GOLIARDS performing 'Ghost's at
Crediton Arts Centre, November 2009

Goliards were created by Paul Whittall in the spring of 2001 and the original line featured Lawrence Morgan-Anstee on Bagpipes and percussion. A gifted performer, noted for his work with the Eel Grinders, Panacea and Zephyrus. Paul and Lawrence had played together at a variety of events thought the 1990’s. Also Alison Jones(Whittall) joined the band on accordion and vocals and an early member of the band was former Wishound Mike Eaton on hurdy-gurdy. The bands material mainly derived from the promptings of Paul and soon, several of his original pieces were being incorporated into the set, eg ‘Stroking Bees’ and Slipperty Stomp’ Songs such as ‘Mirri it Iz’ and ‘Milder to Mulder’ added a more theatrical nature to the bands performances and to augment the line-up, flautist and singer Claire Anstee was added. The groundbreaking first album ‘Slipperty Stomp’ was recorded in 2005 and released on Stars End Music. The band performed at numerous fairs and festivals including the 800 year old Chulmleigh Old Fair, the Exeter Living History event and the Sidmouth Folk Festival. They are regulars at the Dumnonni Festival, the Dante Festival and more recently at Sword on Bodmin Moor, Early in the decade, they formed an alliance with the renowned caller Martin Hodge and together they have done events together all over the West. The band has always been interested in three part harmony singing on such numbers as ‘Jovano Jovanke’ and the self penned ‘Wren in Spring’. Considering that both Claire and Alison lead community choirs this is unsurprising.
In 2007, a second cd followed entitled ‘The Beasts are Rising’ featuring many original compositions such as ‘The Silence of Snow’ and Paul’s ‘Wedding Dance’. This album has a more European feel to it, reminiscent of their dances, tunes from Galicia and Macedonia feature alongside original material, whereas the first cd Slipperty Stomp has a more distinctly rustic edge to it with Medieval overtones. It was at this stage that Claire left the band and was replaced by Tracey Baker, formerly of Panacea, bringing Indian Harmonium to the group as well as her own unique singing style. Goliards live show had now developed into more of a spectacle, Paul’s skills as a front man were developing a-pace. They continue to perform live at concerts and festival as well as occasional weddings and functions varying from Outlore to the Commandos. A new album 'Ghosts' has just been released in late 2010 centering round the poetry of John Clare, and more new material following the theme of their stage show. At the time of the latest update, Laurnece and Tracey have left Goliards and after a brief hiatus the band had decided to reform featuring multi instrumentalist Matthew Sheoherd who brings his many talents to what is now an established name on the music scene. Also nedw to the game are clarinetist Anita Munson and Dave Wisdom on Guitar Bouzouki and Oud.