Crannog

"Di is a particularly good caller – she does a great job of making people feel at ease when invited onto the floor and she is good at persuading people politely that they really should get off their backsides and dance NOW!!” A.C. – Brecon Who we are......... Crannog Ceilidh Band members - Al is a highly respected sound engineer as well as one of the best folk fiddlers in the country. Dan is a gifted singer/songwriter with a unique rhythmical style on mandocello, and Di is a talented cello player and Dance Caller. Together they provide a concert and dance band in one with the emphasis firmly on fun! Repertoire: Crannog's repertoire is varied encompassing tunes and songs from early music right through to modern self-penned compositions. Not content with just traditional Irish and Scottish tunes - which are the backbone of the Crannog sound - they also source tunes from further afield - Venezuela, Brittany, America etc. etc. Dan is a talented songwriter too and when appropriate will sing! Crannog is lucky enough to be joined by other talented artists when necessary. If, for example, a female singer is required, Catrin who sings in Welsh and English, will join them - and has the most lovely voice! If a bigger band is called for Crannog can call on the services of a talented guitarist Quince and Ade who is also a singer/songwriter! Alan Cooper (founder of Crannog) and Diana Esplin both started as classically trained musicians. Di went on to become a fully qualified cello teacher but now concentrates on playing in many other genres as well as classical. Al realised his passion and talent lay with folk and traditional music and naturally became one of the countries leading components of the folk fiddle. Together Al and Di work as recording artists and are the backbone of Crannog!! Crannog offer a bespoke, professional entertainment. Reliable, friendly and adaptable, Crannog musicians promise to bring everyone together on the dance floor for fun, laughter and a great time! There is an infectious joy about their music - which is spontaneous, raw and real. The humorous way in which everyone is included and encouraged to dance makes for a unique experience. Many people who were convinced that ceilidh dancing was not for them have been persuaded to have a go and later complimented Crannog for introducing them to it!