Brian Peters (Special Event)

Songs and Music From the Tradition with Squeezeboxes and Guitar BRIAN PETERS is a performer of traditional music who combines a high level of skill on three different instruments with a great voice and a dynamic stage presence. Described as 'one of Britishfolk music's finest ambassadors', Brian started out in the folk clubs of England and has taken his skilful and energetic performances to stages all over the world, touring regularly in Europeand America, and always retaining a deep commitment to the musical traditions of his native country. He believes strongly in the power and relevance of the old songs, digging out unknownversions to give a fresh and unique repertoire, but he's no purist, also performing unexpected covers and writing material of his own. As a squeezebox player, his mastery of the melodeon(button accordion) and anglo concertina stretches from English dance tunes to beautiful original compositions and even rock 'n' roll. Brian is also a very capable guitarist with a taste for opentunings, and he accompanies his singing imaginatively on all three instruments. His voice is powerful and passionate, and he's often complimented on his ability to make ancient ballads comealive: 'Brian Peters plunges deep into the ancient songs, finds their power, mystery, evil, drollery and courage, and brings them to us fresh,' declared one American writer. ON THE INSTRUMENTAL SIDE, he has been a mover in the creation of a distinct identity for Northern English dance music, researching, playing and teaching rare tunes from centuries-old manuscripts, aswell as composing many tunes in traditional style. He's also become known for daring forays into ragtime, blues and rock'n'roll on his squeezeboxes, but never betrays his traditionalroots. BRIAN'S STAGE ACT is known for startling variety, a highly energetic performance, and subtly humorous introductions. Brian keeps his diary full by working regularly in a duo withguitarist/flautist/singer Gordon Tyrrall, playing for dances in the Rising Sun Band, and indulging his more eclectic musical leanings with hillbilly rockers the Rocky Mountain Ploughboys. Inthe past he played alongside Sara Grey and Roger Wilson in the Lost Nation Band, and took a leading part in the stage show 'The Widow's Uniform.' Brian is in demand as a teacher ofinstrumental technique and singing skills, having the distinction of teaching both concertina and melodeon at Hands On Music's weekends at Witney, working at residential tutorial coursesfor many other organisations, and giving frequent workshops at festivals as well as individual lessons to adults and children. In addition he reviews both traditional English and world musicregularly for magazines including Folk Roots and The Living Tradition.