Stephen Tyler

Stephen Tyler

Hurdy Gurdy Player and Multi-instrumentalist

specialising in Historical and Traditional Music

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Stephen Tyler began playing the hurdy gurdy in 1993, adding this instrument to the sound of the recently formed medieval music ensemble Misericordia, which he founded with Anne Marie Summers.  He also plays Gothic Harp, Cittern and Citole.

In 1996, they joined with melodeon player Julian Sutton to form The Wendigo, playing their own compositions inspired by the traditional dance music of central France. It was with two such pieces that Steve, with Anne Marie, won first place in the competition for duets at Saint Chartier festival in 1999, playing hurdy gurdy and bagpipes.

In 2001 he joined medieval music and dance theatre group Daughters of Elvin for their spectacular medieval circus show "Garden of Earthly Delights", commissioned by the National Trust, and continues to play with them.

With these bands he has travelled and performed throughout Europe and recorded numerous CDs, most recently "Passion, Pestilence and Polyphony" comprising music and song from the fourteenth century, with Misericordia.

In 2006 he was featured on Radio 3's Early Music Show on the hurdy gurdy, along with Nigel Eaton, and played at Anost Fete de la Vielle with Jon Swayne and Becky Price.

He is currently recording a second CD with Daughters of Elvin and working on new pieces, some of which involve obscure rhythms and multitracked hurdy gurdies with diverse other instruments. 

Bands:
Stephen is a founder member of the early music ensemble Misericordia, which he formed in 1994 with Anne Marie Summers (bagpipes, recorders, vocal and percussion). They regularly perform at concerts and other events around Britain and Europe as a duo or with other guest musicians, and have made numerous recordings, which are available at the band website.
The Wendigo
Primarily a dance band, playing French, Breton and English-style music for keen Euro dancers. The line up is Stephen on hurdy gurdy and cittern, Julian Sutton (also of the Catherine Tickell band) on melodeon, and Anne Marie Summers on pipes, clarinet and vocals. As well as playing for dances, they also give workshops and perform concerts. Two recordings available.

Mandrake! – The Medieval Carnival Band
The medieval wall of sound! A big, loud costumed band – with a hint of Samba.
www.mandrakemusic.co.uk
The Daughters of Elvin
Formed by Katy Marchant. One recording available.

 

 

email Stephen Tyler here

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