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Learn a bit about us!
Kenny Speirs, from Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, founder
member and driving force behind The John Wright Band, formed Real Time
in 2001.
Kenny has been involved in music for many years, since he learned to
play guitar at 18. He picked up a variety of acoustic styles, and spent
his early years playing in rock bands. He gradually drifted into folk
music, running folk clubs and presenting a successful weekly folk music
programme on Scottish Borders Radio.In 1990 he met John Wright and
together they form the JWB.From playing in local pubs and clubs, they
became one of the top acts on the folkscene in the UK and Europe,
playing at folk clubs, festivals and theatres. The JWB recorded five
CD's and Kenny has featured on many other artists albums.
In 1998 he released his first solo album "Bordersong"
followed in March 2002 by "North Wind Blowing".
The latter included five self-penned songs. His most important project
has been the formation of Real Time with Judy Dinning and Joe Wright
(now replaced by Iain Anderson) where he can pursue a more varied
selection of material, particularly the traditional Scottish songs he
loves to sing.
Judy Dinning was born and raised in
rural Northumberland, daughter of a farmer. Both sides of her family are
steeped in Scottish and Northumbrian history from the sea to the land.
From her earliest years she had a passion for music and singing and
eventually she began singing and piano lessons with a local teacher in
Hexham. Winifred Cooper instilled in Judy a love of all types of music
although her teaching was of classical pieces. Judy went on to gain a
London College Diploma in Voice. She also was a member of the Stage
Society in Hexham and an offshoot group ‘The Cooptimists’ - a concert
party - run by their producer, Mary Newman - so at 16 was treading the
boards of the local WI halls - all great fun.
But always around her was the traditional music of her native North
East After a few tentative visits to Hexham Folk Club and picking up her
first guitar, Judy began singing solo and with local folk group
Passport, (Alan Lynch, Richard Chamberlain (Chippy) and John Parkin) and
was influenced by the singing of Sandy Denny, Judy Collins, Barbara
Dickson, Allan Taylor and many others from both the UK and USA, songs
both traditional and contemporary.
Since those early days at Hexham Folk Club, Judy’s love of acoustic
music has not diminished, and she went on to record and tour with Dave
Smith (guitar) eventually releasing the album ‘Waiting for the Change’
on Rubber Records in 1982.
After a family break Judy returned to folk music in the early
nineties with the encouragement of Jim & Jacquie at the Kings Head in
Allendale - a bit of a hot bed of acoustic music then - they promoted
many gigs at the pub. Here Judy as well as playing at the folk club was
asked to support many great performers including Fairport, The Strawbs,
Pentangle and Ralph McTell and also play there in her own right and
eventually with Lucky Bags.
Lucky Bags evolved through a chance meeting at Allendale with Liz
law. An all girl group with Julie Ann Kay, Zena Tubmen , Liz Law and
Emma Welton was formed. With an eclectic mix of instruments, natural
harmony and material they embarked on a madcap journey of touring and
recording (hence the name) and went down a storm. Two albums on Fellside
Records (Food for Thought, Delight and Disorder) and many forays through
the UK and Europe followed.
Judy had known Jez Lowe for many years and in 1997 Jez asked her to
join The Bad Pennies (Jez Luton and Billy Surgeoner, Simon Haworth
joined soon after
Jez Luton left the band). With Jez the touring was worldwide and
extensive and she recorded three albums with him (Parish Notices, Live
at the Davy Lamp, Honesty Box). During this time she played many
international festivals and made many friends and contacts across the
world in Australia, Canada, Europe and the USA.
For six years Judy played in the Bad Pennies and in 2001 after some
solo gigs and the desire to record in her own right she decided to ask
around for advice.
Dave Tearney her Dutch agent and an old friend suggested a
partnership with Kenny Speirs who was leaving the John Wright Band at
the same time. Coincidentally, Bob Gilchrist Kenny’s agent (and also
Judy’s in the UK) suggested the same idea. The rest is history, and
since playing their first gig in March 2002 Real Time have become one of
the most respected bands on the folk circuit.
As well as playing in Real Time, Judy has been involved in the
Northumbrian Anthology project in Newcastle. Judy enjoyed recording and
performing many Northumbrian songs for this collection which is
organised by Mawson & Wareham Music and supported by The Heritage
Lottery Fund. In 2004 Judy released a spin off solo album ‘Fine Times’
on MWM. This is a collection of North Eastern songs both traditional and
contemporary and produced by Pete Scott and Judy and featuring Pete
(guitar), Johnnie Dickinson (slide guitar), Neil Harland (bass) and Tony
Davis (keyboard).
Tom Roseburgh the owner of
and Senior Sound Engineer at Big Sky Studios in the Scottish Borders
finds time to play occasional keyboards with Real Time, mostly on their
foreign gigs. As well as running the recording studio and touring with
Real Time, Tom has released two CDs of his own compositions. Tweed Aria
and Southern Upland Suite.
Claire Mann comes
from Newcastle upon Tyne and has established herself as one of the
leading exponents of Traditional Irish Flute, Tin Whistle and Fiddle.
She has been performing since an early age and has won numerous All
Ireland Championships on flute, whistle and fiddle. Claire has also
performed for the renowned British Flute Society who described her as, “…astonishing.”
As well as her pedigree as a performer, Claire is highly sought after as
a traditional music tutor. She currently teaches the Flute and Tin
Whistle at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow and
is a regular visiting tutor on Flute and Fiddle at Newcastle University.
She has also taught at the Folkworks Summer Schools, Strathclyde
University and has run workshops at numerous festivals worldwide.
She has toured extensively worldwide with numerous
artists and has appeared on countless recordings. Her most recent
release was the critically acclaimed Secret Orders, with bouzouki ace
Aaron Jones (Scots Trad Music Awards Instrumentalist of the Year 2005). www.clairemann.com
"Her sheer musicality - the beautiful feel in her playing - is
what really sets her apart." - The Planet, Radio National,
Australia
"I for one would love to see Claire with a cloned sister of
herself in a live performance as both her flute and fiddle playing are
faultless." - Pete Fyfe, Folking.com
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