and dance caller. Our ceilidhs include a good cross section of dances; fast and slow; scottish and international. The emphasis is on getting everyone up on the dance floor and having a good time, and to be as professional as possible.

Information supplied by Robert Brice. Based in: Aberdeen + Aberdeenshire Style: Ceilidh Line-up: Minimum 4 piece plus caller, including concertina, fiddle, flute, guitar, mandolin, percussion + vocals. Recordings: Not yet Contact: Gillian Mackintosh 01651 863052 Email: band@aurorascot.org.uk Webpage: www.aurorascot.org.uk/ceilidh/

Aurora Ceilidh Band *Ceilidh*

Based in: Aberdeen + Aberdeenshire
Style: Ceilidh
Typical line-up: Minimum 4 piece plus caller, including concertina, fiddle, flute, guitar, mandolin, percussion + vocals.
Recordings: not yet
Contact: Gillian Mackintosh
Tel: 01651 863052
Email: band@aurorascot.org.uk
Web: www.aurorascot.org.uk/ceilidh/

Information supplied by Alison Smith .

Autumn Gold *SCD*

Based in: Cornwall/Devon
Style: Country dance, SCD, weddings, parties, social gatherings
Typical line-up: fiddle, piano, drums and caller
Recordings: sound clips on website
Contact: web: autumngoldband.wordpress.com
Les Burden
Carmardden,
Marshgate,
Camelford,
Cornwall PL32 9YN.
tel: 01840 261708
email: ljburden@mypostoffice.co.uk
Liz Sidebotham
E.Sidebotham,
Tudor Barn,
Treweese,
Quethiock,
Liskeard,
Cornwall PL14 3SG.
tel: 01579 344340
email: lizzy55@btinternet.com
web: www.skypicture.co.uk

With an extensive repertoire suitable for a wide variety of Scottish Country Dancing and folk dancing occasions including Weddings and Parties AUTUMN GOLD have played many venues in Britain and Europe since its formation in 1986.

The band has a principal aim to provide a well balanced programme of music both for dancing and listening to and to further the interest and enjoyment of dance music.

The fiddle player, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music leads the band with a style that expresses a magnetic enthusiasm for even the most simple of tunes. She plays a number of instruments and has played in orchestras, string quartets and is a Church organist.

The piano/keyboard player, a graduate of the London School of Music also plays other instruments, is a composer, teacher, and as accompanist and soloist has travelled with choral groups to the Far East, Austral Asia, Europe and North America on a number of occasions.

The Drummer learned to play in the early 80s training under a leading folk musician of the time.

The Band�s caller can also MC Scottish occasions as he has been calling for English Folk Dancing and American Contras for over 35 years and has taught Scottish Dancing for over 20 years.

Information supplied by Liz Sidebotham. [ A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | Numbers ]

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