Brian Peters is, according to the US folk music magazine Dirty Linen ?one of the very best performers in the field of English traditional song and music?. He?s a great all-rounder, being on the one hand a highly-respected singer, and on the other a multi-instrumentalist acknowledged as one of England?s leading exponents of the anglo concertina and melodeon (button accordion) and a skilled guitarist as well. Described as ?one of British folk music?s finest ambassadors?, Brian started out in the folk clubs of England and has taken his performances to stages all over the world, touring regularly in America, Europe and Australia, always retaining a deep commitment to the musical traditions of his native country.
Brian believes strongly in the power and relevance of the old songs, specializing particularly in the great ballads of the British Isles, riveting stories in music. His live presentation, Songs of Trial & Triumph, focusing on ballads from the Child collection, has won much acclaim. He has a particular skill in crafting song accompaniments on each of his instruments, giving a wide range of musical textures, and he?s not a traditional diehard, being happy to include modern songs of struggle or comedy.
On the instrumental side, Brian is a skilled player and researcher of old Northern English dance music, unearthing tunes from centuries-old manuscripts, at the same time composing many new tunes in traditional style, published in his book Rattle and Roll. He?s also known for daring forays into ragtime, blues and rock?n?roll on his squeezeboxes, making for a repertoire of sometimes startling variety.
Brian has made many recordings, from the concertina-centred Anglophilia to the ballad-themed Songs of Trial and Triumph, all of which have received a warm reception from reviewers. He?s also the accordion player heard regularly on the TV cartoon Spongebob Squarepants!
For more about Brian, and to see You Tube clips, go to: www.brian-peters.co.uk.
For reservations and directions, email Andy Wallace, or call 301-324-7311.
