theceili

Traditional Irish music and more

Pete James - Vocals & Percussion
A natural born entertainer, with over 40 years in the business.

PJ started his musical career as a drummer in his younger brother Chris' band 'Ghia'. In a short time his natural dynamism saw the obvious progression towards the bright lights at the front of the stage. (Replacing his older brother!)

Throughout the 60s & 70s Ghia supported many of the top acts of the day; The Searchers, The Mersey Beats and The Swinging Blue Jeans to name but three.

In the early 90s Ghia became Phoenix with brother Chris leaving to form his own project, being replaced by Nick.

PJs' undoubted vocal talent and his return to his first art of percussion make him a fine focal point on stage.

His Great-grandfather was an Irish horse trader.

Chris James - Guitar & Vocals
The younger brother of Pete. CJ probably knows over 500 songs and is a true connoisseur of Irish folk music.

Started playing guitar and singing in the early 60s and discovered his soulmate in 1963 with the release of 'The Freewheelin Bob Dylan'.

CJ was recently featured on the BBC programme 'Inside Out', talking about his experience of Dylan in the 60s.

CJ is a dedicated music collector and archivist, regularly treating the rest of the band to rare recordings of their favourite artists.

Nick Cocking - Mandolin, Guitar, Ukulele & Vocals

Nick started playing guitar aged 14 and never put it down. Since then he has led his college Jazz band, played guitar in the infamous punk band 'The Mob', as well as 'depped' and recorded with countless artists in the South-West.

First met Pete when he was asked to join Phoenix, and they have continued to work together since then.

The 'ladies favourite' in the band.

Chris Gilson - Banjo, Fiddle & Vocals

Apart from being a virtuoso banjo player, Woodchuck, as he is known, is also an accomplished guitarist, singer and believe it or not, an Evel Knievel impersonator!

Despite his tender age, Woodchuck has been a pro-musician for over 6 years, quickly establishing himself on the local scene as one its most gifted performers.

Was the 'First Violin' in the much feted South Bristol Schools Orchestra.

	Pete James - Vocals & Percussion A natural born entertainer, with over 40 years in the business. PJ started his musical career as a drummer in his younger brother Chris' band 'Ghia'. In a short time his natural dynamism saw the obvious progression towards the bright lights at the front of the stage. (Replacing his older brother!) Throughout the 60s & 70s Ghia supported many of the top acts of the day; The Searchers, The Mersey Beats and The Swinging Blue Jeans to name but three. In the early 90s Ghia became Phoenix with brother Chris leaving to form his own project, being replaced by Nick. PJs' undoubted vocal talent and his return to his first art of percussion make him a fine focal point on stage. His Great-grandfather was an Irish horse trader.
	Chris James - Guitar & Vocals The younger brother of Pete. CJ probably knows over 500 songs and is a true connoisseur of Irish folk music. Started playing guitar and singing in the early 60s and discovered his soulmate in 1963 with the release of 'The Freewheelin Bob Dylan'. CJ was recently featured on the BBC programme 'Inside Out', talking about his experience of Dylan in the 60s. CJ is a dedicated music collector and archivist, regularly treating the rest of the band to rare recordings of their favourite artists.
	Nick Cocking - Mandolin, Guitar, Ukulele & Vocals Nick started playing guitar aged 14 and never put it down. Since then he has led his college Jazz band, played guitar in the infamous punk band 'The Mob', as well as 'depped' and recorded with countless artists in the South-West. First met Pete when he was asked to join Phoenix, and they have continued to work together since then. The 'ladies favourite' in the band.
	Chris Gilson - Banjo, Fiddle & Vocals Apart from being a virtuoso banjo player, Woodchuck, as he is known, is also an accomplished guitarist, singer and believe it or not, an Evel Knievel impersonator! Despite his tender age, Woodchuck has been a pro-musician for over 6 years, quickly establishing himself on the local scene as one its most gifted performers. Was the 'First Violin' in the much feted South Bristol Schools Orchestra.