THE BAND
Head North is a 5 piece band playing a mix of traditional and progressive Celtic music, with some Transatlantic additions and original tunes. Traditional reels, jigs and marches are reinterpreted with a driving edge, complemented by slow airs and songs sung in 3 part harmony.
The band is based in Dorset, Hampshire and Wales, but has strong Scottish roots, and regularly plays clubs, festivals, weddings and parties. We have also played a good many concerts for charity. We are equally at home playing folk clubs and ceilidhs. Somewhat unusually, the ages of the members range from 30's to mid 60’s, which at times makes life interesting but in fact only serves to enhance the creative mix!
Since 2012 HeadNorth has been playing at events, folk clubs, concerts and festivals including Larmer Tree, Wilderness, Blissfields, Carfest, Feastival, Cornbury, Belladrum, and more and has recorded 2 highly successful Albums, 'Head North' and 'Garvellach Isles'
The band are:
Hamilton Gross – Fiddle
Hamilton started to learn classical violin at the age of 5, however - growing up in Scotland - he was soon drawn to folk music through his participation in school folk groups. As an adult, Hamilton has performed in diverse groups from a band playing folk tunes from the Middle East in Berlin, to his current Hampshire-based group, Head North!, which showcases traditional Celtic and North Atlantic tunes and songs. Since 2022, Hamilton has collaborated with renowned folk musician, Angeline Morrison, as part of her Sorrow Songs band, with whom he has performed in a number of folk festivals and concerts, including a 2025 BBC Proms performance in the Glasshouse, Gateshead, along with Eliza Cathy and Alex Neilson.
Michael Holgate – Banjo & Mandolin
Michael's music started in his teens with the guitar and was then inspired to take up the fiddle whilst dancing with Oxford University Morris Men. He then took up a more forgiving instrument in the form of the mandolin, but persevered with the fiddle whilst playing at dances with the South School band during his 20 odd years in Stronsay, one of Orkney's north isles. The banjo and mandolin now take pride of place in Head North, with an occasional outing with the bouzouki.
Rachel Reed – Vocals, Bodhran, Flute, Penny Whistle
Rachel became involved in the world of Celtic and Folk music through joining Head North, mostly singing, playing the flute and turning her hand to the bodhran and cajon when needed.
Rob Sword – Keyboards, Banjo, guitar
Rob is a professional musician who has been playing piano since the age of six and now works as a composer for film, TV and theatre. His exposure to Celtic music growing up included acts like Capercaillie, The Fureys and Alan Stivell and he leapt at the chance to play some of this music himself. He now plays piano and guitar for Head North, sometimes attempting to do both simultaneously when he is feeling brave.
Rachel Thomas – Vocals, Bass & Penny Whistle
Rachel's childhood was divided between Scotland and England due to her parents moving around for work and, a singer from day one, she also learnt the oboe. As well as playing in Head North, she sings in an a capella trio and various choirs. Her time playing in the band also led her to learn bass to round off the Head North sound.
