Lessons: Expert Online & Yorkshire based Lessons and Tuition for Uilleann pipes, Northumbrian smallpipes, Fiddle, and Whistle. Bookings: Professional multi-instrumentalist for Weddings, Ceilis, Concerts, and Festivals
I’m delighted that both my debut album and Ireland Bridge album are now available as digital downloads as well as physical copy CD’s on Bandcamp.
It makes a huge difference to independent artists like myself when we can reach people directly so please support Bandcamp whenever you buy music, it’s an exciting resource and network for finding new music too!
Had a wonderful time playing for the opening ceremony of Soul Revolution 2025 (https://soulrevolutionfestival.com). Amazing festival where they truly embrace their founding principles of Integrity, Compassion, Service, Bravery, Humility, Responsibility, and Discipline. Highly recommended.
Becky Taylor and Sam Lawrence are an unusual acoustic duo known for their rich, multi-instrumental performances. Becky is a highly accomplished player of the uilleann and Northumbrian pipes, while Sam brings virtuosity across a wide range of stringed instruments and songs. Between them, they draw on a vast array of instruments including Uilleann pipes, Northumbrian Smallpipes, whistles, accordion, guitar, hurdy-gurdy, mandolin, bouzouki and finally sometimes even a stomp shoe— creating a lively and engaging set full of variety and character.
What to Expect
Expect toe-tapping tunes, a wealth of songs alongside plenty of good natured chat with instruments that you don’t hear everyday.
What people have said about us
“Two of the finest musicians on the planet – seriously they don’t come any better… both are class performers individually, and together they make more than the sum of their parts -strings and pipes of all kinds…don’t miss it” – Mike Harding”
” Such an amazing night watching Becky and Sam play so beautifully…thirteen instruments between them and all played with stunning precision… such an uplifting atmosphere of fun and smiles”
“A most amazing set of music and song – anyone not here tonight has missed one of the best sessions available. They are superb.”
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Screenshot of Cramlington Folk Clubs Facebook page
We made a short video to show the sort of noise we make.
“The Folkies Folk!“
Between us we have lots of tunes and songs on two sets of Uilleann pipes, duelling whistles, bouzouki, guitar, concertina, hurdy-gurdy, accordion, mandolin and probably something else that I have forgotten…
Becky Taylor and Sam Lawrence
Here’s a video of us playing a couple of sets of Uilleann pipes in the key of ‘B’ – ‘the Diamond Jig’ a lovely tune.
Becky and Sam playing ‘the Diamond Jig’
We have been known to get the Hurdy Gurdy and accordion out on occasion! Here’s a wee snippet from a recent practise session…
A bit of ‘pure folk silliness’! Becky and Sam play Hogs Eye Man on Accordion and Hurdy-gurdy…
Informal workshop and recital with Becky 1pm -2.45pm. Chapel FM, Seacroft, York Road, LS14 6JB
Followed by an Irish Traditional Music Session (all instruments including pipes welcome!) 3pm -4.30pm session The Cricketers Arms, Seacroft Green, Leeds LS14 6JW
Delighted to be supporting Gilmore & Roberts presented by BGR events at their Wadsworth Community Centre venue in Hebden Bridge where I shall be playing a few tunes on various sets of pipes and whistles, accompanied by Steve Lacey on guitar who may even be persuaded to do a song!
Gilmore & Roberts need no introduction, and you are assured of a good night in their company. But please come along and support the BGR Events series of concerts – they continually put on quality folk acts in a great venue, with a very reasonable bar, lovely food available and a great crowd who appreciate their music. On top of all this they raise a great deal of money for local charities. Great! ❤
It was great to get out to the Friday evening session at Todmorden Folk Festival which is on all weekend with a host of great acts, performers, musicians and dancers. What a good do!
Becky Taylor “Ireland Bridge” Label: Own Label; 10 tracks; 38 min
From the North of England, this young uilleann piper combines Irish music with aspects of English, Breton and other traditions. Her second album is aptly named. In a little under forty minutes, Becky Taylor stravagues through a musical landscape from Tyneside to Donegal. Francis Donnellan’s, Rattle the Cash and The Kilkenny Jig sit alongside her own compositions, which often have a slightly English feel. As well as the Irish pipes, Ms Taylor plays Northumbrian smallpipes, concertina, fiddle and whistles. She’s joined by several friends: Dave Wood, David Kosky and Paul Cowham on guitars, Leigh Stothard on drums, and Hugh Bradley on bass. For those who heard her debut CD, Ireland Bridge is a big step forward and presents Becky as a piper to be reckoned with. The Gift mixes rustic modal melodies with the world music sound of Barely Works or Oyster Band numbers. Smallcoalpiper is a contemporary Northumberland showpiece, full of pops and stops, with a driving topline and a strong beat, finishing on the classic Small Coals. The air Mable strays across the Celtic rim, somewhere along an imaginary line between Callanish and Compostella. When It’s All Over is a little further West, halfway across that Ireland bridge; a pair of breakneck whistle reels a la Finnegan or McGoldrick. Track 6 is firmly on Irish soil, Carolan’s Captain Kane. The traditional jigs Red Haired Polly and Rattle the Cash keep us there, and The Lady’s Cup of Tea adds some very fine Irish piping. Becky’s style is open and uncomplicated, and the melody comes through strongly. The stately air River Rose leads into an impressive whistle solo. Can’t Help Smiling rounds off this recording with a medley of jigs, leaving no doubt as to Becky Taylor’s abilities: a fine command of her instrument, a repertoire as wide as these islands, and a gift for contemporary composition. Ireland Bridge is good solid pipering from start to finish, and should broaden the horizons of most traditional musicians. Www.beckytaylor.info Alex Monaghan
This review appeared on the FolkWorld webiste, Issue 36 published July 2008 Folkworld CD Reviews
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