Not merely a band, Traditional Graffiti is an idea; a collective of musicians
celebrating specifically British Folk music, at its best. The core of the band, now
resident in Australia, grew up in the UK, immersed in their local folk traditions; at
home; at school; on the radio; or at community events. And later, experiencing the
1960’s/70’s folk revival first – hand at folk clubs, concerts and festivals; or in small
groups of like minds sharing and writing songs. Some of the band have over 40 years
experience teaching and performing English traditional dance.
Graffiti performances are premised upon the band’s belief that the presentation of
traditional music is a shared experience about the lives, loves, labours and the
pastimes of everyday people.
Pumping Melodeon, jangling Mandolin, rhythmic Guitar, driving Percussion and
searing Fiddle – energetic, relaxed, and of course whenever possible, humorous.
Our performances explore a great range of material by many great British singers
and players. A range that encompasses Steeleye Span to Show of Hands, Ewan
McColl to The Watersons; Richard Thompson to Sea Shanties; traditional tunes and
original songs,
Traditional Graffiti’s music is as colourful as the bands costumes.
History
In our previous incarnation as the Wheeze & Suck Band, and as Traditional Graffiti
we have, over the years, appeared around Australia, including numerous Woodford
Festival appearances, Port Fairy, and the National Folk Festival. The band has also
toured New Zealand twice, with headlining spots at Auckland and Wellington Folk
Festivals.
Graffiti has also performed their unique readings of traditional and contemporary
acoustic material at clubs in Sydney and Newcastle, not to mention, 7’s ‘Good
Morning Australia’ and various wineries and bars in NSW. Currently the band co-
hosts (with The Shack) a free acoustic session (every third Sunday afternoon of the
month) at Mona Vale Bowls Club on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Core Members of Traditional Graffiti are…
Ian ‘ The Pump’ Macintosh. Guitar, Melodeon, Vocals.
Nigel ‘Muddy’ Walters. Mandolins, Guitar, Vocals.
John ‘Johnny Red Tips’ Milce. Percussion, Whistles.
Clive ‘Dodger’ MacFarland. Guitar, FX, Vocals.
Brad ‘Stix’ Newy. Percussion, Vocals.
We are privileged to be able to involve past band members in our performances
occasionally; significantly…
Tony ‘Pyro’ Pyrzakowski. Fiddle, Vocals.
Rhonda ‘Harmony’ Mawer. Vocals, Guitar.
Geoff ‘Woody’ Woodhead. Guitar, Vocals.
Feedback We Have Received:
Hi John Nigel Ian and Tony
Thanks for a brilliant night last night at the Gymea Tradies…Allan and I
thoroughly enjoyed it. It was like Being at a folk festival again
Like a few others In the audienceI I wanted to get up and dance.
It’s great to see you all enjoying yourselves so much … your energy passes
across to the audience Along with your enthusiasm
I love David Francy’s Songs too.
Keep playing them. I didn’t recognise you at first Tony but I thought at the time
what a Versatile fiddle player the band has, until Gwyn Who sang with me
earlier Reminded me it was you.
You’re all brilliant performers, Nigel‘s vocals Ian’s accordion, a Superb
combination
Good luck with getting more gigs. You all deserve them.
–
I’ve been wanting to say how much we enjoyed your performance last
Thursday at Gymea Tradies. It was so good to have you back, even under a
new name. You have the same excellent sound and stories. It was great to
hear Tony on violin again, I especially love John’s drum and other sounds,
and all of your vocals and your snazzy outfits!”
–
“We loved your recent gig at the Troubadour in Woy Woy. Big turn out for you
then too. You guys are a real legend.”
–
“I was there (the Troubadour) and it was fab! First saw the W&S band over 10
years ago and you’re still just as triffic! Vocals, instrumentation. All spot on.
Thank you TG!”
–
“…. having heard you on a number of occasions (and got your CDs) you guys
are really great.”
–
“We have stopped going to a few festivals if you’re not on the bill. Miss the
festivals but miss seeing and hearing you more. CDs are the back up, (we
have) them playing loud in (the) car when driving, and the whole world hears
them. ”
–
“Best of luck on the festival front. Would love to see you guys again. We hired
you for my daughter’s wedding one very soggy night in my back yard in the
blue mountains. By far the most fun wedding I’ve been to on account of your
music.”