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Vincent Syson

Northumbrian Pipes / Accordion

Vincent Having enjoyed listening to a variety of music from a very early age (and engaging with just about anything that would make a noise!), it was music lessons at the age of 13 that really ignited Vincent's passion for music. Under the expert guidance of the late Chiho Sunamoto, he began taking lessons at Williams music shop in the Metro Centre where he enjoyed developing his skill with the sounds of the signature Yamaha Electone Organ. Things quicky progressed and it became apparent the the local church was desperately in need of an organist. This took Vincent on a journey down the classical route, playing for his first service at the age of 15.

This gave way to a continuing passion for the organ and it's music. Having studied at both Newcastle and Durham Cathedrals under their respective organists, Vincent is still a keen church musician and has served the parish church of St Andrew, Lamesley since 2007 as well as playing for weddings, funerals and other services when required.

In 2017, Vincent decided to learn a new instrument, the Northumbrian Pipes. His early playing was influenced by the late Dave Shaw and his legendary Beamish F Sessions to which a huge amount of gratitude is owed. Vincent was drawn into the idea of session playing however with Northumbrian pipes being pitched in F and other instruments in G this provided somewhat of an obstacle. A second hand piano accordion turned out to be considerably cheaper than a concert pitch set of pipes and another new instrument came along. Entirely self taught (but with plenty of guidance!) Vincent now enjoys a many and varied contribution to the folk music scene. He can often be found at Ye Old Cross, Ryton playing both accordion and pipes or Station East in Gateshead, a pipers F session that he established in 2022 after a demand from pipers for more opportunities to play out.

It was his participation in the Ryton session that brought him into contact with Noel Jackson. In the summer of 2024 he received a call from Noel asking if he'd join the Angels of the North. Vincent accepted Noel's kind offer and is very much enjoying the disciplines and challenges that playing in a band brings.

"Playing with the angels is just wonderful. Not only are they so supportive, they've all come to be good friends in a very short space of time. There really is nothing like seeing the music light up a room and get people on their feet!"

Vincent lives near Chester le Street with his wife Jessica and two cats, Scout and Atticus. He is also a member of the High Spen Blue Diamonds - one of the oldest rapper sword dancing sides in the country.

He is a butcher for an award winning farm shop in the hills high above County Durham specialising in pure bread Aberdeen Angus beef, saddleback pork, Lamb and mutton. Vincent is also a freeman of Durham City and, appropriately holds the position of deputy warden of the butchers company.

When everything else permits, Vincent pursues an active career as a solo piper - recent bookings have included playing for the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom and piping at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. He is also a long standing member of the Northumbrian Pipers' Society committee and takes an active role in the day to day running of the organisation.