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Tel 01202 434280 Alex or Noeleen
murphyslore@aol.com

Meet the Musicians

Gill and Richard are our lead (or tune) players on fiddle and accordion and they lead the line extremely well. Both strong players, they come together beautifully for rich melodies and harmonies. They are underpinned by Noeleen and Alex on guitar /whistles and Bass/ Mandolin, who provide a full and driving rhythm to keep the whole together. There's nothing really clever about what we do, it's just 'full' and makes for an easy and exciting dance experience. With Richard and Noeleen you also get two great vocalists, so the band perform traditional songs between dances giving an added dimension to the evening.

pictures courtesy of Ben Stoney Photography

Noeleen

Noeleen Ryan-Smith

Caller,Guitar, vocals, bodhran, whistles.

Born in Plymouth of Irish parents, folk music is in Noeleen's blood and she learned her first songs at the knee of her accordion playing father. She started her musical career learning the recorder at the age of seven, which naturally progressed later to the whistle. She has played the guitar from the age of eight and also learned viola, but did not discover her singing voice until sixteen, initially singing in a church youth group. She was also an award winning ballroom,latin american and 'disco' dancer when young, till knee problems prevented her from furthering this particular talent. After years of singing in musicals and cabaret shows, both solo and in duos, she rediscovered her folk roots when Bob Smith asked her to join 'The Highly Strung Band', the forerunner of Murphy's Lore. She added the bodhran to her range of instruments and is now also calling for the band on a fairly regular basis. Noeleen finds playing music is much needed stress relief from her day job of secondary school teaching!


Gill

Gill Collins

'Sonic' Fiddle

Gill has been playing the fiddle since she was 13, also learning piano and the clarinet. Her mother was a singer and piano teacher and both Grandfathers had played the violin. It was all too easy to pick one up one day and she took to it straight away. In 2004, she heard about an Irish music session in a local pub, turned up one night and hasn't looked back since. "There are an endless supply of tunes, the audience can't sit still when they hear the music played and I get to play standing up for the first time!" she says.

We were made aware of Gill by Titch of 'Black Sheep' fame, she initially 'depped' with us, but became our regular fiddle player in 2008 and we haven't looked back since. Her enthusiasm is boundless!!


Alex

Alex Smith

Bass guitar, guitar, mandolin,stompbox and backing vocals

Brought up on a feast of folk music from an early age as Dad played in the local ceilidh band 'The Old Pull and Push', he broke with tradition during his rebellious teenage years and moved to the 'dark side' of electronic music. He began experimenting on keyboards and then guitar, and found himself playing with local band Small Time,Big Time. They had a near brush with minor stardom, most notably with an appearance (badly) at The Mean Fiddler and with more success at The Rock Gardens (twice). Well that's how he remembers it!

He was invited to play guitar by his Dad, Bob Smith in 'The Highly Strung Band' and is now a firm 'born again folky' although he still has a soft spot for eighties electronica and indie music. He gained some training in music whilst learning violin at an early age, but his guitar and keyboard techniques are mainly self-taught (he did a good version of Gary Numan's 'Down in the Park'!).


Richard

Richard Wirdnam

Accordion and Vocals

Venerable and wise accordion and keyboard player. Over the years he has been involved with many local dance and folk bands most notably 'Diggory Venn'. Richard is also a prolific composer of original and excellent tunes which reflect his diverse interests and influences, ranging from English Morris, through Celtic to East European Klezmer for which he has particular love. His original composition 'Estampie' which has a Breton feel has become one of our favourite ways to end the night. Also known to sing a song or two when in the mood (most weeks) and has a penchant for corny old jokes!! Always seen with a smile on his face. Also joined us us permanently in 2008 giving us an extra dimension.

This our usual line up, although we have a small pool of reliable and talented musicians who are very able to fill someones shoes, often bringing a small piece of their repertoire and style to the evening


Peter

Peter

Accordion and Keyboards

A quirky, talented box player. Has a vast knowledge of all things, especially music and PA - Just don't get him started! Covers for Richard and gigs nearer Southampton.

Steve

Fiddle and Vocals,

A great and energetic fiddle player who also sings and has a love of traditional music. He can be seen and heard in many guises, ably supporting us, as well as performing with local band Route 66 and our own offshoot 'Murphy's Lore Trio'. A regular at local folk clubs as a solo performer but also known to duet with his Mum Ruth, who was the original Sara in 'Sinnermen and Sara'.

John Reeks

Guitar

John occasionally helps out as a guitarist if we need a 5 piece band and he is not engaged with other acts. A great player who also plays with 'Celtic Confusion'. In previous years has played with 'The Waifs and Strays' and 'The Bushwackers' He is well known amongst the local folk session scene.


Ceol agus craic!

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Experience

25 Jan 2025

Woodgreen Village Hall Annual Burn's night celebration

1 Feb 2025

Private- Bournemouth - retirement party

8 Feb 2025

Private- Salisbury- Fundraiser for Friends of St.Andrew's

View eventsView a full list of events...

Review

"Thankyou so much for last night. You guys were literally incredible and my husband Will was over the moon. Beautiful playing and the instruction of the dances was perfect and so clear too. Will definitely be booking you guys for my 40th in 1.5 years! 🥳🤠" "
Gina after her husband Will's Birthday celebration,December 2024

Thank you so much for making my 60th birthday absolutely wonderful for me and all my family and friends. I'm quite glad loads didn't turn up as we would have had to go out of the fire doors into the carpark!! It was just great to see almost everyone getting up and dancing and as you've undoubtedly heard a thousand times - even those who never dance, got up and enjoyed themselves. I have had messages this morning from people saying what a wonderful evening it was and that I should hold an annual event!!! ....Once again, thank you so much you were fantastic. "
Sarah after her Birthday celebration,November 2024

Another great fun night with Murphy's Lore Ceilidh , very busy dance floor!
....Thankyou so much for an incredible night! Such fun as always, it was great dancing with my Niece too as she had so much fun! .
Great cause, amazing night. well done all that organised Murphy's Lore Ceilidh you are fabulous, second time I've been to an event with you guys, each time I have laughed and danced so much, also great excuse to get the cowboy hats out .. see you again soon !
..A fabulous evening as always thankyou! Nearly as amazing as my wedding you did in 2004! The highlight was seeing my youngest daughter have so much fun dancing nearly every dance! Always a pleasure and so many laughs! Until next time!"
Alison, Louisa, Dawn and Rachel after a fundraising barn dance for Ukraine Relief, November 2024

A Brilliant evening,Thank you ..A great evening "
Sally and Christine after a barn dance at Boscombe Salvation Army, October 2024

Murphy's Lore Ceilidh you are amazing and I had the best party ever Thank you so much for making my retirement party so much fun Everyone who was there said it was fantastic..Thank you so much "
June after her retirement party, October 2024

It was fantastic!! Loved every minute x ....Brilliant as usual and such great fun. Smiles and laughter all around. Thanks again! "
Gjald and Renate after Drop the Anchor Barn Dance, September 2024

You gave us a brilliant night! My Mum & Dad (Jennifer and Peter) loved every minute 😃 as did all our little ones! Thank you for being so great at including everyone! Your band are fantastic too, Joanna x"
Joanne after her Mum and Dad's Anniversary ceilidh,September 2024

Hi Alex - thank you and the band and Noeleen SO much for the most fabulous evening on Saturday. Everyone really enjoyed it and thought you were all great! We saw the great piece you put in FB and insta - please feel free to tag me :-) Til the next time! Cx "
Catherine after her Birthday ceilidh, August 2024

I have had such lovely comments from everyone that came to by birthday and to my surprise you got them all dancing. Lovely time had by all thank you. Ann ,Jamie and family. "
Ann after her Birthday barn dance, August 2024

"Thank you once again for great music ,we all had a fantastic evening and thanks to all who have once again helped to support another worthwhile charity x
Jimmy, July 2024

"Thank you Murphy's Lore Ceilidh for a fabulous evening, helping me celebrate my birthday. You certainly made it go with a swing, getting so many up on the floor dancing and having fun. Lots of feedback from family and friends on how much they enjoyed the music. It was truly a night to remember.
Joyce after her birthday ceilidh, June 2024

""We had Murphy's Lore for our wedding. From communication, punctuality and entertainment, we really enjoyed them for our wedding day!".
Jenny after her wedding ceilidh, May 2024

View eventsView a full list of testimonials...


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