About
John Dipper • viola d'amore, concertina
John is a respected and established performer, composer, teacher and instrument maker, John grew up steeped in the traditions of Southern England. His unique playing style and compositions convey a deep understanding and passion for indigenous culture. John’s passion for vernacular music led to his degree dissertation focussing on the interpretation of field recordings, looking at intonation, tuning and expression.
Vicki Swan • nyckelharpa, bagpipes, flageolet
Vicki studied at the Royal College of Music on the double bass. She also plays the various types of bagpipes, flute, recorder, piano and nyckelharpa (Swedish keyed-fiddle). On leaving music college Vicki started down the long path of folk music and was only seen on rare glimpses back in classical orchestras. You’ll find Vicki now inhabiting the troll ridden forests playing her Swedish bagpipes, bagging tunes for new books. Vicki holds the Zorn Bronze Award for the traditional playing of Swedish bagpipes and runs workshops and teaches the nyckelharpa around the UK.
Jonny Dyer • harpsichord, accordion, gandola
Jonny is a multi-instrumentalist, performer, writer and arranger. Classically trained as a pianist and trumpet player, he now specialises in traditional music from the British Isles and Scandinavia; primarily on harpsichord, accordion, guitar and cowhorn. By default, Jonny is probably England’s leading exponent of the Swedish Kohorn (cowhorn) and was just as surprised as you probably are to find out that forests have the most wonderful echoey acoustic to play the cowhorn in. Go and try it, it’s awesome!