Celtic Ferret
Celtic Ferret are Jean Reid and Ian Bartlett! They have been playing folk music for many years. Their repertoire from the British Traditions includes tunes, ballads, cautionary tales, stories of rogues and vagabonds and now and again, original material.
They are one of the very few duos in New Zealand specialising in and performing this genre of folk music and keeping it alive. While we are serious about the value of British Trad, our performances are sprinkled with humour, thoughtfully arranged, and aimed at keeping the audience engaged by encouraging active participation.
Jean’s Scottish heritage provides a deep reservoir of music which inspires the Celtic Ferret repertoire. Her Martin D21guitar coupled with her distinctive playing style is an anchoring thread running through much of their sound. Bowlback and octave mandolins and bodhran complete the accompaniment to her captivating vocals.
Ian hails from the south coast of England and is heavily influenced by the Watersons, Copper Family and Cyril Tawney. He brings a variety of wind instruments to the Ferrets including smallpipes, flutes whistles harmonicas and just to change it around, bodhran and bones. His pride and joy is an English 19th century wooden keyed flute. He is known as the maker of the Find the Ferret Bodhrans, fifty six of which are to be found throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. His baritone vocals blend seamlessly with Jean to produce harmonies ranging from downright raw to eerily haunting.