Performance in Music & Dance
Fiery, gypsy fiddle and soulful mandolin weave and blend with enchanting
voice and rhythmic guitar to create powerful and passionate melody. Meerkat
mix folk/contemporary with a fusion of classical, ambient and jazz sounds.
We perform an eclectic, atmospheric set of original songs that touch our audiences with "a refreshing honesty that is colourful and poetic, though not without humour". We also have a refreshingly different approach to a few select unusual covers, and a very energetic one to a selection of fiery Celtic jigs and reels that we sometimes include on stage.
Meerkat are a unique, dynamic duo with a big sound, and a very eclectic approach. Since recording our first album together in 2005, we have been on a bit of a creative roller coaster of discovery. With the use of looping technology, and the addition of a cajon, we are adding layers of sounds and instruments into some of our current material, and creating fresh material that embraces these very new approaches. Heather has also found her voice, particularly in the form of thought-provoking, perceptive raps that give Meerkat yet another edge...
And that is not all. With the use of loop technology, Heather’s improvisational skills on diverse instruments, and Miranda’s expressive and vibrant dance skills, Meerkat integrate dance theatre and improvised dance into some of our live sets, where stages permit, and according to promoters’ preferences.
We perform at concerts, launches, conferences, gigs, festivals, and can often be found on beaches and hillsides doing it for ourselves and anyone who may happen to pass by and want to stop and listen or join in.
Review Extracts:
“Meerkat have a natural rapport and visual presence that captures the audience with an eclectic set which is moving and vibrant.” Rachel Hargrave, Mojas
“...exquisite, highly personal and bittersweet reflections on love, life and relationships... There is a real sense of yearning for the things that we all desire in life - Miranda displays an excellent ability to capture emotional moods. Heather’s fine work on violin, mandolin and drum creates haunting and melodically moody settings for Miranda’s lyrics." Harry Rogers, Wild West Wales
“...ideal music for lazing outside on the grass with a bottle of very nice red wine whilst you tune into the surroundings." Chris Woodman,Tune Town
“Although we didn't have wine to wash the scrumptious fare down we did have Meerkat. A duo of made up of Heather Summers' soaring fiddle and mandolin accompanied by Miranda Betts on guitar and evocative, folkie vocals. Their set consisted of experimental pieces; acoustic re-arrangements of dance tunes; original searching lyrics and rich harmonies. They finished with a daring re-working of an Annie Lennox song." Becky Hotchin, Pembrokeshiretv.com
“Full of rich guitar, soulful voice and interwoven with Heather’s passionate violin." Mandy Woods, Kenric Magazine
Meerkat Also Offers
Workshops and workshop packages to suit individual requirements of the group
A combination of performance and workshops
For information About Meerkat Workshops
+44 (0)1559 362082 / 07990 992196
mail@meerkatmusic.org