PROFILE: Debra Ratcliffe
Debra Ratcliffe is a singer/guitarist who has written and performed her own songs in the late nineties and has recently begun writing again. She performs mainly folk/country but also dabbles in other styles. In the mid eighties, she performed at country music venues and won a couple of talent quests in between taking care of her three sons, two with disabilities. She has performed from time to time since then but, is now working her way back. She recently performed at Jackadders Music club as a support act.
PROFILE: Humming House
The Humming House is Peter Stafford, Rachel Armstrong and Dave Johnson. They play acoustic folk music that combines guitar, fiddle, mandolin bass and whistle in a range of styles, feels and genres. Sometimes Sea Shanties, sometimes traditional Reels and Jigs, whilst oft times obscure cover versions and originals in unusual mandolin and guitar tunings. The band’s musical mood varies from heartbreaking lament to rollicking celebration with an emphasis on story telling. Many of their songs relate the minutiae of local and personal experience to the greater archetypal spiritual and cultural themes,- always seeking to evoke imaginative connection and meaning.
Peter Stafford has worked as a council worker, car salesman, actor, and academic. Despite having sung out front of rock bands such as Big Red Tractor on the East coast in the eighties he is probably best known as a performance artist and oil painter. Peter sings and plays banjo, mandolin and guitar.
Rachel Armstrong is an academic who until recently played with a Country and Western band. She plays fiddle, viola Mandolin Accordion Irish whistle and sings like a lark.
Dave Johnson is well known for both his myriad appearances with all manner of well known acts on festival stages around the country and his own exemplary solo work. He is perhaps most remarkable for his extensive knowledge of songs whether traditional Celtic music or contemporary folk rock. Dave plays Bass, Guitar, Mandolin and sings.
