Me
In Ukrainian circles I am also nick named "Ludwig". I am of Ukrainian / Irish descent and come from a musical family. I grew up playing Irish music at home and Ukrainian music in the Ukrainian community. My Mum's cousin was Eddie Rabbit, the Irish/American Country singer who wrote "Every which way but loose" for the Clint Eastwood film with an Orangutan, and "Kentucky Rain" sung by Elvis Presley.
Metelyk
I was accordionist for Reading based Metelyk Ukrainian Dance and folk ensemble during late 1980's including performances at Llangollen Welsh international folk festival, and Europe Aide international folk festivals in Belgium, France, and Majorca.
The Ukrainians
I was accordionist & co/songwriter with the original line up of Wedding Present spin off The Ukrainians. Appearances included Ukraine's second anniversary of Independence in Kyiv, to the Bumbershoot & Glastonbury festivals in the USA & England, & numerous European festivals & venues. We also recorded a sound track to a Nike sports wear advert. I toured with "The Ukrainians" around Europe Canada and the US, and Ukraine for the joint tour with Ukraine rock giants V V. Radio appearances included Peel & Kershaw sessions & other British, Canadian, US, & European Radio & TV.
The Ukes
This was Folk/rock trio for a few years consisting of vocals/accordion, bass and drums playing rocked up Ukrainian folk and some originals. Gigs included the UK, Germany and Canada from 2004 up to around 2007.
Here be Dragons
Accordionist for Welsh Folk Rockers Here Be Dragons 2007 to 2014 for American ABC TV Debut and Celtic Music Festival in Chicago in 2007, Italy tours of 2011 and 2012, France 2014. Headlined at Cardiff International Arena for Welsh Beer and Cider Festival 2013.
Some Session work / Other projects
Intro music for Canada's West Coast Ukrainian radio show Nash Holos (Our Voice).
Music for Frederic Molnar's "Husbands and Lovers", London City Lit.
The Bishop of Buffalo, Rev Hammer, produced by Justin Sullivan, New Model army.
The Bridewell Taxis's release "Cage" produced by Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera.
Accordion on NY Ukrainian duets Darka and Slavko Повір (Believe) .
Accordion on "Elvis Lives Here", by The Swagger Band featuring Swill (Phil Odgers) also of The Men They Couldn't Hang.
Consultation on music for a scene in the film Bitter Harvest.
Recently
Translation and releases of Ukrainian songs in English and vice versa, and original compositions, still performing solo, with Waltham Cross based Ukrainian function band Zhnyva, (since before The Ukrainians). and with my daughters Natalka and Chrystyna.
2020 - placement of music in film "They who surround us".
Up to present
Appearances at regional and national Ukrainian community events either with both daughters or with Chrystyna.