The Stationary Willberries

Blues, Folk, Country, Oldies and Rock n Roll done the Isle of Man way!
Why stationary ? Some say that they dont travel, and indeed they are at home in "The Mitre", the oldest pub on the Isle of Man, just across the water from their "gaelic cousins" in Ireland and Scotland. However you will sometimes find them far, far away from their island home and invariably having a good time.

"Folk & Blues" is a live recording of an open air peformance near Zurich, Switzerland in 2003. The CD has received considerable FM airplay on folk and country stations worldwide and the band is frequently featured on several webradio folk stations. (See the Band Website)

The Stationary Willberries are:-

Mike Williams (Guitar/Lead Vocals).
Mike has been a well-known performer in and around the Isle of Man for well over thirty years, with a unique blend of traditional and contemporary folk, country, and Manx dialect song and spoken word. With the support of Laurence Kermode and Al Lawrence in various combinations over the years, the Group was at the forefront of pub entertainment before the days of mechanical music. Mike, a retired bank manager, has also had a successful cycling career, and can be found cycling the quiet roads of the Island, and latterly the English Lake District.

Al Lawrence (Guitar/Mandolin/Vocals).
Al is the back-room boy, more often referred to as the "Orchestra". Als interest in contemporary folk and ragtime guitar started in the folk clubs around Manchester UK in the mid 60s. He started singing in pubs with Mike and Laurie on his return to the Isle of Man around 1975, and found the biggest difficulty was in learning to anticipate a comedians musical timing! Als musical interests extend to classical and jazz, but, between music and his work as an I.T.Manager, he also finds time to walk or cycle the Islands hills, usually sporting a Piano style Bobble-Hat, and he can also be found relaxing in the Mitre Pub.

Alan Hess (Accordion / Bass).
Alan spends most of his time working near Zurich in Switzerland, but still finds time to join Mike & Al to form "The Stationary Willberries". Computer engineer and part-time school teacher, he has previously played with a diverse range of bands featuring the expected Tangos, German Beer Songs, Jigs and Reels, that are associated with the accordion. But dont be fooled, in Alans hands the instrument is just as suited to Folk Ballads, Jazz, Blues and Rock n Roll. Alan is also responsible for the bassline, which is electronically controlled from the left hand buttons on the accordion.

The Isle of Man? Wheres that ?
Isnt it an English Island ? No !!!!! Absolutely not ! The Island is a unique self-governing kingdom with a population of around 77,000 which belongs to neither the UK nor the European Union. It is a crown dependency. It has its own parliament (called Tynwald), laws, traditions, culture, cuisine and postage stamps. To the tourist it is known for the agreeable and relaxed pace of life, the same virtues appreciated by the Gaelic cousins just across the water in Ireland and Scotland.

Check out the band website ! http://www.manxman.ch