Constant Billy

" Constant Billy, one of Houston's longest-standing and continuously-performing acts, preserves the tradition of timeless Celtic music deep in the heart of Texas. Their lively reels and jigs keep audiences toe tapping, hand clapping and hollering for more. But it is their songs- Irish, Scottish and English ballads and their own, self-penned originals that define them and their performances. The trio- Emily Standish, Bill Galbraith and David Randall – manage to combine energy, precision and fun in a way that encourages audiences to join them in song.

Dedicated members of the Houston music community, Emily and Bill share their extensive knowledge of Celtic music as co-hosts on KPFT’S Irish Aires radio program. So, grab a pint and sing along to the rollicking melodies of Constant Billy! "
- Pete Little, KPFT Radio 90.1FM

" Constant Billy is without a doubt, the GREATEST CELTIC VOCAL GROUP IN TEXAS...and my favorite too! " - Patrick Devlin, BLAGGARDS

" ...we stopped in Winedale and enjoyed their spring festival, especially the performance by Constant Billy; Emily Standish did an incredible rendition of a Welsh song called Shining Heart." - SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING AND MORE

By John Nova Lomax HOUSTON PRESS Music Editor-in Chief
Though often lumped for convenience in the Celtic category, Houston's Constant Billy is more accurately described as pan-British folk. Irish, Scottish and Welsh tunes constitute just a fraction of their repertoire; they work in old English ballads and sea shanties as well. How many other Celtic bands have mastered tunes of the Channel Islands, those forgotten British bailiwicks off the coast of France known today only to the super-rich as tax havens? Bill Galbraith's hilarious between-songs banter can bring you out of the dumps of even the bloodiest Scots border ballad. - HOUSTON PRESS

"A new day has dawned. There's a new band in the neighborhood, Constant Billy. Featuring artists formerly of Furagh Larq and Nobody's Reel, this group brings to the stage an incredible, eclectic repertoire of intricate harmonies, fine instrumentals and stuff you just don't hear every day."

- TRADITIONS MAGAZINE

Constant Billy wowed the crowd Sunday Feb. 27 at the 3rd Annual Gathering of the Celts. Emily's voice is always compelling and Bill is very "constant" and talented in keeping the audience entertained. Bill's song about a songwriter's nightmare, a runaway creation, was a big hit and got a lot of laughs. Bill makes the story behind the song come alive in everything he sings. Their harmony together is a joy to listen to.
- Dianna Shipman, Coordinator, Gathering of the Celts
- GATHERING OF THE CELTS

"Combining deft musicianship and striking harmonies with humor and élan, Constant Billy is comprised of some of the most accomplished Celtic musicians in the Southwest. They're poised to become the preeminent band in the booming Celtic music movement in Texas by making their tunes as accessible as Rock 'n' Roll, but twice as fun, all while remaining true to the tradition" Larry Rone, Entertainment Director, AUSTIN CELTIC FESTIVAL - AUSTIN CELTIC FESTIVAL

" Let Me In,the long awaited CD by Constant Billy, that dynamic duo of Bill Galbraith & Emily Standish, is finally here, and worth the wait! 15 great tracks and about 45 minutes of wonderful music. The songs while traditional are not the ones usually seen on Celtic albums. The CD showcases the incredible voice of Emily Standish, a powerful voice that conveys purity, wistfulness and beauty. My personal favorite is "Calon Lan" (The Shining Heart) which never fails to move me; it is sung in both Welsh and English. Bill's good humor and mellow baritone round out the selections. The cover art is a long shadow of Bill & Emily -appropriate since folk music coming down to us through the ages "casts a long shadow" as do Emily & Bill in Houston! and now the rest of the world can enjoy their music through this CD. "
- SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING AND MORE

- SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING AND MORE

"Constant Billy raises the bar for performers! Without the aid of a modern sound system, Bill and Emily gathered the audience at close quarters and charmed all present with their charm, wit and great musical talent. Constant Billy held their audience fascinated by their performance. Emily sang and played with the innocent sounds of angels while Bill’s sly lyrics and songs drew smiles from everyone. There are no finer two performers in Houston in their specialty. Constant Billy is a treasure for our city and hopefully their value and talent will be recognized by all who may ever hear them perform.”
-Richard E. Mc Ginty, CELTIC CHORUS OF HOUSTON


- CELTIC CHORUS OF HOUSTON

" Maybe the old Witch of the Westmereland never had it so good. Texas band Constant Billy took that traditional Archie Fisher song, usually performed with a kind of slow majesty. ‘We picked up the tempo, put a swing beat behind it, and lightened the whole thing up a little,’ says CB vocalist/strings-player Bill Galbraith.

Pop, classical, a cappella vocals and more flavour the sound of Constant Billy (the ironic name of a Morris Dance and song). They’re a flexible bunch. Lead vocalist Emily Standish, musically bred to symphonies and theatres, fills in with tin whistle, recorder and Bodhran. "
-Winnie Czulinski, CELTIC HERITAGE (Canada)

- CELTIC HERITAGE

"These guys are probably the best all-around-folk-a cappella singers in Houston, and they are veterans of several different groups."
-Jen Hamel, CLANDESTINE

- Jen Hamel, CLANDESTINE

“Constant Billy is a vibrant, talented and exciting group, well worth seeing in a live performance. I can't wait to get a copy of their first album".
-Tom Schwerdt, Celtic Core KEOS Radio
- Tom Schwerdt, Celtic Core KEOS Radio