The Journey Begins

Peter Neumegen and Mark Sanders were born and raised poles apart. Both treasure their Scottish ancestry.

Mark was born in London and raised in Surrey, England. He was educated at Eton. Mark is passionate about double reed woodwind instruments; the Uilleann Pipes being arguably the most difficult to play. On this album Mark also plays various Celtic low whistles, penny whistles and a Native American flute.

Peter was born in New Zealand and currently resides in Auckland and Waiheke Island. He commenced playing the steel string acoustic guitar when he was twelve years old and has been composing tunes ever since. Peter was educated at St Kentigerns, Auckland University and Victoria University.

Peter and Mark honour and pay tribute to Chieftains Paddy Moloney and the late Derek ("Ding Dong") Bell, who showed them the way.

"Worn out by the pressure of a fast paced lifestyle? Need to kick back and find time to smell the flowers? Then pull up a comfy chair, make yourself a cup of camomile tea and cue up Peter Neumegen and Mark Sanders' 'The Journey Begins'. Their timeless Celtic folk-based acoustic guitar and Uilleann pipe album evokes a period when heavy metal was measured by the ton and hip hop was most probably a medical term. This 12 track album comprises a mixture of traditional and original compositions. Although Uilleann pipes are arguably the most difficult to play, Sanders (originally from Surrey, England) demonstrates his mastery not only of that unique instrument but also highlights his ability with Celtic low whistles, penny whistles and a Native American flute. Blended with New Zealand-born Neumegen's faultless acoustic guitar playing the pipes and guitar create hauntingly beautiful ballads as well some more up-tempo numbers. So if you need feel the need to relax and take a break from the usual beat-based local fare, check out this album. Some more camomile anyone?"
-Nick Batt, NZ Musician (Volume 12 - 2005)