Errol Walsh and Ted Ponsonby
Errol Walsh is a multi-award winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist, born in the picturesque seaside village of Portstewart, Northern Ireland.
His repertoire is filled with delightful stories of his travels and as well as original compositions he includes the works of other artists such as Taj Mahal, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Mississippi John Hurt, Steve Bruton, Jesse Winchester, Guy Clark and Kieran Kane to name a few.
Errol continues to write and perform his songs to discerning audiences. Perhaps the rugged but beautiful landscapes of Ireland, Canada, Scotland and Norway have helped add a touch of magic to this spell-binding performer. He effortlessly and naturally ranges through a range of contemporary styles – Country Blues, Swing, popular etc. with a maturity and vocal control that is awesome. In solo mode he projects an enigmatic, charismatic intimacy, he takes his acoustic guitar and delivery of song to an articulate and poetic level. He is a consummate story-teller and creates a soulful, emotional mood with a great sense of humanity and beauty to his delivery.
Errol has become a regular at the Danny Boy Jazz & Blues Festival in Limavady, and has since collaborated with Rory Clements, providing the lyrics to Rory’s melody for the recording of “Queen of the Glens“.
Ted Ponsonby hails from Letterkenny, Donegal and as well as song-writing, is also a Recording Producer & Engineer.
Ted’s specialities include Acoustic and electric guitars, and the Dobro resonator.
As a founding member, Ted played with the renowned show band The Rascals during the 1970’s. After selling the Rascals name to the Wilder brothers in the early 1980’s, Ted has gone on to become one of the top session musicians and producers in Ireland. Although originally a rocker, Ted has changed his musical style considerably, and today plays more blues, country and traditional music around his native Letterkenny. He also continues to play live gigs in venues around the country on a regular basis – and luckily for us, Limavady is among those venues !
Over the years he has played and recorded in very good company including Dolores Keane, Sean Keane, The Henry Girls, Andy White, Freddie White, Kieran Goss, Frances Black, Maura O’Connell, Arty McGlynn, and many other noted Irish musicians – including a short stint with Van Morrison.
Ted can be seen strutting his funky stuff with the Rascals on Youtube below. He is the yellow-trousered Reggae singing lead guitarist and vocalist…!