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Willie McArthur Biography
My name is Willie McArthur. I am originally from Kirkcaldy in Fife, Scotland. I have been involved in professional music now for fifteen years. During my time in New Zealand, I played mostly in the Celtic music scene. From 1994-2002 I lived and worked in Christchurch and around the south island.I returned to Scotland and from Nov 2002 to 2006, established myself as a musician and performer in the Glasgow area. As a solo entertainer, I present myself as a “five piece one man band”, using harmonica as a lead instrument, acoustic guitar, octaved bass and 2 part percussion, all live, no backing tracks! My large and varied repertoire (see song list) ranges from Scottish and Irish traditional to Celtic rock, Rock, Pop, Country, Jazz,soul and Blues. I also have a variety of poems,parodies, humorous songs and stories. From sensitive soul seeking ballads to rip roaring pub songs, I’m your man!! Influences from “Christy Moore” and “Silly Wizard” to “The Levellers”, “The Pogues”, “The Water boys”, “Creedence Clearwater Revival”, “Eric Clapton” and many more. I play instrumentals and some of my own compositions and traditional arrangements.I have released a live album titled ”Willie McArthur Live At O'Neill's”, which has sold over 700 copies throughout the U.K and Europe . I have a number of P.A systems, (AER Domino / H&K L.U.C.A.S XT & 2 H&K LUCAS 1000's) which rages from a 100W compact sytem to a 2000W full stage rig, so I can fit into any area.My performances are strictly live . I feel that with the depth and clarity of sound I can achieve, I prefer not to use MIDI or DAT Backing. As I play by ear, I can fit easily into any musical situation, for example providing backing for another artist or band. I consider myself to be an entertainer rather than just a musician, who can add life to any party. When bookings are made, I will liaise with the client and go to lengths to give advice and make the event perfect. ]In 2003, I played at a local festival (www.zeltcafe.de) outside Stuttgart, Germany and after receiving good reviews I was invited back in 2004. During 2005, I embarked on a European tour, which saw me visiting Denmark, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czechoslovakia and the Netherlands. I have good contacts around Europe due to this trip. On New Years eve 2002, I appeared on GMTV ‘s Hogmonay special,(Good Morning Television at New Year) which was broadcast live, U.K nationwide on ITV from Loch Lomond. I featured in numerous slots throughout the duration of the three hour broadcast. As well as my solo performances I have played with a number of other acts. A description of these bands are below. The Doghouse Roses-, Five piece Celtic rock band that played regularly at Duck Bay Marina, Loch Lomond. I played mainly mandolin, harmonica and vocals. Room To Roam– An energetic duo comprising of another solo performer Stevie Thompson on guitar and vocals and myself on vocals and mandolin, harmonica and whistles Shebeen / The Dublin Street Band– (NZ) Played guitar, bodhran, harmonica and vocals in a very popular five piece Celtic rock band. I have recorded four C.D’s with this band, three live recordings, and a studio album, “Black is The Cover.” Origin (NZ) Played guitar, mandolin, bodhran and vocals in a traditional four piece band. Performed concerts and appeared at the Whitestone folk festival and Waihi Bush, NZ. We wrote our own material and traditional arrangements. Celtic Groove– (NZ) Guitar, mandolin and bodhran, from traditional to Celtic rock, this band played as three, four and five piece as required. I recorded studio album “Fedora” with this band. The Choonz - NZ a "five piece acoustic duo with a hell of a punch" . This power house duo is a two man band with 2 vocals, guitar,bass, mandolin, fiddle, 12 string, bazouki, 2 part percussion, bodhran, harmonica,and whistle. all types of music tackled.
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