Pamela Morgan (vocals)
Noel Dinn (keyboards, drums, bodhran)
Dave Panting
Kelly Russell
Philip Dinn
Bruce Crumell
Frank Maher
Art Stoyles
Formed in Newfoundland in 1976 by Noel Dinn, Figgy Duff (a traditional Newfoundland white pudding) were the progenitors of the Celtic maritime sound - a folk/rock hybrid incorporating traditional jigs and reels.
In the early years, Figgy Duff criss-crossed the island seeking the songs and music of the people, learning in the oral tradition as generations did before - gauging their success by the joy it brought to those who taught them the songs. In a short time Figgy Duff became famous for their folk/rock fusion and original arrangements and it was not long after that those outside of Newfoundland discovered the band as something new and exotic.
Despite an early deal with Island Records that resulted in as-yet unreleased album, and an early indie album called 'After The Tempest' in 1984 (featuring two original songs), their eponymous debut, featuring a 4-member raw ensemble, was produced by Tom Treumuth and Gary Furniss and released through Phonodisc in 1981.
For the next 12 years Noel Dinn and singer/songwriter/producer Pamela Morgan led Figgy Duff (in its several incarnations) through the production of three more studio albums and countless tours of North America and Europe; taking the band from local innovators to a powerful and critically lauded international presence in the burgeoning worldwide Folk/Celtic scene.
1990's 'Weather Out The Storm' was again produced by Tom Tremeuth and Gary Furniss as the first act on Tremeuth's newly resurrected Hypnotic Records. The writing skills become more evident, yet rooted in the band’s traditional background. It featured five highly original songs, and the traditional music sparkles with even more innovative arrangements. With a reconfigured line-up, Figgy Duff embarked on a full-scale tour of Canada in the winter of 1991. The album itself was nominated for a Juno Award 1991.
1993's 'Downstream' became their first all original offering with songs by band leaders Noel Dinn and Pamela Morgan and featured special guest appearance by guitarist Ken Greer (Red Rider, Gowan). Shortly after the completion of the album, 'Downstream', bandleader Noel Dinn died of cancer at the age of 45 on June 26, 1993.
Pamela Morgan disbanded Figgy Duff shortly thereafter and would compile a "best of" called 'A Retrospective: 1974-1993' in 1995. The single "Inside A Circle - 1999", from the 'Weather The Storm' album, will be released in June 1999 to coincide with the 25th Anniversary Reunion tour this summer.
With notes from Francis Fagan of Amber Music
Singles
1990 Heart Of A Gypsy (Hypnotic/A&M)
1990 Weather Out The Storm (Hypnotic/A&M)
1990 Woman of Labrador (Hypnotic/A&M)
1993 Freedom (Hypnotic/A&M)
1993 Downstream (Hypnotic/A&M)
1993 Sweet Temptation (Hypnotic/A&M)
1999 Inside A Circle (Amber Music)
Albums
1981 Figgy Duff (Hagdown/Phonodisc)
1984 After The Tempest (Celtic Music/Hypnotic)
1990 Weather Out The Storm (Hypnotic/A&M)
1993 Downstream (Hypnotic/A&M)
1995 A Retrospective: 1974-1993 (Amber Music/EMI)
Video
Compilation Tracks
Official Figgy Duff Website
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