UK's best Melodeon players

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Feb 06 - 08:38 AM

Nick Cooke. Nick Cooke. Nick Cooke. Nick Cooke.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Ruston Hornsby
Date: 08 Feb 06 - 04:06 AM

I think we need two nomination categories here, one for high profile (or as high profile as you get on the folk scene) players, i.e. recording artists like JK, Spiers, Cutting and co and a separate category for the "unsung heroes" who play in the pubs, for the morris and so on. There are some great players out there who for a variety of reasons live out of the limelight but in their own way contribute and inspire just as much as the better known players.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Tradsinger
Date: 08 Feb 06 - 02:47 AM

At Sidmouth last year I bought a melodeon from "The Music Room" and as I sat there trying it out, I asked the salesman whether he played. He modestly replied that he did a bit so I handed him the box. He proceeded to play an Argentinian tango in such a virtuoso way that my jaw dropped. I then found out it was Chris Parkinson who now plays alongside John K as "Sultans of Squeeze". He's well good.

Jon Spiers is my favourite,though as he does exciting things with well-known simple tunes.

(No-one has mentioned me yet. I wonder why?!)

Gwilym

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: GUEST,PaulyWorly
Date: 08 Feb 06 - 01:43 AM

Shame dear ol' Dave Robert's didn't get a mention, he was a wonderful player, had an encyclopaedic knowledge of tunes but was remarkably understated.

But for players still living, Andy Cutting's playing takes my vote.
Tim Van Eyken does a very good impression of him.
And for gutsy, well played tunes I love Sauly's style.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Dave Wynn
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 07:54 PM

Martin Ellison. Not much flash but amazing swing and almost impossible bass. Listen to Ran Tan Band "Rainy Days".

Spot

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 09:26 AM

Andy Martin from Loscoe State Opera
John Tams

I've seen both those guys turn in very good performances - stunning in fact.

I don't know a lot about melodeon playing, but I thought they were worth a mention.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: treewind
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 05:22 AM

Mention of Nick Barber reminds me of another good player introduced to me by Nick - Will Hampson (of Demon Barbers and Bedlam)

Nick has done some great work collecting and publishing tunes - the two "English Choice" CDs are designed to go with the tune book, all published by Dave Mallinson.

Anahata

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: GUEST,BOB
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 04:53 AM

Tony Hall, Alex Goldsmith, Mark Bazeley, Tim Edey, Simon Ritchie, Nick Cook and Dave Brewster- Amazingly good players.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Fidjit
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 04:51 AM

All the above mentioned are better than me, plus evervbody else is better than me. But I'm suprised that Nick Barber's name didn't come up. With two Cd's of pure English tunes (48 tracks on each1) He's got to rate tops.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Mar 05 - 04:44 AM

I rate Gareth Turner. He makes the music live in such a variety of modes.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Mar 05 - 08:05 PM

Somebody was asking for more female nominations. After the recent tour I must add Sheryl Cormier

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 09:17 PM

Half the population of Padstow!!! Well, for enthusiasm anyway....

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: pavane
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 03:28 PM

I can't see me on the list!

Wait until you hear my arrangement of A Rosebud in June.
Or maybe Porteynon Whim (hijacked by Eliza Carthy as The Grand Hornpipe, but missing half the notes)

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Tradsinger
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 02:09 PM

Can't disagree with most of the names mentioned in this thread. If you want to hear the really old style of playing, then Stan Seaman is your man.

Tony Gibbons and Roger Grimes are pretty good melodeon players in Gloucestershire.

Gwilym

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: greg stephens
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 10:55 AM

Well now this thread has matured and got old and long i've had a browse through. I will now settle for my top three Tony Weatherall, Dan Quinn and Rees Wesson. Tony because of his all round versatility and quirky style: and his ryhthm and dynamics is head and shoulders above anyone else I'm familiar. And Quinn and Wesson because they have made the best English music records I have heard recently.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Torctgyd
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 09:07 AM

Well, my own choices would be, in no particular order:

Simon Care,
John Kirkpatrick,
Brian Peters,
John Spiers,
Julian Sutton,
Rich Arrowsmith.

I've not hear much of the others mentioned in this list but I've made notes and I am looking forward to finding and listening to their music.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: breezy
Date: 14 Feb 03 - 08:42 AM

what , braids?
I like the idea of the 'Irish' one -handed chromatic, is that so you can play a bodran simultaneously? or drink?
Thanks to all who have contrubuted so far, and was the spellcheck a trap? My understanding and appreciation of the instrument and its players has been increased significantly.
My favoured exponent is Anahata whose touch as accompanist to Mary Humfreys touches the emotions.
Especially as the first time I met them they were audience and lifted the audience with their input when it came to the chorus.
And I like his cello playing.
Friday 28th Feb at the Comfort Hotel St Albans,will end as St David's day begins, with Mary's voice.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Schantieman
Date: 14 Feb 03 - 05:30 AM

There are a few - one I remember round the N. Herts area in the 80s - but they do have bits that get in the way!

S

Subject: RE: UK's best Malodeon players
From: breezy
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 08:25 PM

still not many women,is it not suitable for them. Is it a MANS instrument?

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 05:43 AM

Unless I've missed it..nobody seems to have mentioned John Spiers yet...so I'll remedy that right now!!

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Schantieman
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 03:53 AM

...arf arf...

Yes, Ralphie, Nigel Chippindale was brill.    And then there was Rip Rippingale.

Steve

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: GUEST,Edward Charles Folkman
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 06:44 PM

Surely the best melodon player is the one that DOESN'T play the damn thing, but chucks it on the bonfire with the banjos!!!

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: cyder_drinker
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 05:22 PM

Bugger, why can't this damn thing wait till I've finished typing before sending a post off. If they are still available I'm sure someone will correct me!

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: cyder_drinker
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 05:14 PM

Sounds like it's the one mentioned by Orca, a few posts above.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: cyder_drinker
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 05:10 PM

"Guest, Andy" - I have a CD of Simon Knight's playing, recorded
at O'Neill's in Bristol, July 1997. I don't think they're
available any more, unfortunately.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Declan
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 07:17 AM

Yes a lot of the Bangor crew still come over to Ballyvaughan, and I've been to the Bangor session myself a couple of times. I'm looking forward to catching up with them again on Friday night.

Sorry about the thread drift. Back to the nominations...

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 07:07 AM

Ballyvaughan... quite a few from the Bangor (N Wales) session used to go to that one - maybe they still do. I kept meaning to go but never got there. Every year they would come back saying how good it was. Hope it goes well this year.

Jon

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 05:55 AM

i'll second huw williams as a a great player- anyone seen him do the welsh clog candle dance, while accompanying himself?- brill!

another wonderful player is mike [amos]price of pigeon english.

he's a great siner too,& the d/g boxes he plays sound fantastic.

a great proponent of english dance tunes.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Declan
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 05:21 AM

Simon Knight and his brothers have been regular atendees for many years at a gathering of Musicians and Singers which takes place anually in Ballyvaughan in Co. Clare. This years event takes place this coming week-end.

He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all those who attend.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Ralphie
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 05:13 AM

And......
My Musical Mentor, and brilliant maker of Millet Curry.

The Late Great Nigel Chippindale. Gaw Bless Him.

Ralphie

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Orca the cat
Date: 11 Feb 03 - 09:00 PM

I thought this was Favourite melodeon players, which is much more subjective. There are so many ways in which it can be "best",but choosing favourite is more personal. Simon Knight did record a couple of dance recordings with "Show The Lady" available on cassette from Pete Grassby, and a special c.d. was put together by Adrian Tuddenham of Simon's playing and singing.as for choices;
1)Dan Quinn
2)John Spiers
3)John K
4)Tony Hall
5)Simon Knight
ps Sandy from st.Albans Morris used to be the Town Crier, and will know who is now.Orca.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 12:55 PM

Wh changed the thread title? "Malodeon" is a brilliant neologism!

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Les from Hull
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 12:34 PM

Many banjo players are on shaky ground. I think that the banjo is a major cause of earth tremors.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: fogie
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 04:37 AM

Just to say greetings to treewind, who took my suggestion at face value, I'd be interested to know what you thinks about Ben's CD after you've had it for a while. Perhaps you could leave me a message on my personal page.

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Bullfrog Jones
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 04:19 AM

Being just down the road from Moulton I've seen a lot of Simon Care and Gareth Turner in several different combinations and they are very good. And Breezy, Saul Rose plays round these parts with Dan Plews as Dansaul. I can email Dan if you want to get in touch.

BJ

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: Schantieman
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 03:29 AM

If Banjoman is a banjo player, he could be on shaky ground!

S

Subject: RE: UK's best Melodeon players
From: GUEST,longarm
Date: 09 Feb 03 - 10:52 PM

No contest really. It's got to be Simon Haines from 'The Hosepipe Band'
Not a well known as the previous people but needs to be seen to be believed! His wife Val is the best recorder/ whistle/pipes /sax blow anything(well nearly!) person I know of!

Subject: RE: Uks best Malodeon players
From: breezy
Date: 09 Feb 03 - 08:54 AM

Get off Banjoman,your out of your depth.
Hope you play with a few pairs of sweaty socks behind your velum.

Subject: RE: Uks best Malodeon players
From: GUEST,Banjoman
Date: 09 Feb 03 - 08:43 AM

Melodeons suck -and blow - the best melodeon player in the UK is the one who dosn't assault my ears with that horrible noise.
The melodeon is the last refuge of the musically incompetent
( JK is not so bad tho')

Subject: RE: Uks best Malodeon players
From: treewind
Date: 08 Feb 03 - 07:13 PM

OK folkman, It's getting to be high time I dragged myself all the way down to the session at the Cricketers, to test this hyposthesis of yours.

(a Google search for Alec Gorham came up with the Cricketers photo gallery. I have many friends there but I don't think I've met him)

Anahata

Subject: RE: Uks best Malodeon players
From: Sliding Down The Bannister At My Auntie's House
Date: 07 Feb 03 - 07:25 PM

I still maintain that Alec Gorham can do things with the Mello Dion that NOBODY else would dare attempt/

He's my hero.

Subject: RE: Uks best Malodeon players
From: treewind
Date: 07 Feb 03 - 04:02 PM

I now have the Ben Averis CD which fogey informed us about.
It represents just aboput the limit of what can be done in harmonic variety on an 8 bass D/G box. Not only astounding playing but some very clever musical invention.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Uks best Malodeon players
From: Folkiedave
Date: 07 Feb 03 - 03:26 PM

What an amazing thread!! I suppose the point is that there really are some wonderful melodeon players around and isn't that great?

So here is another name into the ring - so far not mentioned - Richard Arrowsmith of the band "Hekety" plays with terrific taste and is destined for the "top".

Dave

Subject: RE: Uks best Malodeon players
From: Schantieman
Date: 07 Feb 03 - 03:05 PM

Pardon?

Subject: RE: Uks best Malodeon players
From: My guru always said
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 09:23 AM

Definitely JK, but he does have a way with a pair of trousers :-)

Subject: RE: Uks best Malodeon players
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 06:39 AM

I feel that the late David Haynes, who played with Edward II and the Red Hot Polkas, deserves a mention.

Subject: RE: Uks best Malodeon players
From: GUEST,Arne Langsetmo
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 01:55 PM

Yes, it is Roger Watson. Dunno if he's playing much
around nowadays. He was with John Tams way back (IIRC,
they did "Pull Down Lads" together, at least that's
what Roger said), and then had his own band (saw them in
1988 or so). Lost touch with him since then, but a fine
bloke. Roger wrote a book on melodeon playing, and recounts
that the editor came back and told him that his scores
left out the markings to indicate when to push or pull,
which gave him a chuckle. . .      ;-)

And don't forget John Jones. Maybe not the flashiest
player, but he loves the music and is a pleasure to
watch.

Cheers,

                            -- Arne Langsetmo

Subject: RE: Uks best Malodeon players
From: GUEST,Jane Bird
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 10:46 AM

Tickled Pink aren't my favourite dance band either, I must admit (my ears simply hurt too much after about five minutes), but that shouldn't make you think that Simon Care isn't an exceedingly good box player. He also played with Edward II and E2K for some years. He plays *very* well for dancing, and was brought up in with Moulton Morris as I understand.

Pretty much everyone else I can think of has already been mentioned. Outside the UK, now that's another story.

Yours,
Jane

Subject: RE: Uks best Malodeon players
From: GUEST,Rich A
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 08:39 AM

Yeah, you're right about the low volume stuff on an Oakwood, I've also got a Pastorelle III that I use for subtle tunes.

Rich A

Subject: RE: Uks best Malodeon players
From: treewind
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 07:16 AM

That is what they are best for.

When I tried several melodeons out at the Music Room shop at Towersey a while ago, the Oakwood was the only one that went into overdrive when squeezed hard and made a sound so loud I had to apologise to people 20 feet away for startling them! That's when I knew it was the one I wanted.

But I've played tunes at folk clubs all over the place an many people have said what a nice sound the box has.

It's also very small - despite having 21 treble keys it's in the smaller of the two box sizes they make. This means it can run out of bellows quckly.

Unfortunately I don't play so much for morris now, more for song accompaniments and it's not the easiest box to control at low volumes. A Castagnari would be better for that.

Anahata