The Murphs

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The Murphs

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

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!

"Thanks for an amazing evening guys! We had a blast! And consider that willow fully stripped!!
Thank you for an awesome night!!
What a great night it was! Thank you everyone..
Jon,Fiona and Karen after Jon and Jay's wedding ceilidh. November 2017

"Thanks again for your amazing music- sensational!
Rosie after her anniversary barn dance. September 2017

"Me and Michelle would like to say a big thank you to you and the band..Despite the sweltering heat you managed to get people up and dancing even those that were more than reluctant. It really did make a fitting end to the night and will of course recommend you to family and friends in the future.
Lewis and Michelle after their wedding ceilidh. August 2017