dalla

Dalla was founded in 1999 by Neil Davey and Hilary Coleman. Through Dalla, they ignited the genre of 'Cornish Celtic music' and devoted their energy to the revival of traditional Cornish musical heritage. Over the years, their dynamic, innovative and virtuose performances have built their success and Dalla can now boast a reputation both on the national and the international Celtic scene. More about Dalla members: NEIL DAVEY (bouzouki, mandolin, fiddle, accordeon) ‘Neil Davey is a fabulously talented string player on mandolin and bouzouki, composing many of the instrumentals with a flavor of his native Cornwall (artistdirect.com) ‘Neil Davey can pick out a melody at phenomenal speeds… still finding time to introduce stylish triplet decorations.’ (Irish Music Magazine) Neil Davey and his brothers kick started the revival in Cornish traditional music in the 1970s with their band Bucca, and went on to gain a wealth of experience with bands in the wider Celtic scene, including Anam and The Lorraine Jordan Band. He has played throughout the world, appearing alongside legendary names such as Altan, Donal Lunny, Dougie Maclean, Martin Hayes, Solas and Patrick Street. His compositions are widely played and recorded. HILARY COLEMAN (clarinet, bass clarinet, vocals). ‘Hilary Coleman’s vocals have the same ethereal floating qualities as found with Gwalarn’s Veronique Autret and Annie Ebril’ (Froots) ‘The clarinet dances around the melodies and between the octaves’ (greenmanreview.com) Hilary Coleman grew up amidst Cornwall’s irrepressible pub singing tradition. She later co-founded groundbreaking bands such as Gwaryoryon and Sowena. She is now one of the leading authorities on Cornish traditional music and her company Cumpas Ltd. has an impressive track record in promoting Cornish music events and education. In 2004 she became a bard of the Cornish Gorseth. BEC APPLEBEE (drabouka, pandeero, vocals), ‘The vocal pairing of Hilary Coleman and Bec Applebee is a great match’ (tnt-audio.com) ‘Coleman’s voice dips and swoops to great effect shadowed every step of the way by Applebee’s wonderfully sympathetic harmony line.’ (greenmanreview.com) Already well known and loved internationally by audiences of Dalla, and Kneehigh Theatre. Bec provides the perfect counterpart to Hilary’s vocals in the Cornish question and answer ‘Treiz ha Ganow’ songs for dancing, and does a mean Cornish 'scoot' dance herself! JEN DYER (viola,vocals) Jen, although the youngest member of Dalla by some distance, has a rock solid pedigree in Cornish traditional music. She has been a member of various highly influential and innovative line-ups - not the least of which was Sowena, pioneers of the nos lowen approach to traditional Cornish music and dance. She is much in demand as a performer/recording artist in Cornwall, including guesting with local bands, and theatre work (most recently Miracle Theatre's 'The Death of Sherlock Holmes'. Top Cornish traditional music band Dalla are at the forefront of a revival in Cornish music. Their exhilarating, moving and dazzling performances convey the sheer joy they take in Cornwall’s indigenous culture.