Band



	Duane Thompson Band song writer, lead vocals, guitar	Duane hails from Belfast via London. He could sing before he could talk and hasn't stopped since. A rocker in the seventies, he has always had a love of traditional and contemporary Irish music. He continues to write new songs and Twisty Willow's last three albums feature 20 of these. Joined Twisty Willow in 2000

	Barb Bycroft fiddle - acoustic and electric, vocals	A Kiwi, Barb is classically trained - playing in orchestras, chamber groups and shows for many years. She has since followed her roots and love of Celtic music, developing an energetic, expressive style on electric fiddle. Calls dances. An original member of Twisty Willow

	Wes Bycroft bodhran (celtic drum), vocals	Wes' strong bodhran playing provides the Celtic rhythm and depth. A Kiwi, Wes calls ceilidh dances, does the sound, the band business management, recording and publicity. An original member of Twisty Willow
Photos by Jo Currie

Twisty Willow is a tight, economical and versatile three piece. We deliver variety, harmonies and a full sound. We are compact and travel well with our quality sound and lighting system. Twisty Willow has a large repertoire of traditional, contemporary and original songs in addition to a wide range of Celtic instrumentals. We perform for Irish, Scottish, Celtic or Medieval themed functions and events, providing an exciting entertainment package for audiences of all ages. Our music suits any occasion from concert to wedding from corporate entertainment to fair, from ceilidh to rowdy pub.

Demand for called dancing at ceilidhs has increased over the last few years. Twisty Willow specialises in this area. We run very successful classes teaching ceilidh dances. We include called dances in our general sets as appropriate. In response to demand from the classes, we are recording an album of ceilidh tune sets.

Since joining in 2000, Duane has brought considerable song writing skills to the band. We thoroughly enjoy the process of crafting and recording these. Our 2002 album, ("Maybe Someday") represented the start of this phase and our latest album ("Anthems From A Wing-ed Seed"), the next stage.

Twisty Willow has evolved. Beginning in 1990 with a larger "Bothy Band" format performing mainly at the Auckland Irish Club, the band was then at the fore front of the developing Irish pub scene in Auckland through the 90's. The new millennium has seen Twisty Willow move more into private and corporate entertainment and sharing our music across the internet.

After 20 years, Twisty Willow has passed the 1600th gig milestone. Tours include the North Island of New Zealand and Fiji.