Horseplay are based in County Durham in the north of England, and play music from their own regional tradition. Formed in 2003, they have quickly established a reputation as a highly original band who inject energy and excitement into Northumbrian music.
While their music has a very contemporary feel, Horseplay's sources include 18th and 19th century Northumbrian and border collections such as those of John Peacock (1800-1805), William Dixon (1733), William Vickers (1770) and Bruce & Stokoe (1882). In particular they draw on music from the distinctive border bagpipe tradition, which predates that of the more widely known Northumbrian Smallpipes. From a musical foundation in these powerful old tunes, and using a range of other materials - their own compositions, tunes picked up on their travels - Horseplay have built a unique sound.
This is uncompromising drone music powered by bagpipes, driven by rhythmic guitar and edgy fiddle with grungy accordion and the sweetness of the wooden flute, all played with drive, energy and precision. Quite simply, it sounds like nothing else.
The debut album Roughshod is now available direct from the band by clicking HERE. You don't need a paypal account to pay using your credit card. Just press the button!
If you're in the USA you might prefer to buy from Bagpipediscs at
www.bagpipediscs.travelingpiper.com
or CD baby:
'scintillating CD... it's an absolute knockout! (David Kidman)
'great tunes played with real verve and spirit.' (Alistair Anderson, BBC Radio Newcastle)
'Lovely!' (Genevieve Tudor, BBC Radio Shropshire)"
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