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History of Madcap.
Early DaysMadcap was formed in 1985 when a Sale/Altrincham based crowd decided to get together to form a ceilidh band. Mick Huntley, now living and working in America, acted as coordinator and, together with Dave (Buttercup!) Robinson (melodeon), Pete Pascoe (concertina), Tim Veitch (cello), Joanne Blinkhorn (whistles), and John Snelson (highland bagpipes) started to rehearse a repertoire of traditional music together with self-penned Robinson tunes. Mick Huntley had previously worked with the short lived Hong Kong Kay-Lee Company (Mike Billington, Keith Hancock, Jamie Knowles and Tony Nyland) and invited Mike Billington, formerly with Rebec to join the band to contribute his array of renaissance woodwinds. The band was, at this time, called Contrabande but changed to Madcap after Mike revealed at one of his first band rehearsals that the name had already been used. The band then embarked on working the ceilidh scene in the Cheshire area and quickly made a name for themselves as an exciting dance band and work included folk events as well as weddings and private birthday parties. Madcap have, as yet, contrary to all rumours, still not played at divorce party - still, if the opportunity should arrive….! Various line up changes have ensued over the years. Firstly Joanne Blinkhorn left and was replaced by Hudson Swan, once of the Scottish band The Tannahill Weavers. Hudson brought a fresh dynamic to the band with his driving guitar and bouzouki playing and he also contributed the occasional violin. Indeed, Hudson was to rejoin The Tannies only to rejoin Madcap soon after. After Hudson left for the second and final time to concentrate on his PA and management businesses the band decided to take a rest and take stock of matters. Tim also left at this time to join The Electropathics and Dave returned to his native West Country roots. Mick was shortly to leave the scene but in more dramatic fashion to work in Atlanta, USA. The ReformationThe band reformed after a short time with Mike and John inviting melodeon player Paul Woods and fiddler Willy Simpson to join and the band started afresh albeit with a more streamlined line-up. Mick was still calling for the band at this time just prior to his transatlantic exile. It was around this time, the years merge into a blur, that the band was joined by guitarist Bill Phillips, well known for his involvement with various bands in the area. He has also done session work with Echo and the Bunnymen. Bill, as anyone who knows him will testify, is not only a superb musician but one in high demand. He decided to trim his commitments and was replaced by current guitarist Iain Bowley, who had played with Bill in previous bands. Modern DaysThe band then comprised Paul, Willy, Iain and the ever present Mike. Much of the repertoire, however, remained the same as in the early days but new material was slowly being added. However, the absence of Tim’s cello had left a gap in the bass section and two new members were drafted in to remedy this. Tom Francis has more than filled in the bass with his consummate keyboard skills and Bill Pook’s djembe and other assorted percussion completes the current Madcap sound. Madcap still play the ceilidh scene nearly twenty years on. Mick Huntley’s departure, of course, necessitated the search for new callers and the band regularly use the services of Chris Cole (once of Gorton Tank), Brian Corrigan, Ray Lee and Nick Tamblin (once of Pidgeon English.) Occasionally Madcap invite other musicians to help out when members of the band are unavailable and regular first reserves include guitarists Alan Bracegirdle and Malcolm Sutherland, melodeon player Chris Cole, percussionist Mark Wooley and fiddlers Emma and Nicola. From time to time Bill Phillips makes a welcome return on Guitar, Ian Jessie blows his sax and Fluff fiddles. Madcap are busier now than at any time over the last twenty years and are currently working on the recording of their first CD. Like many good things though it seems to be a long time coming. |
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