We could be loosely labelled as a Bluegrass band although we attempt all genres, played in an acoustic format. Bluegrass is a style of American roots music that evolved during the last century in states such as Kentucky, Tennessee, the Virginias and Carolinas. It is characterised by the unique sound of the 5 string banjo, plucked in a rolling style made famous by Earl Scruggs - shown in the album cover with Lester Flatt and the Foggy Mountain Boys.
Acoustic instruments that are typical in a lineup include guitar, fiddle, mandolin, double bass and dobro.
Bluegrass, as a style was exposed to the world in the movies Bonnie and Clyde with the tune Foggy Mountain Breakdown and Deliverance with the ubiquitous Duelling Banjos. Bluegrass has its roots in the traditional folk music brought to America by Irish, Scottish and English immigrants - as well as elements of Blues and Jazz introduced by African-Americans. Indeed, the banjo is derived from African stringed instruments.
Acoustic instruments that are typical in a lineup include guitar, fiddle, mandolin, double bass and dobro.
Bluegrass, as a style was exposed to the world in the movies Bonnie and Clyde with the tune Foggy Mountain Breakdown and Deliverance with the ubiquitous Duelling Banjos. Bluegrass has its roots in the traditional folk music brought to America by Irish, Scottish and English immigrants - as well as elements of Blues and Jazz introduced by African-Americans. Indeed, the banjo is derived from African stringed instruments.
The name "Bluegrass" can be attributed to Bill Monroe (above) whom many consider to be the "father" of Bluegrass and whose band "The Blue Grass Boys" took their name from the native tussock, aptly called "bluegrass" due to its dark foilage and blueish flowers that blossom in the meadows of Kentucky.
But because Bluegrass has such strong roots in Celtic and English Traditional music we naturally include a good deal of this in our repertoire.... and being teenagers in the 60's we can't help throwing in a mix of acoustic Rock and Folk.
We are now a purely acoustic band, having done our time with electronic equipment.
We are now a purely acoustic band, having done our time with electronic equipment.
Occasionally we are fortunate to be joined by Caroline Blundell (Vocals, Guitar), Terrence Scarr ( Fiddle, Vocals), Sez Adamson (Pedal Steel, Guitar, Dobro) and Paddy and Pam Booth-Jones. Paddy is a founding member of Blacksmith and plays Fiddle, Mandolin and Guitar with Pam on Accordion.
We play the following instruments and all help with vocals
Neil - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Mandola, Harmonica
James (Neil's son) now regularly joins us and is accomplished on Guitar, Whistles, Piano and Piano Accordion
Nielen - 5-String Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin, Spoons
Stefan - Double Bass
Sample Music
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Vintage Biscuit Raiders
(this rare recording is not Blacksmith but includes 3 Blacksmith personnel: Nielen, Terrence Scarr and Stef with Steve Newman)
(this rare recording is not Blacksmith but includes 3 Blacksmith personnel: Nielen, Terrence Scarr and Stef with Steve Newman)