Background
He originally played the piano and cello but switched to the hurdy-gurdy in 1981 when his father, Christopher Eaton, began making them.
He originally played the piano and cello but switched to the hurdy-gurdy in 1981 when his father, Christopher Eaton, began making them.
He was in the bands Blowzabella, Ancient Beatbox, Whirling Pope Joan with Julie Murphy and The Duellists with Cliff Stapleton and Chris Walshaw. He released an album with the melodeon player Andy Cutting, Panic at the Cafe (1993). He has released two solo albums - The Music of the Hurdy-Gurdy (1987) and and has been featured on other recordings by artists including Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Number Quarter Unledded Afro Celt Sound System"s "Release" and many works by Loreena McKennitt.
Eaton"s film work has included Robin Hood, The Shipping News, Kingdom of Heaven, Aliens, Mansfield Park and "Tulip Fever" Nigel Eaton is now a maker of built-in furniture in South London.
Nigel"s tune "The Halsway Carol" and "Halsway Schottische" has attracted 180 versions and counting, see YouTube.