City Waites

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The City Waites is a British early music ensemble.

The City Waites appear to have formed in the early 1970s. They specialise in secular English music of the sixteen and seventeenth centuries, trying to appeal to a general audience as well as scholars. They have toured the UK, much of Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and the USA. They have collaborated with the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. The bagpiper Michael Sergeant is occasionally a guest with the group.

1 Performers
2 Discography
3 External links

[edit] Performers

[edit] Lucie Skeaping

Lucie Skeaping sings soprano and plays the baroque violin. Lucie and Rod Skeaping are also members of "The Burning Bush" which explores klezmer, traditional Jewish music as well as Arab-influenced music. The band includes Robin Jeffrey who plays middle-eastern instruments. Lucie presents BBC radio 3's Early Music Show and other programmes which showcase early music ensembles of the UK and other countries. ("The Early Music Show" is currently broadcast on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 2 p.m. on radio 3). Lucie is the author of "Let's Make Tudor Music" (pub Stainer and Bell) for schools, key stage 2 music. In association with this, they have a workshop for schools called "The Musical Mystery Tour". For an academic, she is stunningly glamorous. In 1996 Lucie appeared on Ian Partridge's album "Home Sweet Home" a celebration of 19th century parlour music. Her latest discs with City Waites are 'The English Tradition' (ARC Music), 'Bawdy Ballads of Old England' (regis records) and 'Penny Merriments' (Naxos). Her book 'Broadside Ballads' is published by Faber Music. Find out more at www.lucieskeaping.co.uk. For 'The Burning bush', see www.theburningbush.co.uk.

[edit] Roddy Skeaping

Roddy Skeaping plays baroque bass, violin, bass viol, sings and creates arrangements.

[edit] Douglas Wootton

Douglas Wootton is the leader and main singer of the City Waites. He is one of the few tenors who accompanies themselves on the lute. He also plays bandora, cittern, and tabor. Due to his promotion of the band they were voted the second-best Folk Band of the Year in the pages of Melody Maker. His down-to-earth approach sets the tone for the band. In his words, they avoid the Laura Ashley school of Early Music. Douglas writes musicals for children.

[edit] Michael Brain

Michael Brain plays curtal, baroque bassoon, recorder, oboe and sings. He was a choirister at Westminster Abbey. He is related to the famous horn player Dennis Brain. On stage he gives spirited descriptions of how the instruments are constructed. In his own words, he is the only member who also has a proper job outside of music.