After a spell of Marty and Jordan both touring alongside composing, we were in the studio again today to record with Paul Martin on Hurdy Gurdy.
Paul is known more as a piper, but has been playing hurdy gurdy for a number of years. It's an amazing instrument, and one I'd seen listed in references about local music during the 1700s. Paul's gurdy was a 'Wren', a very functional, small, but loud instrument given its size. It's played by turning a handle at one end, which operates a wheel that rubs up against strings - a little like a violin. Constant drones can sound in tandem with melodies played by pressing keys, which cause a wedge to push against strings to change their pitch. The instrument can sound quite medieval and folk'y, but also has a harder edge to it that pushes towards genres of metal music. In all, the hurdy gurdy is definitely should be heard and seen played live if you get the chance.
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