Biography

The four members of the band each contribute creatively to the band's distinctive sound, and with backgrounds ranging from the classically-trained, through acoustic folk to a variety of pop and rock, their style is an eclectic mix of Celtic, Eastern European, American and other World music.

Laurelie, Paul, Jim and Bill all make strong vocal contributions to the band's performance as well as playing more than 20 different instruments, giving them an unsurpassed versatility within the folk circuit. The popular Irish sound of Jigs and Reels is produced with a blend of fiddle, whistles, bodhran and accordion, while anything from a banjo to a balalaika or South American cinco (5-string guitar) adds a regional flavour to their diverse material.

Additionally, Laurelie is an accomplished caller for folk dancing, and the band are as comfortable performing at a village hall ceilidh as in the bar of the local pub or in the intimate atmosphere of an arts centre.

ROOTING AROUND released their first CD 'In the Undergrowth', having spent six months fitting recording and mixing sessions in between their busy performance schedule. The eleven tracks showcased the band's emerging style, ranging from popular songs such as 'Star of the County Down' and lively instrumentals including 'Arkansas Traveller' to the haunting sound of the Uilleann Pipes on the 'Cliffs of Dooneen' and the brooding atmosphere of a song dating from the time of the Jacobite rebellion.

The creation of their website at www.rootingaround.co.uk further consolidated the band's intention to go from strength to strength, and after two more years of sometimes frenetic but always polished performances the band released their second CD 'Landfall'.

Building on the solid foundation of their debut recording, 'Landfall' reveals to an even greater extent the range of ROOTING AROUND's talents. The music varies widely, but is unified by the band's unique style and much effort has gone into arranging traditional pieces in a way that imbues them with a freshness and energy rarely encountered in the folk genre. From the quirky opening track 'South Australia' to the multi-layered finale of 'Spanish Ladies', which includes some of their first original material, the CD is indicative of a band whose future is assured.

The band's ever growing popularity has resulted in coverage by both local TV and radio, and they continue to venture further afield as they become more widely known. This success has been the result of a close-knit team effort from a band whose friendship offstage is reflected in the enthusiasm of their live performance.