Alex’s projects…
Credit: Matt Giles
Tarren.
Credit: Archie Thomas
(n.) /ˈtɑː.rɛn/ (TAR-en) “small hill” or “knoll” [welsh]
Ambassadors for high quality, English folk music. Through the incorporation of minimalist musical forms into traditional-inspired material, Tarren are producing music that draws the listener in, weaving intricate themes throughout tunes and songs that have the pulse of traditional dance at its heart.
“Just the kind of band we need on the folk circuit today. Brilliant!” - FRUK
“A mini folk supergroup.” - Tradfolk
Sheelanagig.
Original jumping European Folk Music.
“High octane stuff… would liven up any party and keep the floor full.” - Froots
Putting the groove into a selection of traditional and original European Folk music dating from the medieval times to present day, it’s difficult – nay, impossible – for your limbs to remain stationary when you’re within earshot of them in full flight.
Credit: Paul Blakemore
BEARPIT Ceilidh
BEARPIT is a trans and non-binary powerhouse trio shaking up the ceilidh scene with their infectious rhythm and unapologetically queer energy. Born out of their electrifying debut at Bristol Pride Ceilidh 2025 and organising ceilidhs for Greenbank Folk Club, Alex Garden (guitar), Rhiannon Takel (fiddle), and Will Bremner (accordion) combine years of musicianship with a shared love of making inclusive, accessible, joy-filled dance spaces.
Their sound is big, rowdy, and irresistibly danceable – tight tunes rise over driving guitar to accompany only the best hand-picked dances from their guest callers. BEARPIT champions queer ceilidhs and community-led events, placing celebration, belonging, and visibility at the heart of every event. Whether playing for Pride audiences or late-night festival revellers, BEARPIT promises a ceilidh that’s fierce, welcoming, and unforgettable.
The Drystones.
The ‘indecently talented’ duo of Alex Garden (fiddle) and Ford Collier (guitar, low whistle) have been honing their take on traditional music since their humble beginnings as teenagers busking the streets of Somerset. Now a trio featuring Evan Carson (percussion) they are on a mission to make their shows a unique space: where people of all generations can enjoy folk music.“If The Drystones are the future of folk dance music, it is in very safe hands” - Folk Radio UK
Credit: Kate Griffin
Credit: Nicky Ebbage
Harriet Riley & Alex Garden.
Aka Sonder, Harriet Riley & Alex Garden’s music presents a novel, hypnotic dialogue between a highly unusual pairing of instruments - fiddle and vibraphone. Each piece they perform is original and inspired by interesting single word track titles with definitions given alongside to guide the listener’s attention.
“A stunning mix of dreamlike atmospheres and mesmerising energy” - Bright Young Folk
“Really interesting lovely record” - BBC Radio 6 Music
Session musician.
Alex works with many musicians across the globe recording solo violin, viola and entire string parts for songwriters, producers, composers and solo artists. Please get in touch if you’d like to hear some samples or discuss options for your upcoming release.
Ceilidhs.
Alex is a ceilidh musician of over 10 years experience. They play with some of the top UK bands and organise regular public ceilidhs in Bristol. If you’d like to book a ceilidh for your private event please get in touch.