THE 2002 LINE-UP
Simon plays melodeons, harmonica, sings and step dances. He has been a member of several bands including The Old Hat Concert Party. He also has won the Dartmoor Festival Step Dance Championship three times; this year he was one of the judges.
Ed has played fiddle for English Country dances for most of his adult life. Many will remember Ticklers Jam. He also made a guest appearance on the Katie's Quartet CD. One of the most dynamic fiddlers currently working in English dance music, Ed gives life to every tune the band plays.
Ken started playing banjo when twelve inheriting his interest from his uncle who was a professional musician. Eventually he also inherited his uncle's instruments.
Ken's first direct involvement with dance music was with Webbs Wonders with whom he played for some ten years. He has guested with Flowers & Frolics, Umps & Dumps and The Rakes.
Reg Hall is perhaps the most important musician in all of the folk revival. Without his work over a period of more than 40 years it is doubtful if the English Country dance scene would exist. The Rakes dance band is Reg Hall's first band and the three founding members of that band have been responsible creating a whole new generation of enthusiasts. That includes all in our present band lineup.John Adams
A very special guest on the CD & some gigs
John has been a member of some of the most influential bands of the past twenty five years - from the New Victory Band to the current Old Swan Band. He is a great piano player, a wonderful fiddler and plays a mean trombone. In short an asset to any band, but particularly this one..
