Will Duke and Dan Quinn sing traditional songs in unison and play English country dance tunes on melodeon and concertina. Will was greatly influenced by the playing of the late, great Scan Tester of Horsted Keynes, Sussex and actually owns and plays one of Scan's old concertinas. He started singing and playing concertina around Sussex in 1972 and was asked to join the augmented Etchingham Steam Band that played for dances. When that band packed in, Ashley Hutchings and Shirley Collins went on to form the Albion Dance Band and Vic Gammon to form the Pump and Pluck Band. Will was in both for a while but soon left the former to concentrate on Pump and Pluck and with them, recorded the double album "A Tale of Ale". He then opted for the quiet life until he met Dan Quinn in a pub in Sussex. A mutual liking for traditional music and song led them to singing and playing together and eventually recording two (so far) CDs: "Wild Boys" in 1996 and "Scanned" in 2001.
Together they have been guests at major folk festivals in the UK and have appeared in venues ranging from village halls to London's South Bank.
Will and Dan are available for festivals and folk clubs and can be contacted by e-mail using the link below.
"Wild Boys" cd HebeCD001
Nick Beale "Folk Roots"
"A truly excellent CD. I unhesitatingly recommend it"
Rod Stradling "Musical Traditions"
"Any listener should hear love of traditional singing shining through every note.... There is very little to feel other than totally satisfied in the quality of these performances"
Vic Smith "English Dance and Song"
"The tunes are irresistible, the rhythms lopsided..... It fair makes one swell with pride at one's national heritage. Great stuff................. a genuinely feelgood album."
What the critics said:
"Scanned" cd HebeCD003
Rod Stradling "Folk Roots"
"A little gem of an album... English country dance music has never sounded so good."
Paul Walker "Buzz"
"A delightful surprise... ballads sung by the two in an alarmingly effective and engaging unision style."
Mike Greenwood "Taplas"
"Maturity and experience they've gained over the years, blended with such an obvious love of the material, produce an absolutely delightful CD............. Singing in unison - such a refreshing change. I love it all."
What the critics said:
"Voices mixing well, adding extra dimension to an already captivating performance."
Peter Fairbairn "Living Tradition"
Copies of both cds are available, price £12 each including p&p, from
Dan Quinn, 87 St Andrews Road, Portslade, Brighton BN41 1DD. Paypal payments now accepted. Please e-mail for details.
Real Audio link to "Coleraine Town"
click either picture
for track listings
