


The Murphs
Act fee £500 to £795
The band was established around 1992 and has undergone a few line up changes and the odd name change since then.So we have much experience. At the beginning of 2008, to use a musical analogy, we fitted new strings, retuned and returned with a fresh new sound. The 'new' line up works very well, and is now firmly established. We perform mainly traditional and contemporary Irish folk music, mostly for weddings, birthday or anniversary parties and can do Barn Dance /Ceilidhs or just music and songs if preferred. We also perform a range of Scottish tunes and songs to compliment our Celtic feel, some English tunes and songs also, as well as some of our accordion player's own compositions which reflect his musical influences from across Europe.
Noeleen Ryan-Smith Guitar, vocals, bodhran, whistles and 'caller'. Born in Plymouth of Irish parents, folk music is in Noeleen's blood. She started her musical career learning the recorder and has played the guitar from the age of eight. She rediscovered her folk roots when asked to join an earlier incarnation of the band in 2000. She soon added the bodhran to her range of instruments and more recently has even been known to step in as caller if the need arises.
Alex Smith Bass guitar, guitar, Mandolin,Stompbox, vocals Brought up on a feast of folk music from an early age as Dad played in the local ceilidh band 'The Old Pull and Push', he broke with tradition during his rebellious teenage years and began experimenting on keyboards and then guitar, and found himself playing with local band Small Time,Big Time. He was invited to play guitar in 'The Highly Strung Band' and is now a firm 'born again folky' although he still has a soft spot for eighties electronica and indie music.
Gill Collins Fiddle Gill has been playing the fiddle since she was 13, also learning piano and the clarinet. Both Grandfathers played the violin so it was all too easy to pick one up one day and she took to it straight away. In 2004, she heard about an Irish music session in a local pub and hasn't looked back since. Gill initially 'depped' with us, but is now our regular fiddle player. Her enthusiasm is boundless!!
Richard Wirdnam Accordion Venerable and wise accordion and keyboard player. Over the years he has been involved with many local dance and folk bands most notably 'Diggory Venn'. Richard is also a prolific composer of original and excellent tunes which reflect his diverse interests and influences, ranging from English Morris, through Celtic to East European Klezmer for which he has particular love. Also known to sing a song or two when in the mood (most weeks) and has a penchant for corny old jokes!! Always seen with a smile on his face
Music Samples
Atholl Highlanders
I Know My Love
Britches
Act Video
Line-up
Noeleen Ryan-Smith: Guitar, vocals, bodhran, whistles, caller
Alex Smith: Bass guitar, guitar, Mandolin,Stompbox, vocals
Gill Collins: Fiddle
Richard Wirdnam: Accordion. Vocals
Julian Gurr: Our caller and Bodhran for 5 piece line up
Extra Line-up(s)
Available as 4 or 5,and we have a collection of friends (very experienced deps) who can help out if the need arises.
Also included
Yamaha EMX 5016 Powered desk 500 w per channel suitable for small to medium venues , FOH 2 x Yamaha S115V speakers, Small lighting set up - 2 x floor / monitor mounted led par cans. 2 x led strip bars.
Location
South West based and will travel to these areas: South East, South West.
Previous Clients
Romsey Mayors Charity Ball, Wimborne Folk Fetival,British Podiatry Society, MarriageCare, Pharmac, Milford-on-Sea Music Festival, plus many private individuals and couples!
| Irish English and Scottish Traditional |
| Danny Boy |
| Fields of Athenry |
| Lark in the Morning |
| Whiskey in the Jar |
| Wild Rover |
| Blackwaterside |
| Star of the County Down |
| Irish Rover |
| Nutting Girl |
| Rout of the Blues |
| Blue Cockade |
| Will ye go Lassie go |
| and many more! |
The price brackets above should be used as a guide only as all quotes are bespoke.Performance times for most acts except Tributes and some other Unique performers are usually 2 x 60 minute sets or 3 x 40 min sets. (If you require the act to perform longer than these times you may incur extra costs.)
Travel costs vary depending on the act and will be included to the quote given to you by our agents.
Our acts would usually expect to arrive around 6pm and to be finished around midnight.
(If you need the act to arrive earlier or finish later there may be extra costs but these can be negotiated.)
