The Crawstep Ceilidh Band

The Band

Jennifer Knussen (violin, vocals)

Jennifer has been playing the violin for over 30 years, and originally focused mainly on classical music. She played in many orchestras and ensembles, including the Dundee Symphony Orchestra and Fife Sinfonia, where she worked with musicians such as Leonard Friedman, Christopher Bell, John Steer and John Wallace.

Jennifer was led into traditional music by her uncle, Archie Lamont, who was a gold medalist in fiddling and piping at the Gaelic Mod and played her first Ceilidh at 15 years of age.

Since returning to traditional music, Jennifer has led and conducted the Fife Strathspey and Reel Society. She has worked as a session musician for local artistes and is frequently asked to perform as a soloist. Jennifer has also worked for the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia, providing live music for fundraising ceilidhs in Sarajevo on several occasions.

Jennifer is currently a Head Teacher in Fife, and has a wealth of experience in calling traditional dances.

Gus Cuthbertson (piano, soprano sax, bassoon, flute)

Although born in Glasgow Gus spent his formative years in Angus and Fife, where he was heavily involved in traditional music and ceilidh band playing. He studied music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, principally on bassoon (with John Orford and Graham Sheen) and piano, graduating with a degree in music.

On returning to Fife, Gus took up the post of woodwind teacher. He has a wealth of experience in tutoring jazz and classical ensembles, and currently conducts the Fife Youth Concert Band.

For many years Gus played keyboards in rock bands, performing all over Scotland. He currently plays sax, bassoon and other assorted wind instruments with Vasco Da Gamba.

Erik Knussen (double bass, guitar )

Erik's career began in Glasgow where, as well as playing bass guitar in a number of bands, he was a professional double bassist. He played for a number of Scottish Opera productions and, between 1984 and 1987, played in the Scottish National Orchestra, appearing on many prestigious recordings as well as taking part in extensive tours of Europe. He has also played with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, with whom he has toured Spain.

More recently, Erik's career has been divided between teaching double bass and bass guitar in Fife and playing with a number of highly regarded traditional musicians. He played on John Watt's "Heroes" CD, has played and recorded with Pete Clark's Neil Gow Ensemble and, with the band Skelbo, played at Madonna's wedding at Skibo Castle. He is, along with Gus Cuthbertson, currently a member of Vasco Da Gamba.