Beyond the ordinary
The band originally formed back in 2005 and have always been based in Ash village (near Shrewsbury) in North Shropshire. Jigsmith usually travel within a 40-mile radius, which takes us into Shropshire, Cheshire, North Wales and Staffordshire - however we are always happy to discuss travelling further afield. The name ‘Jigsmith Ceilidh Band’ was derived after an arduous meeting in the local hostelry (the White Lion in Ash) after a rehearsal, and a search on the internet soon uncovered a passage from 'Finigans Wake' which refers to a 'moromelodious jigsmith.' We were none the wiser after this - however we did name our first CD 'Moromelodious' in its honour. We originally formed our ceilidh band way back in 2005 and are based in Ash (North Shropshire). We have had regular gigs year on year at Harper Adams University, The Whitchurch Walkers Association, The British Beekepers Association to name but a few. Plus weddings, parties and Burns nights all over Shropshire, North Wales Cheshire and Derbyshire at wonderful venues such as Standon Hall Staffordshire, Lilleshall Hall, Vale Royal Abbey, The Abbeywood Estate in Derbyshire and Wilderhope Manor. We are happy to travel within a 40-mile radius, which takes us into Shropshire, Cheshire, North Wales and Staffordshire.
Neil - melodeon
Neil is our 'tune man' and officially has the best dress sense. Often seen wearing sunglasses to protect his eyes from his amazing technicolour socks, he has also been known to bleed the radiators before a performance! When Neil is not playing melodeon he can be regularly seen replacing gates and stiles on public footpaths.
Simon - fiddle
Simon is an exceptional fiddle player and a regular performer at many local folk sessions. He's also lead workshops at several folk festivals, and when we let him he also plays with the 'Shropshire Heroes'. Whilst not performing he is a Senior Lecturer in Nematode and Engineering Research at Harper Adams University. Also known as 'Billy' by his friends, he took up fiddle for "something to do" after giving up smoking. We're so glad he did!.
Russ - guitars
Russ has been playing guitar, mandolin and banjo since before he can remember and as well as being a fine guitar player has an excellent voice. Russ used to be an engineer for the Red Arrows display team and has since been involved with design for a number of high-profile electronics companies. In 2015 he walked the uk coast-coast.
Rob - bass
Rob trained as an electronics engineer, but spends most of his time nowadays behind a computer as IT manager of a local electrical company. He can often be found playing various guitars in the orchestra pit of a theatre, and has also played brass since joining the local brass band aged 10. Once he got the bug to learn instruments he took up the piano, saxophone, clarinet, drums, guitar and Bass.
Gill - caller
Gill is our resident caller. Armed with her microphone she commands the floor and manages to get complete novices to dance as if on 'Strictly Come Dancing' (but very much in a ceilidh style!) She's also plays a mean tambourine.
Mandy - bookings
Mandy is our bookings secretary and will be more than happy to discuss your requirements. She regularly supplies our rehearsals with buns and icing. Mandy is a full-time mum who runs ultra-marathons and plays flugel horn in the local brass band.
