Wayland Smithy ?
Wayland’s Smithy is an atmospheric historic site about a mile’s walk along the Ridgeway from the Uffington White Horse. A Neolithic chambered long barrow, it was once believed to have been the home of Wayland, the Saxon god of metal working.
Mythology tells … ‘At this place lived a ghostly Smith, and if a traveller’s Horse had lost a Shoe upon the road, he had no more to do than to bring the Horse to this place with a piece of money, and leaving both there for some little time, he might come again and find the money gone, but the Horse new shod‘.
In the beginning ...
Wayland Smithy was formed in the summer of 2018 at a Ceilidh Experience session at the Stables Theatre, Milton Keynes. There were four bands constructed on day one of the session who after 6 weeks of rehearsal went on to play at a public Ceilidh at The Stables. It was a fantastic night and a good time was had by all both dancers and the bands. After the session we decided to stay together and see what else we could do musically. We all have a love for folk music but wanted to create a certain “Smiffy” sound by adding a little extra to some familiar and traditional tunes.
Graham
Whistle, Bodhrán
Keith
Mandolin, Guitar, Ukulele, Vocals
Phil
Guitar, Bass, Vocals
Mr Jordan
Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Frank
Mandolin, Octave Mandolin, Tenor Banjo, Bodhrán
Steve
Guitar, Vocals
Mr Jordan
Drums, Vocals
Steve Leo Jordan (Mr. Jordan) has been playing drums and other percussion instruments since the age of 14. He comes from a dynasty of entertainers. Steve has played in all genres from big bands, jazz trios, rock, folk and pop. He played in the Irish band ‘Banjaxed’ in the 80s.
Phil
Bass, Guitar, Accordion, Vocals
Besides playing the fool, Phil tends to gravitate towards instruments that are easy, for him, to pick up and get a tune out of. Now that might sound like he plays a wide variety of instruments but truth be told he can only get a couple of tunes out of each of them except for the guitar which he has played long enough to have a very wide repertoire. Just loves playing and sharing the moment.
Steve
Guitar, Vocals
Steve first picked up a Guitar at 13 years old and was largely self-taught by listening to Rock and Blues records and trying to play along. Played in various bands over the years, the first band dubiously called “Fresh Garbage” which in retrospect may have been aptly named, even played the school social with that band and seemed to get away with it. Played with “Ashley James Band” and “The Woolpackers” and several more bands covering most genres. Went from trying to educate the audience with a 15 min guitar solo to now just loving to see an audience dance and join in. (15 min solos available on request) :-O
Frank
Mandolin, Tenor Banjo, Bodhrán
Despite being into folk music from an early age, Frank only picked up an instrument in 2017, focusing on the mandolin. Entirely self taught, he has since branched out to the octave mandolin, tenor banjo and the bodhran and might be spotted clutching a Waldzither, Domra, or even a concertina (which he tends to swear at a lot). Frank also plays with “Borderlands” and enjoys joining in with music sessions in the local pubs or playing at ceilidhs for the joy the music brings to all involved. And the beer ! Joined the band in 2022.
Graham
Whistle, Bodhrán
With Irish roots on his father’s side of his family, Graham has always loved listening to traditional Irish folk music and song. After many years involved in sport (i.e., Rugby, Karate and finally Mountain Biking which he still does), Graham found his passion for actively playing folk music late in life and picked up first the Bodhran and later Irish Whistles about ten years ago. This he did in memory of his Irish grandfather Thomas Callaghan Tait. Entirely self taught, he has since branched out to play the full range of Irish whistles (soprano, alto and low). Graham also plays with the bands “Borderlands” and “Pickled Tink” and can be frequently heard playing in music sessions in the local pubs or playing at ceilidhs. In his spare time, Graham is also an up and coming artist producing fine art portraits and landscapes. In addition to this, he also works part-time helping the local community working for “Age UK Bedfordshire”. His love for music has definitely changed his life forever! Joined the band in 2022.
Keith
Mandolin, Guitar, Ukulele, Vocals
Keith grew up with classical music and started playing violin in his school orchestra at the age of 8, gradually progressing to viola in the county youth orchestra. After school, he dabbled in synth-pop for a short while in the 1980s. His entrance into the world of folk music happened when he was walking past a music shop one day in 2014 and bought a guitar on a whim and was persuaded to join a local folk club. He now plays guitar, mandolin and ukulele in several bands and pub sessions as well as singing in his local village choir as an escape from the drudgery of everyday life. With enough practice, he hopes that one day he might achieve mediocrity in at least one instrument. Joined the band in 2022.