The 5 piece
This is the minimum size we play weddings for. The bigger the outfit the more convincing songs become & our 5 piece band pull off a big sound with lots of variety. The caller is free to play when all is well, but join the crowd to help the dancers where non-Scots predominate. Caller always available.
However…
if you're pushing the boat out do consider a
6 piece band. . . . .
It doesn't happen often, but playing a Ceilidh as a 6 piece is something else. It means a big sound, a big stage presence & high energy levels. As a musician, one has to be both alert to respond to the extra voices, but it gives the freedom to depart from the core tune / chords and to improvise. Playing on the edge becomes possible with lots of communication.
Extra members include kit drums, sax, percussion etc. even funky banjo or melodeon shake & spice things up in a Funkeilidh 6 piece. We have a pool of talented add – on musicians & we're always delighted to get the opportunity to play with them.
Ceilidh music is similar to Blues, in that competent musicians who have just met can instantly gel with each other. Often the most sparkly gigs are when the members of the band just met that night! There's an excitement, energy which comes from anticipating what someone may do, responding to what they actually do, & even worrying that they may do something….that one doesn't expect. Audiences often remark after such a gig that the band must be very well rehearsed!! – little do they know…….
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