Tamworth Bluegrass
21-25 June 2018. Fillongley Village Hall, CV7 8EQ
LINEUP
Bands confirmed so far:
Ale and Cakes
Taking their name from a small tin and copper mine near their home town of Redruth in the heart of the
Cornish mining landscape, ‘Ale and Cakes’ (Jacey Harris and Dan Norton) play a chilled out selection of their
favourite bluegrass, old time and folk music, as well as some beautiful original songs and tunes inspired by
their rugged west Cornwall surroundings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEnYiefa070&feature=youtu.be
Buffalo Gals
Buffalo Gals are the UK’s favourite Old Time Country String Band! At the forefront of the current wave of American roots-inspired music, the Gals represent a revival of the old string band tradition in its most vibrant form, with their live shows uniquely punctuated by the stunning and thrillingly syncopated traditional Appalachian step-dance that has become one of their trademarks.confirmed. appear here
Cody Sisters Band (USA)
Their music falls from the clouds like a soft warm rain and in an instant thunders down like a Colorado storm. Audiences are left emotional, inspired, and exhilarated all at the same time. The soft sister harmonies remind the crowd of a simpler, slower time. As the show builds, the award winning sound of their guitars, mandolins, banjos, and bass will fill the hall such that the audience is swimming in roaring river of perfect sound. These are just three musicians, but their almost entirely acoustic sound is the feeling of a full orchestra. Seeing the Cody Sisters Band is an experience. These young women and their bass player fuse so many different influences, it’s often difficult to define them. The Cody Sisters experience blends Old Time, Swing, Gypsy Jazz, Jazz, Folk, and Modern Bluegrass together in a completely unique sound that stays with the audiences for weeks to come. Their original songs and sound always leaves a lasting impression. Not simply a family band by any stretch of the imagination.Any bio of the Cody Sisters would be remiss if their chief roadie ‘Heather’ wasn’t mentioned. While not on stage, her influence provides the perfect grounding for this unique sound.
http://www.thecodysistersmusic.com/
The Down County Boys
The Down County Boys are one of the longest established and best loved bluegrass bands in the UK – tracing their roots back to 1964. The current line up features Peter Parker on fiddle, father and son Mick (bass/vocals) and Chris (banjo) Cooper and Ray Duffy on lead vocals guitar and mandolin.
Evan Lyons Collective (IRE)
From Co. Tipperary, Ireland, Evan is one of the next generation to show his bluegrass skills to us over here in the UK. He will be putting a band together for us. More details to appear later. In the meantime, have a look at the video of him leading a session at The 2017 Westport Bluegrass Festival
G-runs n' Roses (CZ)
Upon hearing the name, you might expect a bunch of rough guys with tattoos and long hair, but the picture does not confirm your assumption. Luckily, these lads have other aces to pull out of their sleeves.
G-runs 'n Roses are a young and energetic bluegrass band from the Czech Republic in the heart of Europe. They play both original and existing songs with a strong focus on solid rhythm and tight vocal harmonies. This is complemented with fancy instrumental solos and incorporated into elegant arrangements. However youthful their music may be, tasteful it shall remain, and the band retains a deep respect for traditional bluegrass music.
http://www.g-runs.com/indexen.htm
The Goat Roper Rodeo Band
“A fresh, energetic three-piece acoustic band who combine great vocal harmonies with up-beat, self-penned songs to make a memorable live show.” (The Record Journal Live).
“Man, how can some so young be so sad….and so perfect!” (Ian Dunlop – Gram Parsons / Flying Burrito Bros).
“Wonderfully executed acoustic country blues with two guitars, a double bass and plaintive striking harmonies, a musical landscape driven by old timey sensibilities …there’s a lot to like about the Goat Roper Rodeo Band.” (R2 Magazine)
“A fresh, energetic three-piece acoustic band who combine great vocal harmonies with up-beat,
self-penned songs to make a memorable live show.” (The Record Journal Live)
http://goatroperrodeoband.co.uk/
The Lonesome Rover Band
Another special appearance of this rarely seen International band, with this lineup put together for our festival. Featuring G-Runs' Ralph Schut on guitar, Martin Burza on fiddle and Thomas Kubin on double Bass, with Richard Lee on banjo and Dan Norton on mandolin. You're all in for a treat!
Molly & the Blackbrier Band
‘Molly & The Blackbriar Band’ is a relatively new acoustic Bluegrass/Americana band based in South London/North Surrey. The band is rooted around tight male/female vocals of Mike McCarty (guitar) and Molly Lucey and exciting instrumental skills provided by Jimmy Lin (fiddle) and Hilary Gowen (banjo) – all held together by Dick Embury’s solid bass playing.
Molly hails from a farming family in County Cork and brings her impressive vocal skills to bear on a wide range of material, from traditional Bill Monroe numbers to more modern Americana artists like Kasey Chambers.
Morris Boys
No introductions needed for this band, who have been on the UK Bluegrass scene since the 60's and are one of the few UK bands to ply their trade over in the USA. The lineup has changed many times over the years, but has always been under the leadership of Dave and Glynn Morris.
New Essex Bluegrass Band
Since 1994 the New Essex Bluegrass Band has enjoyed over twenty-one years as perhaps the most traditional sounding of all the UK bluegrass bands. From the outset they adopted the single microphone for its stage sound, and have inspired many of the other British bands to do the same. With the addition of a fiddle player in 2005 they continue to delight, not only UK festival audiences from Guildtown in Scotland to Newquay in Cornwall and Conwy, The Gower and Llangollen in Wales, but also European audiences in Holland, France, Germany and Ireland, showing how authentic bluegrass should be performed.
The Old Grey Dogs
The Old grey dogs, among the top Newgrass players in the uk today, playing a mixture of Bela Fleck and Jens Kruger tunes along with hard driving songs from across the board of bluegrass. Now into their thirty plus years together and respected within their field. A trio not to miss.
The Often Herd
4/5ths of the well known band The Kentucky Cowtippers, who are now only playing in the Newcastle upon Tyne area, The Often Herd reach beyond what is expected of a bluegrass band, marrying the wistful sunshine harmonies of Southern California with the striking industrial allure of their North Eastern (UK) home. An engaging and dynamic live act, the band are able to pull off their intricately arranged material alongside moments of spontaneous improvisation.
Rupert Hughes (guitar) and Evan Davies (mandolin) are responsible for penning the
band’s vibrant and catchy original music. American fiddler Niles Krieger and jazz bassist Sam Quintana contribute deft and dynamic instrumental skills that lift the songs to new heights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv8IqNL27rM&list=PL7KQlWk-V1Q_vTrT3tdvbzmkzGfNLLHNW
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtVusaIQafc&index=3&list=PL7KQlWk-V1Q_vTrT3tdvbzmkzGfNLLHNW
Phantom Horse
‘Phantom Horse’ consists of four well-respected musicians based in the East Midlands. They are Guy Rogers on banjo and guitar, David Gray on fiddle and mandolin, Ben Storer on double bass and guitar and Mick Smith on Guitar and mandolin, with all four members sharing three-part harmony on the vocal duties. Their very diverse musical backgrounds meld together in their section of song and tunes thus creating a unique sound and stage presentation. Their selection of songs range from traditional bluegrass numbers, to country music, to 50’s pop and original self penned songs.
Be prepared for a ‘musical roller coaster ride’ experience from the unique ‘Phantom Horse’
Stained Glass Bluegrass
Stained Glass is an experienced four piece bluegrass band from Warwickshire, featuring banjo, mandolin, guitar and double bass. They sing three part harmony and play hard driving instrumentals. Their music ranges from traditional to modern bluegrass with a sprinkling of gospel and pop.
They have performed at numerous bluegrass festivals, and currently run the Birmingham bluegrass session twice a month.
http://www.stainedglassbluegrass.com/
The Vanguards
A Croydon-based acoustic band, playing a collection of popular and original bluegrass numbers. Influenced by Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, The Stanley Brothers, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and The Del McCoury Band, they are one of the newest and amongst the youngest bands to hit the bluegrass festival scene.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-enC2mG7Mw
https://www.facebook.com/thevanguardsbluegrass/
The Anker Valley Boys
Last, but not least, our very own local band. Formed some 5 years ago by friends playing together at the Tamworth Folk Club every Friday night. Their name is derived from the River Anker, which runs through Tamworth. You might see a familiar face in the band if you look hard enough!
