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Shebeen
Roy Torrens Roger Cole Gerry Woods Richard Barker
Shebeen was formed by Roy Torrens at Worthy Down, nr Winchester in 1989. There have been a number of changes of band members over the years and some notable Southern folk scene musicians, including George Wilson, Carl Danby and Alan Munro, have come and gone. The band is lucky to have a couple of excelent musicians available to step in on occassions, including former UK National Accordion Senior Solo Cup winner David Lukins and Hampshire guitarist John Benchley.
Shebeen has performed all over the UK, including the Channel Islands, played for the Irish Ambassador to the UK and supported bands such as The Merseybeats, Herman's Hermits, The Bay City Rollers and The Wurzels. In 1999 the band recorded their first album, “Shebeen Nearly Live” and in 2000 recorded their second CD “Waiting for the Wind to Change” which has now sold out.
In 2006, the band featured in six episodes of the BBC3 hit comedy show 'Titty Bang Bang' playing the part of heavily bearded pub folk-musicians in the 'Salty Tales' sketch.
The current line-up has remained unchanged for the last 5 years and are currently planning the recording of a third CD to reflect the sound and repertoire that has evolved since the departure of Scottish fiddler, Alan Munro, and the arrival of Richard Barker in 2003.
Shebeen origin
of the name: The dictionary definition
is "(Irish) (Scot) (South African) a place where alcoholic drink is sold
illegally". The original derivation is 18th Century: from Irish Gaelic
"síbín" - beer of poor quality
Band Profiles
As the founder and only survivor of the original line-up, the name Roy Torrens is synonymous with Shebeen. Roy was born in Carrickfergus and started his musical career playing in skiffle bands, whilst still at school, before passing through a trad jazz phase. He then discovered Irish music through the songs of the Clancy Brothers, McPeake Family and the Dubliners. Roy's first Irish band made a one-off appearance on the "Hootenanny Show" on Ulster Television before Roy departed the emerald Isle to work in England.
Roy plays:
Ovation Mandolin Model MM68
Roger Cole, an accomplished cellist and guitarist, was born in Portsmouth and for many years was a regular performer at local folk clubs. Roger was a long time member of the Hants based trio "Rowan" which was followed by a spell as a solo performer before joining Shebeen. Roger is a retired music teacher and Deputy Head Master who, when not renovating his house or performing with Shebeen, finds time to sail competitively.
Roger plays:
Yamaha LD-10 6-string acoustic guitar
Gerry Woods, also born in Carrickfergus, comes from a musical family and started playing from a very early age; his first public performance in the family band was made at the ripe old age of four-years-old!. He has also performed both in Ireland and the UK with folk, rock, and R&B groups. Gerry is a talented multi-instrumentalist and songwriter whose beautifully melodic song "Waiting for the Wind to Change" can be heard on the band's second CD which bears the same title. When not performing with Shebeen, Gerry spends much of his free time restoring classic British sports cars.
Gerry plays:
Aria Tenor Banjo and a Framus 'Bluegrass' 5 -string G-banjo.
Richard is primarily the band's bassist, moving to acoustic 6 string guitar when Roger plays cello and occasionally playing tenor banjo when dancing is requested and Gerry is unavailable. Richard also provides lead and backing vocals. Richard has recently completed a diploma in music, is planning to start a Masters Degree in October 08, and is currently working on the score for a film to be shot and produced in England.
Richard plays:
Ovation Elite B778 4-string acoustic bass, Takamine G-Series EG541SC 6-string acoustic guitar and Ozark Tenor Banjo
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