| Steve Johnson - Guitar, Banjo, Bodhran & Vocals | |
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Steve has been playing guitar and singing for
as long as he can remember. Over the years he has played in
rock bands, folk groups and even admits to having been involved
in a couple of skiffle groups - those were the days! He grieves
that he never had the opportunity to play alongside Lonnie
Donegan and Joe Brown! |
| Neil Hankin - Banjo, Guitar, Harmonica & vocals. | |
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Never having admitted to being Steve's twin
brother, Neil is something of a recent arrival in the ranks of
Reeling Strings and has quickly fitted into the ceilidh and
traditional music which is the general focus of the band. A Geordie from Wallsend near Newcastle, he was introduced to the banjo whilst at Liverpool University and, over the years has become an accomplished exponent of the instrument, well known and well received throughout the North East of Scotland. Neil varies his input into the band's music with hamonica, guitar and vocals. |
| George Longmore - Drums, percussion, keyboard, vocals & humorous asides! | |
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One of the most experienced and creative
drummers currently on the ceilidh circuit, George has been
beating the skins for as long as he can remember. Over the
years he as played every type and style of music from big band
and jazz to heavy rock, reggae, and skiffle. Blessed with a great sense of humour and an astonishing collection of wacky headwear, George always manages to inject a sense of lively fun into each perfomance. Gifted drummer though he may be, his Johnny Cash impressions have to be seen to be believed! George varies his musical output with extremely talented use of the keyboard. |
| Clare Willis - Keyboards, Harp, Oboe, Whistles, Vocals and occasional accordion | |
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Clare’s first musical role (as a
twelve-year-old) was as a Church organist, expected to
accompany every form of church service and sung worship. Over
the years she has developed into a highly talented accompanist,
capable of performing any style of music in almost any
environment. Her love of musicals led her to producing and directing a variety of youth productions whilst living in Bath but, on returning to Scotland, she combined with local musicians to set up her first ceilidh band and to immerse herself in traditional music. A gifted teacher and performer of a wide range of music, Clare arranges all the band’s music, particularly the lively ceilidh sets - Clare provides the 'engine' which drives the band's music and she is often in demand performing as a solo piano/keyboard /harp player at more formal functions. |
| Andy Willis -Mandolin, Guitar, Mandola, Fiddle, Banjo, Balalaika, Whistles & Vocals | |
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Aged 11, Andy gave up the fiddle in disgust
after just two terms of tuition! Fortunately he bought a guitar
a year later and his lifelong love affair with strings commenced
- if it has strings he’ll usually get a tune out of it! In early years he frequently played on the same bill as a variety of top folk musicians and latterly has involved himself in a string of folk duos, trios and bands. Two summer seasons of ‘cabaret’ at well-known holiday camps as a youngster gave him a startlingly broad experience of what passes as ‘general entertainment’ ! For twenty years he focussed on the classical guitar and performed at a variety of concerts and venues throughout UK. Ever interested in stringed instruments, recently he restarted his relationship with the fiddle after a forty year gap - this time it’s real love ! A real Celt, so he sings as well! |