“You guys were the heroes!”
Ken Kesey, at the Field Trip in Veneta, OR, opening and
closing for the Grateful Dead in 1982
“Outrageous!”
Taj Mahal (upon hearing Tattoo’s “(Ooh My Baby She’s a) Wino”, 1983)
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Welcome!
Here you will find information about our various musical enterprises. We have been in the business of providing real live music for all kinds of happenings, celebrations, concerts and festivals for many years. We do so with a joyous heart, because we love playing music and sharing it with folks.
TATTOO has been around the longest; it started as a street band in California during the late seventies, wound up in Oregon and then Alaska, until we found ourselves in the Monadnock region of NH. And here we are, playing all kinds of American roots dance music, on our mostly acoustic instruments–some of our own time-tested originals and lots of oldies from the books of Soul, Motown, Cajun, Reggae, Swing, Country and Rock&Roll.
Then there’s the FOLKSOUL BAND, born from a passion for New Orleans culture which has given us the roots of our folksoul and our groove and our indomitable spirit. This band of ours explores American roots in a deep way, going all the way back to W. Africa, to when it landed here and transformed itself into American music, at Congo Square in the city of New Orleans. You’ll hear songs by Dr. John, Allen Toissaint, Fats Domino, Louis Armstrong, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and The Wild Magnolias, among others.
And finally there is the FOLKSOUL DUO. This is just yours truly, Fred Simmons and Leslie Vogel, exploring many different styles of music that don’t necessarily fit the dance band format, on trombone, guitar, keyboard and accordion. Sometimes we get a little help from our friends, like Dan Wheeler on stand-up bass. In this way we can squeeze into the smallest venues, and do things like play for a Sunday Brunch.
We have a distinctive style in everything we do, one that you probably haven’t heard anywhere else, and we are carrying on some of our country’s most wonderful musical traditions, as well as adding to them as best we can. We hope you enjoy our music.
Announcing Tattoo’s first new CD in ten years! Six original songs, some great Cajun tunes, plus songs by Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison. (You can hear cuts on our Recordings page)
The Gap in the Fence is Leslie Vogel’s second solo album. Her enchanting, original songs take us on various rhythmic adventures – from an early morning gallop to picking blueberries under the sun, from a cheerful song about breakfast in the frying pan, to a lyrical ballad of a child growing up. Some songs and tunes inspire random singing and dancing in the kitchen, while the lullaby brings us full circle to a love of nature and the planet Earth on which we live.
Leslie is assisted by several excellent musicians who add their special talents to the soundscape. Each song is dedicated to a person or group in a wide embrace of her family and community.
Leslie is the founder and director of the Youth and Community Fiddle Orchestra, which has played at many local festivals and events, and brings live music to Youth Circus performances in the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire.
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“Folksoul Band made our wedding fantastic. They got all ages, from 3-70, on the dance floor, and one of the most frequent comments we got for days after the celebrations was ‘what a great band! Where did you find them?’ We recommend them wholeheartedly!!!!”
“Tattoo was awesome. They had everyone on the dance floor (even the kids who are more likely to be listening to hip hop and rap), had a discernible joy in the music, and were easy to work with throughout. Also, they are just pros — great musicians, tight band, great repertoire. Would use them again in a heartbeat.
Paul L., President, Southern New Hampshire University, 60th birthday party
“The Folksoul folks were all extremely professional and skilled musicians. Through the range of songs from classic standards to originals, each song was highly polished yet very lively. Our wedding guests loved dancing to one flavorful rhythm after the next, and a number of guests inquired how we came by such a gem of a band for our wedding.
Joel D, Sheffield, MA
“We couldn’t have been happier! The Folksoul Ensemble was perfect for our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. It was everything we had envisioned and more! –
Nathaniel B, Cambridge, VT
“The connection we had with Tattoo…was miraculous. Your music gladdens hearts and drives away clouds…”
Doris “Granny D” Haddock, Dublin, NH
“Tattoo was a big hit at our new Year’s celebration. They had the dance floor packed and the crowd calling for more–a great party band.”
Ellen N., Francestown, NH
“Perfect music for the Southern Vermont Garlic and Herb Festival; they had people singing and dancing the whole time…”
Stephen and Joy, SVGHF, Wilmington, VT
“I just wanted to write a note and thank you. We all had a great time…having you play was the best part of the wedding. I will definitely recommend you for future events.”
Heather and Scott, Keene, NH
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