Phil Davidson built a career in music performing in bands & as a solo artist in clubs, pubs & wherever he could. He’s done everything from biker shows & parties to corporate events. He has toured nationally & internationally, playing in Ireland, the UK, Canada & the USA.

Phil emigrated to Australia from Ireland when he was 10. He still feels strongly attached to his Irish roots & has returned there as an adult a number of times, in fact living there again for a while. His heritage & strong musical ties have remained an influence on his song writing & expression.

Phil is recognised as one of the brightest singer songwriters on the scene. He has a story to tell & has the ability to paint a scene & evoke emotion with a single phrase. He now lives in the Blue Mountains with his wife Judy & children Brianna, Georgia, Jesse

Mark Shelley has worked in the entertainment industry his whole working life.

It continues to be a full & interesting journey that has included singing with the Australian Opera Company, TV appearances, session work, countless events, venues & tours, as well as music management & consultancy. He has been, & still is part of the successful musical partnership ‘Shelley & Robertson’.

Mark's new collaborative venture with long time friend Phil Davidson, highlights his passion for guitar & vocal harmony, as well as featuring some of his own works & laid back humour.

Mark is married to his long time ‘soul mate’ Elisabeth, & has 2 adult children – Isaac & Laura.

www.phildavidson.net

It's difficult to say how young lads from the hills around Adelaide came to play a spiced up blend of gypsy-inspired instrumentals. We asked them and they can't really explain it either. 'We all played and listened to a lot of Jazz, Blues and Folk music' says guitarist Tom 'They're styles which we sort of glued together with the gypsy sound we picked up from somewhere. Previous lives perhaps? I think it could be the energy that exists in gypsy music which appeals to us.' Whatever the reason, the energy the band exudes on stage has hit a nerve and their constant gigging has connected with a rabidly loyal following.

"There is absolutely nothing better than being blown away by a band ... I’m still reeling from Adelaide group Bearded Gypsy Band’s performance at the Espy Front Bar, and have been singing their praises ever since.All ...look like they have barely hit puberty, yet ooze musical brilliance way beyond their years...The rhythmic display provided a new glimpse into instrumental music and was a visionary and inspiring spectacle, to say the least." Posted on October 10, 2011 by unpaved

Following being selected as one of 'Rip It Up's 2012 Hot Six bands' while still studying at university, The Bearded Gypsy Band has toured from Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia and performed at a swag of festivals that year including :

WOMADelaide (SA)
Apollo Bay Music Festival (VIC)
National Folk Festival (ACT)
Brunswick Music Festival (VIC)
Illawarra Folk Festival (NSW)
Melbourne's Harvest Festival(VIC)

They were also been nominated for a Fowlers Live Music Award.

The Bearded Gypsy Band's " frenetic brand of gypsy-inspired music has won them rave reviews around the country." (The Mercury 19 Dec 2011-Wollongong)

"The group of incredibly young and talented musicians are notorious in South Australia for providing an unlikely party atmosphere with their moving arrangements that draw influence from gypsy swing, jazz and folk....You never get tired of seeing the Bearded Gypsy Band " Timber & Steel
Review: Womadelaide, 2012

Members: Tom Boehm - Violin Tom Kneebone - Guitars Kiah Gossner - Bass guitars and Kyrie Anderson on Drums and Percussion.

www.beardedgypsyband.net