Paul Shorrock is the caller in the band, acting as the interface between band and dancers. He also squeezes tunes out of melodeon and concertina, treating both as rhythm instruments rather than melody. You might also hear a bit of blues harmonica. One of his few remaining musical ambitions is to see Richard Thompson achieve the recognition he deserves.
You do say: The fusion of rock and folk to form an indigenous British rock music is one of the most important musical developments of the last few decades.
You don’t say: Who’s Richard Thompson?
Mike.....bass
Mike Jensen is a gentleman and a scholar, but strap a bass guitar on him and he becomes a musical thug. Mike’s bass is the powerhouse of the band, driving the rhythm forward. He will admit to being a Buddy Holly fan, and is also a long time admirer of the late, great Ian Dury. Ambitions yet to achieve - To play trombone in the band. Ambitions unlikely to be achieved - to learn to ride a bicycle.
You do say: I think the sixties were the zenith of popular music.
You don’t say: Plymouth Argyl are a crap side, who shouldn’t even be in the Football League
Peter.....fiddle
Peter Crofts keeps Shetland sheep in his fields, and Shetland tunes in his head. He plays jigs and reels on the fiddle as if the devil himself was after him, then changes the mood with a mellow waltz. Peter provides the melody for the band, and plays it with love and passion. His enjoyment and enthusiasm make it difficult for him to stand still whilst he plays - you will find the same problem.
You do say: That last reel made me feel that I was actually in the Shetland Isles.
You don’t say: I think government sheep subsidies are far too high
Connie.....sound desk
The real hero in the band is sound engineer Connie Jensen. She combines the patience of a saint with the pragmatism of a politician. Whilst the other band members flaunt their musical egos on stage, Connie quietly and efficiently gets on with the job of delivering a good sound to the dancers and the band. She reads the band like a book, and greets plaintiff cries for “a bit more squeeze-box on the monitors” with sympathy, understanding and the occasional increase in volume. You do say: I don’t know how the hell you put up with those strutting prima donnas.
You don’t say: Can you turn the volume down, as I’ve just sat my granny next to that loudspeaker thingy.
Joe.....drums
Joe Dias - Drummer, artist, fireman, bluesman, familyman. Joe, when contacted to play for bands used to reply, “I’ll drum if you’re desperate”. This earned him the title of the county’s most desperate drummer. Nothing much has changed. He swithers between all of the above occupations, some more successfully than others. He mainly drums with Long Meg nowadays, but has other musical projects on the go.
You do say: Your paradiddles and flams are truly outstanding.
You don’t say: So what’s this modern art? My three-year-old daughter can paint as well as that.