Fiddler

David Purves

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(5.0)Read all 7 reviews
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About David

Experienced fiddler and caller
Fiddler
Glenrothes

As a fiddler playing on the ceilidh circuit for the last 16 years I have played at all sorts of venues across the UK and further afield. I regularly call dancing and play with numerous bands including the Forth Ceilidh Band- which I lead, Willie Fraser Ceilidh band, Flaming heather, Ewan Galloway band and Granary ceilidhs. I have played as close as the hotel down the street to as far afield as Beijing and Indonesia

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Member of the Encore community forum
4th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 4 years
5 gigs
Experienced: 5 bookings through Encore
Musicianship
Genres:
Ceilidh, Traditional Scottish folk, Contemporary Christian, Christmas, Traditional church music
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Instruments:
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Event types:
Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party
See all event types
Other skills:
Instrumental teaching
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David's Song list

Gay Gordon's
Dashing white
Snowball waltz
St Bernards waltz
Virginia Reel
Strip the willow
Orckadian strip the willow
Military 2 step
Canadian barn dance
Flying Scotsman
Circle waltz
Cumberland square eight
Riverside jig
Auld Lang syne
Tunes include:
My love is like a red red rose
My bonnie lies over the ocean
Scotland the brave
Irish washerwoman
Road and miles Tae Dundee
Ae fond kiss
Fairy dance
Jigs
Reels
Waltzes
Customer questions

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

“We always try our best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. If timings change slightly in the run up to the event just let us know.”

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Absolutely. This is a really popular request and you can plug a phone or iPod into our PA.

How much time do you need to set up?

We usually set up about 1 to 1.5 hours before the performance time. As soon as our PA is set up we can provide a free playlist service to help set the atmosphere and get your guests ready for our live performance!”

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

Our set lists are crafted from countless performances and learning what works best to ensure guests dance and have an amazing time. However, we're definitely happy to chat through and make sure we find what works for your event. ”

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

“Yes, absolutely! I bring my own instrument to play acoustically.”

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

“If a song isn't included in our song list there may still be a chance we already know it. If there is a special song you'd like us to learn we are happy to do this for you. There is a fee of £30 for this service to take into account rehearsal times etc. ”

What do your clients love most about your performances?

Lively and fun

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

You mean which countries?! China, Indonesia, France... We could go on. Any venue is a possibility

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Traditional ceilidh artists

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Beijing Caledonia society burns night

David's Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£187.50
Up to 1 hour£250
Up to 2 hours£275
Up to 3 hours£300
David
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5 out of 5
7 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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4.8

David's Reviews

From Encore customers:

PN
Pamela N
1 year ago
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5 out of 5

A great little family ceilidh with David on fiddle and his friend Kyle on accordion.

EB
Emily B
1 year ago
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4.8 out of 5

They were absolutely brilliant, really got everyone involved. Thank you, highly recommended

MC
Melanie C
1 year ago
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5 out of 5

We had a fantastic time, it was for an 80th birthday and David happily helped all none dancers get up and have a go . He even did a little disco music for the kids to jump around to . Would definitely recommend to anyone

Reply from David
1 year ago

Thanks Melanie, glad it was a great night

LC
Louise C
2 years ago
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5 out of 5

They went down a treat and it was lots of fun!! Thank you !

Read all 5 reviews

From other customers:

LM
Liam M
4 years ago, for a Birthday party in Glenrothes KY7 6UL
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5 out of 5

I had forth Ceilidhs play at my 21st birthday this year and they were excellent! The band played an excellent selection of Scottish music which was upbeat and entertaining in itself. David the fiddle player makes a brilliant caller! He gives clear instructions how to do the dances and does so in a fun way. Watch out if you are not up dancing because he will call you out! There were no long waits between dances and people were encouraged to get up and find a partner! My birthday was a great day which I will remember for a long time and the band was a great success. They were happy for the family to add personal touches too, (in my case a quiz during the interval) I would Highly Recommended them for any events.

RD
Rose D
4 years ago, for a Charity event in Glenrothes KY7
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5 out of 5

I am the Manager of Collydean Community Centre. I received a grant from the Greggs Foundation to offer an event that would reach out to the elderly and offered them all a meal and entertainment on Saturday 19th April 2019. The ceilidh band was brilliant and many of the elderly were crying when listening and watching. All-together 63 elderly residents enjoyed the day. There was over 100 people from all ages in the Centre. I have heard David play on many occasions and he along with the rest of his band are truly amazing. Due to the success of that day, Greggs Foundation has given me more funding to arrange another event