Yorkshire based Teacher of Celtic and Traditional Folk Music, specialising in Uilleann (Irish) and Northumbrian Small Pipes, Fiddle and Tin Whistle. Piper & multi-instrumentalist for hire. Specialist Leather worker making bagpipe bags, musical instrument case repairs and restorations, handmade bespoke boots and shoes and other leathergoods.
Very happy to announce a new musical project: – an acoustic duo with multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist Sam Lawrence.
Becky is a highly talented player of the Uilleann and Northumbrian pipes and many other instruments, and Sam Lawrence is a wizard on stringed instruments and brings a varied selection of songs to the table. But, there’s a twist – they can swap at will and bring in whistles, accordion, hurdy-gurdy, mandolin, bouzouki and more!
Expect jigs, reels, songs and plenty of good natured chat.
“You won’t be bored with this lot”
“A most amazing set of music and song – anyone not here tonight has missed one of the best sessions available. They are superb.”
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…
Here’s a pic from Sams Instagram at our first gig with 3 sets of Uilleann pipes, 4 chanters, hurdy-gurdy, accordion, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, 4 whistles and a PA!
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…
Exciting acoustic 3-piece band Atlas Bridgebring together the tuneful talents of Uilleann Piper & Multi-instrumentalist Becky Taylor, with sensitive, honest vocals and melodic 5-string banjo from Madeline Andrew underpinned with inventive and energetic accompaniments by Steve Lacey who also adds a song or two to the mix.
Expect engaging, high energy, lively tune sets interspersed with thought-provoking songs. With a multitude of different instruments between them and a fresh approach to more familiar material as well as vocal variety, there is plenty of interest here!
Here’s a wee peek at what you can expect at an Atlas Bridge gig…
Atlas Bridge came to life in the Sparrow Café in Bradford drawing from their shared love of good tunes, good songs and a willingness to keep the show on the road no matter what. Their name, with its roots from Greek mythology for the Atlantic Ocean or Atlantis Sea, echoes the bridge and deep-rooted musical connections between Irish and other Celtic folk traditions and the Americana/Appalachian music and song that is reflected in their repertoire.
Becky Taylor: Uilleann pipes, Northumbrian Smallpipes, Whistles and Mandolin. Madeline Andrew: Vocals, 5-string Banjo, Guitar, Bodhran and Whistle. Steve Lacey: Guitar and Vocals.
Atlas Bridge headed out to play at the infamous Puzzle Hall Inn this weekend. It was so nice to play live music again, love playing with these guys – great audience and great venue. Happy Days!
All go at BT HQ this week gearing up for a guest gig with the KUSCHTY RYE chaps. You can catch them this week in and around Halifax (and Barnoldswick!) with more in the pipeline somewhat further afield, so catch them local while you can!
KUSCHTY RYE is DES HORSFALL….. with an array of wonderful guest musicians. This line-up featured the solid backline grooves of Hugh Bradley on Bass and Dylan Pepper on drums, the mighty Chris Preston on Guitars, Jason Offen on Keys, with Becky adding fiddle, mandolin and a sprinkling of low whistle and concertina.
The 3rd Todmorden Folk Festival is nearly upon us with an great line-up of artists that you can read about here – http://todfolkfest.co.uk/line-up/
Didikai are delighted to be part of the event and you can catch us at our 1pm spot at the Central Methodist Church along with Umpteen Reasons to Swerve, Becky Langan, Ollie King, Wardle Folk Academy & Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band!
Didikai at ArtSBridge 2013. Photo by www.darrenflemingphotography.co.uk
Didikai present a broad and diverse range of material with their enthralling duo featuring the sultry vocal talents of Amy-Rose and the musical finesse of Becky Taylor. They showcase an amazing breadth of line-up encompassing uilleann pipe and fiddle duets, songs accompanied by uilleann pipes, duet concertina, guitar and fiddle (but not all at the same time!), duelling fiddles, even some northumbrian small-piping delivered with more than a hint of humour and style.
From this enigmatic and highly original due you can expect anything from self-penned songs to traditional Gypsy ballads, rousing chorus songs and catchy tune sets. You are most certainly guaranteed not to get bored!
“Another great night of music at The Moorcock last night, For all of you who didn’t make it, DIDIKAI (Becky Talor & Amy-Rose Atkinson) gave us a night to remember – – – if you like beautifully crafted traditional music, this multi-instrumental duo will not disappoint – – – and Amy-Roses’ voice must be one of the best we have heard at The Moorcock. Thank you both, we will certainly want you to come back.” Andrew Clayton, bookings organiser, The Moorcock Crew.
“Superb Music” – Mike Harding (October 2012)
Here’s a DIDIKAI video from Youtube courtesy of Joe Stead (Kimbers Men) where we played a short Cameo spot when Calderdale Folk Concerts presented Vin Garbutt. The song was a brand new one written by Amy called ‘Broken Bindings’.
