We play
Jigs, Reels, Hobbit dances, Funny songs, Serious songs - all with a Distinctive Aleford twist!
The Alefords
This is the second incarnation of The Aleford Band. The original band comprised the whole Aleford family - Ardo (Father), Gentian (Mother), Chord (Son), Gennetta and Allegretta along with another hobbit called Tommo Rubbins. The band toured all over Eriador from Forochel to Galtrev. Though quite young at the time the children were all skilled musicians having been taught their art by Ardo who now teaches other minstrels in Michel Delving. The band ceased playing after Gentian, Chord and Tommo died in tragic circumstances returning from a fair in Gwingris.
Three becomes four or five
When the Aleford Band were contemplating going further afield, costs of such an operation proved too much for a three-piece band, and promoters wanted quartets at a minimum. Sharing rooms in inns is more cost effective with four, and so is hiring wagons. Winterstock was the first time that we needed to be four, as it was part of the rules. Luckily there were three possible candidates for the job of being the Fourth Aleford, but all three were busy hobbits, and no one of them could commit to us full time - which was lovely as we could have all three but still occasionally play as a threesome. Later both Kelidonna and Polyantha agreed to join and become members of The Aleford Band, Unfortunately we can never play with both of them because, strangely, Poly and Keli have never yet been seen together, which is even more strange when one thinks that they are twin sisters. This is mainly because Kelidonna lives in foreign climes. Of course, the very talented and wonderful Hollyberye still plays with us when she is not very busy, which allows us to play as a quintet. |
Alefords in the Shire
The Sisters then settled down in the homestead of Oldfurlong and started performing as a duo in the Shire and Bree.
They later became part of The Traveling Bilberries which is where they first worked with Toolee Twitchytoes. They left the Bilberries to pursue their love of music and song with Toolee Twitchtoes, recreating The Aleford Band as a trio. Collaborations
We were asked to collaborate with another band, The stunning Struck by Moonlight and we were delighted to do so, producing between us a song that both bands are proud of, called Hobbit Life to a tune Miss Belaya worked on (Moskau). This project was so successful that it may happen again |