Album Notes

The Hosepipe Band is an electro-acoustic band playing traditional and newly composed material; rhythmic and melodic, the band's highly original sound combines British and European influences. Originally formed to play for dancing - ceilidhs, barn dances etc - more recently the band has been asked to play for concerts and at festivals.

HELL'S BELLS LINE-UP
Geoff
Geoff's main instrument is the Octave mandola which is similar to a mandolin but is tuned an octave lower. It was made in Scotland by Precision Instruments.

Nick
Nick plays a Fender Precision Bass guitar, with custom active pick-ups.

Simon
Simon's main instrument is the Diatonic accordeon or Melodeon. Two of his instruments were made in France by Bertrand Gaillard. The small one is an Italian Castagnari. Simon also plays an electro acoustic Hurdy-gurdy. made in France by Dennis Siorat. This can be heard on Track 5, Hell's Bells / Asdaboudicca

Val
Val plays a whole range of wind instruments
Recorders: most of these were made by the German company Moeck
Flutes: One is a modern concert flute made by Boosey and Hawkes. The other is an early 19th century wooden instrument. It only has holes to cover – no keys to press.
Bagpipes: These are English Border pipes made by Jon Swayne – not Northumbrian pipes. Unlike Scottish pipes they have only one drone.
Saxophone: This is a Yamaha alto sax
Bombarde: This incredibly loud instrument, related to the shawm, is used in Breton music. It was made in France by Hervieux et Glet.
Chalumeau: This is a kind of simple clarinet. Its range is limited to one octave.

The music on Hells' Bells was originally composed and recorded for a music festival in the band's home town. Colchester, Essex. This accounts for some of the apparently strange track titles.