EUROPEAN AND KLEZMER FOLK MUSIC
Puddleglum are a Southampton-based folk band that specialises in European and Klezmer instrumental music with a few unexpected numbers thrown in for fun! Contact us
Jenny Hayter
Jen Hayter has been playing the accordion since being given one for Christmas over 40 years ago, despite being heavily pregnant with her third child at the time. Not getting very far with formal lessons Jen was advised to join in the folk sessions at ‘The Star’ in Romsey which , when that closed for refurbishment, led her to start the Thursday sessions at the ‘Newport’ in Braishfield. During these good times ‘Motley’ was formed and produced a CD ‘Newport Convention’.
Thanks to the encouragement of good friends and mentors Jen took over the reigns of the ‘Black Glove’ multi-instrumental band and taught many musicians the craft of playing for dancers. She joined ‘Woodfidley’ as a musician and played at many festivals throughout the UK.
On moving to a small village in France in 2005 Jen opened a pub, along the lines of ‘The Newport’ and, as well as welcoming musicians from around the world, formed a very tongue-in cheek Morris side. Despite being called a ‘sorciḗre Anglaise’ by the locals she was asked to perform throughout France.
After 11 years away Jen returned and was asked by Jenny Oborn if she would consider starting up another band and ‘Puddleglum’ was born. So much for retirement! Happy days, playing, teaching and entertaining…..it’s what Jen was born to do!
Andy Fox
Andy Fox has played the flute since he was a boy in wind bands and orchestras in North London, Bradford and Southampton. He is also a member of Southampton Ukulele Jam, as is Wayne the bass player. More importantly Andy is a virtuoso on the cowbell and has spent many years perfecting this art as well as producing cowbell lesson videos during the pandemic. In his spare time Andy works for the NHS as a hospital pharmacist and enjoys birdwatching and badminton occasionally at the same time!
Jennifer Oborn
Jennifer has been working as a musician for more years than she cares to remember! After leaving the London College of Music she embarked on a career of teaching which she loves.
Jennifer has worked for local music services, independent schools and as a private teacher.
Her first love is the classical guitar, closely followed by the flute, recorder and piano.
Jennifer enjoys playing in ensembles of all kinds. She is currently trying to master the viola so she can sit at the back of a string orchestra and not annoy anyone too much!
Away from music, Jennifer enjoys all kinds of needlecrafts, catching up with friends, history, trying to learn Latin and cuddling her two rescue Staffie dogs, Diesel and Sky.
She lives in Southampton with her very tolerant partner Wayne, a professional instrument repairer.
Wayne Mayor
I came late to the music scene. I taught myself to play ukulele after my partner Jenny, our baritone uke player, bought me my first uke. I have many of them now! Around ten or eleven years ago I joined the Southampton Ukulele Jam where I met Andy, our flute player. Have played many fun gigs at festivals and events with the Jam.
I also taught ukulele alongside Jenny at a local primary school.
I took up playing the double bass as it has four strings like the uke, and I figured it should be easy to play as I only had to hit the right string at the right time!
During the day I’m in my workshop working as an Archetier (bow maker and restorer) and Luthier (instrument maker and repairer).
In my spare time I enjoy being in my workshop making artistic stuff with wood or metal, spending time with my two dogs and gardening.
Richard ‘Richie’ Hayes
I started piano when I was 5 and took Grades up to the age of 9. I then taught myself guitar at the age of 12 based on what I had learnt on the piano. At 16 I started playing in bands but back on keyboard because everyone was playing guitar and keys were in short supply! Predominantly played with The Chris Shakespeare Movement, John Drevar’s Expression and Inflatable Toy. As I played with Derek in 2 of those bands we share a lot of history. Spent time in Germany in Frankfurt, Berlin & Hamburg and had recording contracts with MGM and Polydor and had a season at The Playboy Club. Biggest claim to fame was supporting Stevie Wonder with The Chris Shakespeare Movement but also played with Georgie Fame, Amen Corner, Jeff Lynne etc., Mid life I concentrated on Classical Guitar and played in The Alhambra Guitar Quartet along with Jenny O who is also in Puddleglum and had appearances at The Southampton Show, The New Forest Show and appeared live on Radio Solent. I currently also play in TOAST since it’s concept and am always amazed by all the youngsters that know all the words to our very old songs. I had a week’s notice to dep with Puddlegum and now they can’t get rid of me…..several wrongful dismissal claims pending.