Coquet Crossing with Anne Lamb & Graham Bell
Coquet Crossing - Robin Dunn, Martin Dunn & Rachael Hales
Robin is well known in the North East of England as a fiddle player, caller, composer and band leader. He began performing in his teenage years in rock and roll bands, but he found his musical home in the world of ceilidh dancing. Robin has performed in many bands during his successful musical career, including Alistair Anderson's Steel Skies band, The Sergeant Minor's Barndance Band, La Toque Bleu and Fiddler's Elbow. Robin has several publications to his name, including a book, two albums featuring his own compositions, and the Ceilidh Band Pack, a teaching resource commissioned by FolkWorks which includes notation for ceilidh dances, notated music and accompanying recordings. Robin is also a renowned tutor, founding and leading the Redheughers Ceilidh Band, a community ceilidh band who have been going strong for 40 years now
Martin took up the flute in childhood and quickly developed varied and eclectic musical interests. As well as playing in highly acclaimed folk music bands including Steel Skies and Syncopace, throughout his adult life Martin has played in orchestras and concert bands, made and repaired flutes, taught music both 1-1 and in group settings, and has always been heavily involved with community music making. Today, you’ll find him leading a French music group, assisting and playing with community music ensembles including the Alnwick Pipers and Fiddlezonely, playing numerous types of bagpipe, and participating in a recorder ensemble and Brazilian music group.
Rachael is a fiddler, caller and workshop leader. She is a graduate of the Folk and Traditional Music Degree at Newcastle University, where she first fell in love with playing for ceilidh dancing. She played fiddle with popular ceilidh band Fiddler’s Elbow for 12 years, before founding the Blue Hat Ceilidh Band alongside Robin. As well as calling and performing, Rachael teaches two community ceilidh bands – The Redheughers Ceilidh Band and the Keel Assembly Ceilidh Band, teaches fiddle and is a sound artist and composer.
Robin, Martin and Rachael first played together at Sidmouth Folk Festival in 2012, and since then have collaborated on a variety of musical projects. They regularly support each other with the various community ensembles they are involved with, and enjoy performing together as a trio. Together they play folk tunes from around the UK, America, Canada and Europe, in unique self-penned arrangements.
Anne Lamb and Graham Bell
Anne Lamb and Graham Bell perform traditional songs and original songs written in the Tradition mostly about the industrial and rural heritage of their native North East. They have performed together and individually at many folk clubs and festivals around the country.
Anne Lamb has built a strong reputation in the folk clubs of north-eastern England, where she is known as ‘Hour Hanne’. The daughter of a County Durham Miner, Anne sings a wide, varied repertoire in a quiet unassuming style. She has a beautiful voice and sings with a distinct twinkle in her eye. Her love of folk song began at the age of 18 when she was greatly influenced by the singing of the Watersons. Anne is now a popular guest at festivals and singing weekends in Britain and Ireland.
Graham Bell is a singer/ songwriter, singing in the direct style of the rural tradition. His songs are inspired by the rich rural and industrial landscape of his native Northumbria. Graham is becoming more and more well known, particularly as a song writer, with other singers now regularly performing his material in folk clubs. The late, great Tony Wilson was a huge fan.
Their performances include humorous duets as well as solo unaccompanied singing.
