Country Music in Britain

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Neon Moon are a 6-piece band (Vocalist, Pedal Steel, Harmonica, Lead Guitar, Bass and Drums) from Bournemouth. Two of the band (Trev on vocals and Mike on pedal steel) are ex-members of 80's group Country Pride. Playing everything from Hank Williams to Tracey Byrd; Johnny Cash to Vince Gill; they are quickly developing a following in the Dorset/Somerset/Hampshire area.

Barnaby Newman: Born march 1976 Romsey Hampshire England. Country music has always been a big influence in my life. I grew up listening to my dads collection which included Marty Robbins,Boxcar Willie,Tammy Wynette,Bobby Bare and many others. My own favourites include Waylon Jennings,Willie Nelson,Dale Watson,Dwight Yoakam,Alan Jackson,Kris kristofferson,Randy Travis,Toby Keith,Moe Bandy and many more... Songs by many of these artists can be heard at my shows.

Bob Oakley entertains with songs from the writing and singing of Johnny Cash, Kris Kristopherson, Charley Pride, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Don Williams, Buddy Holly, Tom T Hall and lots more. A mix of Country, Nostalgia and a smattering of Rock And Roll make up a full evening of entertainment. Songs from the heart to a toe tapping beat

MICKEY PAGE solo singer loves Marty Robbins been singing for the for the last 6 years now

Cliff Parsons has been singing since an early age, learning from and listening to his father singing in the pubs and clubs. He grew up listening to all the great 60s music rock-n-roll etc, but he always enjoyed listening to and singing along to the music of Jim Reeves, Joe Dolan, Buddy Holly and many other artist and as time went on he started to get into the country music scene which he has enjoyed for many years.

Ade Payne is an accomplished singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist, inspired at a very young age by the profound effect music had on him.

Richard Palmer Learning that first country song set the ball rolling and from then on, Richard was a big fan of country music, buying cassettes and CD's of artists such as Merle Haggard, Garth Brooks, Chris LeDoux and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. He had soon learnt quite a selection of songs and, at the age of 13, decided to learn a new instrument - the Harmonica. In the summer of 2001, Richard wrote his first country song, Whole Life In A Shoebox, about a tramp who carries all his photos and memories in an old shoebox and tells his story to passers by as he makes his way down the never-ending dusty roads. Eventually meeting with a woman, he discovers she is leading much the same life as himself and they set off together and spend many years walking down the 'dusty roads' together, carrying their shoeboxes and telling their tales to people that they meet. In July 2002, Richard took his first booking as a country music artist, at 'The Covered Wagon CMC' at North Scarle. He has continued to accept more bookings and is constantly updating his repertoire of songs

Gary Perkins first experience of performing in front of an audience came at the age of eight, when he played harmonica and sang songs in junior school assemblies.

In 1980, at the age of eighteen, Gary was invited by Harry Quinton to sing three songs at one of his shows at the Ivanhoe Hotel in Thurcroft, a South Yorkshire pit village.

In 1991 he became a self employed country singer then 1995 he joined up with a Buxton based band called ‘The Breeze’ and although there has been a few band member changes they are still performing theatres and major country music festivals around the country.

During 1999 Gary had a slight change in his musical direction, and to every ones amazement he became a street entertainer working mainly midweek in different towns and cities, this proved to be a very popular and successful venture.
www.garyperkinsmusic.co.uk

David Petie I have been playing and writing music for nigh on 30 years. I reckon I can't live without a guitar near at hand so that I can pick it up whenever I want to.
I guess my style is very much story telling with songs. I perform (nearly) all my own material and most songs have an interesting history, which I am always keen to share!!!! I now write for Maverick and Blues Matters about country and the blues.
I perform mostly solo, delivering a set that is mainly bluegrass and country.

Plain Loco consits of Steve Jay Lead vocals, Bass Guitar, Harmonica. The founder member of the band, Steve had previously spent seven years with 'Capricorn' After several years with the 'Gary Blackmore Band' Steve worked with the top Comedy Showband 'Sweet Illusion' before forming 'Plain Loco' in 1990.
Tony Crooks Guitar /Lead & Harmony Vocals. Tony has worked with numerous artists
including Chris Farlowe
Blue Memory is the 5th Plain Loco album to date, and the first album with the current lineup of Steve, Tony and Bill. The songs are all original compositions written or co-written by members of the band.

Gary Quinn is a singer-songwriter that knows how to pull on the heartstrings of his audiences. Creating beautifully crafted lyrics he draws you in with his acoustic driven performances of rock infused country balanced with the traditional. Quinn’s heart-filled songs cover contrasting subjects from the up-tempo ‘Live Each Day’ to the moody love song ‘He Don’t Show Her Anymore’.

Born and raised in Ireland Quinn listened to his father’s Kris Kristofferson tapes and then fell in love with the new country music coming out of America after hearing the Garth Brooks album ‘No Fences’ in the early 1990’s.

After releasing a three-track CD, Quinn’s songs have been heard on radio stations in his native Ireland, UK, America and Australia. He has opened for top touring US country artists and appeared at several prestigious music festivals in Ireland and the UK.

‘He Don’t Show Her Anymore’ received the runner-up accolade in the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival International Song Writing Competition. Subsequently he performed at the festival in 2010 and 2011 where he shared the stage with Nashville recording artists like Carlene Carter and John Brannen.web page: www.myspace.com/garyjpquinn

Chris Raggatt has spent the last few years performing professionally in concerts and shows all over the UK as well as building up a successful teaching practice; teaching Guitar, Bass and Drums in South Wales. His portfolio also includes many original compositions in various styles and genres.

Chris’ country music has even featured in an award winning film ‘Cwcw’. His main passion is country music and loves nothing better than introducing people to the classics

Pete Redfern has played around the Liverpool music scene in various bands from the age of 13 including gigs at the world famous Cavern Club in the 60s. Having been brought up on a diet of country music which was brought home from the USA by his seafaring father and brothers, it was inevitable that he would be playing it sooner rather than later.
Pete did well locally in a duo called Pinto. He then moved further a field with his good friend Dave Evansin another duo called $mith & Jone$. After that Pete toured with a band called Daytona for 5 years which took him the length and breadth of the country with John Francis and Davey Inglis.
By the late 90s, Pete had established himself as a prominent song writer on the circuit by having three top selling albums written by himself and Allan Crookes (formally of Poacher and Northwind)

Rambling Fever hails from Glasgow and was formed 31 years ago in 1976. They take their name from the title of the classic "Merle Haggard" song. Gordon and John are two of the original founding members and met while playing in the "Social Club" circuit in and around the Glasgow area with another two friends.

Katie Rhodes was born in Manchester into a large Irish family. Many of her sisters and brothers are very talented musicians and vocalists. While Katie was young, her parents and siblings had an Irish/Country band which travelled all over the UK and Europe
Her favourite songs she likes to perform are power ballads, to show her vocal talent, but knows that she can't sing those kind of songs all night long!
As well as being a huge fan of traditional Country music, Katie also loves more modern styles and her repertoire of songs includes some very up-to-date material, e.g., Kelly Pickler, Lee Ann Womack, Julie Roberts, etc.
She is now starting to spread her wings and is playing much farther afield, including Scotland and some gigs in Belfast later this year.
Katie hasn't decided which way she wants to go with her Country music as the music is so varied, so she is learning all types of songs. She knows there's so much to learn and she's learning all the time. Some day she would like to write her own songs. In the meantime, she's going to carry on trying to please all of the people all of the time. As for the future? She just wants to see where the music takes her!

Tony Rigby Meet the man behind some of the best country music the UK has to offer. Find out about singer songwriter Tony and listen to his music. Learn about him, his life, his music and check out some of his cds. . Both a talented country singer and song writer all showcased for you at TonyRigby.co.uk

Rocky and the Natives feature some of the top musicians in the UK:
Andy Newmark - Drums has worked and recorded with John Lennon, Yoko Ono, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Carly Simon and Sly and the Family Stone to name just a few.
Jim Leverton - Bass/ Acoustic Guitar/Keyboards - Worked for many years with Steve Marriott and also with Noel Redding (Fat Mattress), Savoy Brown Blues Band, Rory Gallagher, Caravan & many more.
Geoffrey Richardson - Violin/Mandolin/Banjo - Has worked with a wide range of artists including Caravan,Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Cafe Jacques, Murray Head, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, Chris de Burgh and Bob Geldof.
Chris Godden - Electric guitar/Lap Steel - Worked with top country musicians across the UK including many years with legendary pedal steel player the late Gordon Huntley and in the early 70's with Malcolm Barnard in touring UK Country Rock pioneers Pass the Buck.
Malcolm Barnard - Vocals - worked with 60's soul band The Way and pop outfit Aesop's Fables and in France with Roto Magus before founding Boogie Rockers Winkle Bill and then Pass the Buck with Chris Godden. Rocky and the Natives are recording their first album featuring eight new Barnard/Godden songs, one written by Jim Leverton, one by legendary American Singer/Songwriter Bob Rafkin whose acoustic guitar also features on the album and a new take on a great Gram Parsons song.
A taster single "Oyster Girl"/"Lazy Waters" (great reviews including Maverick Magazine) is available now www.rockyandthenatives.co.uk

The Rosinators The Rosinators formed in 2001 and quickly established a reputation for their raw uncompromising mix of bluegrass , Cajun and gospel country, and their dynamic three-part vocal harmonies. Twin-fiddles and acoustic guitar make up their distinctive sound, augmented with banjo and mandolin, with the addition of string bass and drums for some shows. The band, whose repertoire ranges from traditional a cappella to their own twenty-first century country blues, play roots, music from the heart.
Since the release of The Rosinators' eponymous debut CD in June 2003, a busy touring schedule has taken them to new audiences in Holland, Ireland and the UK,
The band live in London, and although a lot of their shows take them out of town, they can be seen there throughout the year at clubs such as the 12 Bar, The Borderline, and the Astoria.

Radio Sweethearts The band were formed at the end of 1992 by John Miller, Frank Macdonald and Teenage Fanclub bassist Gerry Love. After recruiting erstwhile Pastel Brian Taylor and enlisting the help of Battlefield Band fiddler John McCusker they made their debut appearance at Glasgow's famous King Tut's Wah Wah Hut. Starting to gig on a regular basis, the band recruited local steel player Drew Hamill to help round out their sound. Drew was soon replaced by regular Steelie Malcolm McMaster, completing the line-up that would go on to record "New Memories"

Classically trained pianist Charlie Savigar has a distinctive style that distinguishes her from the crowd. Charlie writes and arranges all her own songs, and plays both guitar and piano live and in the studio.

Charlie is currently performing with her band across London and Europe. She has also been in the studio recording demos and has plans for more recording soon. She can also be heard performing in a exciting duo with singer-songwriter Daren Callow called Dare To Be Charlie.

Settlers Creek - Formed by members of 2 top Northern Country Music bands, Settlers Creek are a 5 piece band with something to offer all Country Music Lovers. The band have over 60 years of combined recording and performing experience between them, and family histories of professional musicianship before that, so it is no surprise to learn that they have a wide range of musical influences. This comes through in their shows with material ranging from old-style Merle Haggard numbers right through to modern material by artists such as Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson. After several years away from the Country scene pursuing other projects, the lure of the gun smoke proved too much and in late-2004 the band members got together and set to work on building a new top class Country act as a showcase to their talents, a tribute to the music they all love, and a burning desire to Keep it Country The result was the birth of Settlers Creek, a red-hot band featuring blistering guitar work, stunning 3-part vocal harmonies and a versatile rhythm section to keep the dancers on their feet all night long. The band has made an outstanding impact wherever it has appeared and left audiences talking about the show for weeks afterwards.

Martin Smith a Singer/Songwriter from Cumbria doing mostly original material.
Martin Smith is one of Britain's best kept secrets as well as being one of the country's top writers. In fact he has titled his new CD just that - "Britain's Best Kept Secret."
His last four albums feature all original material - material which has won him several major song-writing competitions both here in the UK and in Nashville at the Worldwide Song-writing Contest. He has also won two Musical Diplomas.
As an artist he's appeared at the prestigious Wembley Country Music Festival twice. He has also performed alongside many top international names of the calibre of Frank Ifield, George Hamilton IV, Bill Anderson, Charlie Landsborough, Guy Mitchell, Brendan Shine and Raymond Froggatt.
He realises the way forward is to strive to be original in his musical endeavours and to continue to promote his songs worldwide..

The Smoking Gunns are a new Country & Western Duo with over 10 years experience in the music and entertainment industry. Colin Gunn - [Vocalist] has been performing as a Cabaret artiste all over Scotland for the last 10 years. Having been raised on a strict musical diet of Country & Rock 'n' Roll, he has now joined up with Jamie Gunn [Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Vocals] forming the Country duo.

Snake Oil are the UK’s premier 5 piece Tex-Mex n’ Country band.

Some Dogs Jim Dog says "I play guitar in loud, raucous, punky country band called Some Dogs. We do play country music but we crank it up a far bit. We also run a country club in London, called Spilling Whiskey on the Floor, it's been offline for a spell but we're starting up again in June '03.

Southern Country - A new band from the South East of England, playing everything from traditional to contemporary Country music; from Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings to the Eagles and LeAnn Rimes; from slow ballads to 'Country Rock'. With Amanda's soaring vocals and Jim's smooth pedal steel - the sound is true Country.

Spur The Duo - great YOUNG blood on the country scene..

Stateside (1994) appear as either a Duo or Trio at present and cover a very wide range of music from 1930's to this weeks charts but always country.
Kevin MacDee is on lead vocals and guitar along with Norvel (Nobby) Cree (Wells Fargo) on lead and harmony vocals /lead guitar /fiddle and mandolin.Pete James appears on piano/2nd lead guitar and lead vocals in their Trio show
They are equally at home with a listening or dancing crowd and adjust the songlist to suit.

Steely Grey was formed in 2006 and has since risen to be one of the most sought after country bands around.
Their line up is Pedal Steel Guitar, played by Phil Lester. ,Lead guitar., Harmony and occasional Lead Vocals John Solo, Rhythm Guitar and Lead Vocals Frank Craine, Bass Guitar and Harmony Vocals Stan Matthews.
They are all accomplished musicians with many years experience and they released their first CD this year called "Laid Back Country " which is a huge success and are already starting work on CD number two which they hope to release early next year.

Stillwater Featuring Frank ( ex Toe The Line and Whiskey River ) on guitar and vocals Danny ( ex Greyhound Express and Ellis County ) on guitar and vocals have at last teamed up to bring you the very best in country and line dance material. With many years experience of the country music scene between them these ever approachable guys will stop at nothing to make sure everyone enjoys themselves as those who have seen them will testify

Mike Storm has been an entertainer since 1989. He strated a solo career in 1995. He covers songs from many artists incl Elvis, Ricky elson, Jim Reeves,Don Williams & Wille Nelson

Struck It Rich Band One family team of musicians, with an enormous wealth of experience, bring you a quality Country Music Band with a distinct and unique sound, fully catering for dancers and listeners, with first class vocals, a wide range of instrumental sounds and that spark of originality. The members of this Kent based outfit have already gained a considerable reputation through their television, radio, theatre, festival and club performances.
Struck it Rich is a band in tune with the latest developments in country music, performing a range of songs with quality arrangements to produce a full and varied sound featuring pedal steel guitar, keyboards, mandolin, guitar, bass, drums and strong vocal harmony.

Dave Sheriff Dave Sheriff is totally unique - he has had no less than NINE separate entries, world wide, in the Guinness Book of Records, between 1982 and 1989, as A One Man Band, playing for the longest time (199 hours) and with the most number of instruments at the same time (12).
In his 'live'show, Dave Sheriff sings and accompanies himself on five different musical instruments, performing a complete programme of self penned material.
Dave's latest release 'Overworked & Underpaid' recorded in Nashville Feb 2006

Henry Smith's Country Dreams . a superb 5 piece Country band who are firmly rooted in Country Music both old & new. They can perform with perfection both Country Western/ Linedance & Cabaret.

Dane Stevens ..in the years Dane has been on the country scene he has recorded 12 separate Albums, and has seen many changes, but he has stayed essentially “country”, appealing to both” dancers” and “listeners” with his latest album “These Days” celebrating 25years on the country circuit.When on stage Dane plays guitar, and harmonica, and as well as his own compositions, sings old country favourites plus the latest popular tunes.He also composes and plays every note of his “backing” via a keyboard and sequencer to create a full “Band” sound.Dane is the quintessential country Singer/ Songwriter with 25 years of experience and there is no substitute for that.

Tjaye Martin has been performing her original material in folk clubs and theatres since the age of fourteen, constantly working on the skills of singer, musician, writer and entertainer so that today she is among the very best Americana, folk, roots, artistes in Britain. After many years of touring with her own five piece band Tjaye is as much at home performing her self penned songs centre stage with just an acoustic guitar, as she is singing and playing the many and varied vocal styles that her unique voice encompasses and Tjaye’s humorous reflections on life endear her to everyone who is fortunate enough to see her show.
In recent years Tjaye has been invited several times to appear on the main stage at the prestigious “Americana International Festival” at the Newark showground with Bill Wyman, Albert Lee, Carlene Carter step daughter of Johnny Cash, The Manfreds, The Troggs and western swing legends Asleep at the Wheel. Of Tjaye’s performance Americana founder Chris Jackson said that she was “superb”.
She has also headlined at the Bristol, Filton festival and in 2011 she will once again perform at the Great Dorset Steam Fair for five days.

Taylor’d Country is a 6 piece Country band based in Milton Keynes. The band line-up is 3 vocals, lead & acoustic guitar, mandolin, bass and Drums. Irene, Ian and Louise share lead and backing vocals giving you spine-tingling harmonies. Playing songs from Shania Twain, Terri Clark, Martina McBride, Dwight Yokam, The Dixie Chicks, Toby Keith, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and many others Taylor’d Country plays a varied set with something for everyone. If you like, Irene can teach your guests a couple of simple line dances to help the party go with a swing!

Tennessee a Country music husband and wife duo covering songs from old to new for listeners and dancers .Artists covered include Patsy Cline ,Tammy Wynette ,Buck Owen ,Randy Travis ,Patty Loveless , Pam Tills , Mary Chapin Carpenter ,Trisha Yearwwod ,Toby Keith ,Leann Womack

Kelly is the singer of the Duo with Husband Michael backing her up on rhythm Guitar , Kelly also is the Lead singer of a 5 piece country music band Called Boxcar Kelly and the Railroaders who have preformed on the country music circuit all last year including rock field and the rubber duck country music festivals.

The Shrinks are an Americana style 6 piece band from Bristol whose original music is inspired by everything from Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams to John Prine and Ryan Adams.

Too Country from the badlands of the South East, Telecasters, Harp, Bass, Sticks and Sweet, Sweet Harmonies at the ready, are heading into town.Pure, Unadulterated, Stone Country.

Steve Travis is recognised as being one of England's top country solo artists. His relaxed style has always found a home with traditional country fans as well as gaining appreciation of other audiences. Steve has become a firm favourite at many major music clubs and festivals throughout the UK and abroad where his popularity has gained a succession of music and radio awards.

Jeff Tuttle - If you like Traditional Country Music with a rich baritone voice, then you're going to want to check out Jeff Tuttle's New CD "Livin' Like A Millionaire (ain't got a dime)."
Not only is Jeff a Country Music Entertainer but a Country Music fan with a deep respect for Traditional Country Music.
Born and raised in Monroe Michigan, Jeff began singing Country music in the Detroit area in 1990 as Lead Singer in the house band at Jack Kelly's Lounge in Rockwood, Michigan.
Living in Nashville, TN. for the past several years, Jeff has recently moved fron Nashville and now lives in Rossport in County Mayo, Ireland

Dave Vernon - after many years entertaining audiences in the Social Clubs and Pubs, producing his type of country music, Dave became accepted as a supporting solo act in the Country Music Clubs, supporting such top names as Raymond Froggatt. Dave produces his own particular vocal originality.
He recently wrote and recorded a tribute song ‘A Man Named Johnny Cash' which was the title track of his latest CD and received wide acclaim from it's numerous air-plays not only in the U.K. but also from around the world including Australia,

The Wagon Tales are a young, London based energetic alt. bluegrass band who's influences range from bluegrass / old time, western swing, delta blues. We are a and play a mix of traditional bluegrass tunes and our own original material.
The line up is banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and bass. All sing lead and back up harmony vocal.
You can check us out on www.myspace.com/thewagontales and there are tons of clips on you tube.

Weston Line made their debut performance at Grand Union weekender on 22nd January,. They were met with an overwhelming response from the listeners and dancers alike.
Songs including, ‘Laid back in low key’, ‘Let your love flow’, and ‘Why don’t we just dance’, kept the floor filled,. Dance suggestions for country classics like ‘Today I started loving you again’, and ‘Tonight we just might fall in love again’, were well received by all.

The Westcoasters what started the Westcoasters band was a vision – linedancing is meant to be fun, you’re supposed to enjoy it, so why do so many Country bands look so miserable?
Hence the Westcoasters motto:
If we ain’t enjoying ourselves on stage, then how can we expect anyone else to!

Westride are a Country & Western Duo based in the UK on the Cheshire/Staffordshire Border They have spent time, thought and energy putting together a range of old and new country songs that real country & western music fans will appreciate songs by Crystal Gayle, Billie Jo Spears, Tammy Wynette, Lynn Anderson, Loretta Lynn, Jeanie C. Riley, Donna Fargo, Willie Nelson, Carl Perkins, Boz Scaggs... some newer material by Joni Harms, Trisha Yearwood, suzy Bogguss, Heather Myles, The Judds, George Strait, Merle Haggard, John Michael Montgomery, Emmylou Harris

Alan Westwood is a prolific songwriter with over 20 songs published, and his biggest hit 'The South Will Rise Again' has become an anthem for thousands of British western fans. He has also written for Johnny Cash and June Carter - 'Lady Dressed In Black', and for Bobby Bare, and recently Pam Tillis.Alan is equally at home in either a dance or concert venue and with his strong rich voice and genial manner always gives a good evening's entertainment.

White Line Fever are a four-piece, all-live, electric band, based in the North-East of England. Playing classic and new country, their repertoire ranges from Johnny Cash to The Dixie Chicks. Their set is a vibrant mix which is good both for listeners and good for dancers. If you want to hear exciting county music, played with passion, and with a little attitude then this is the band for you.

Johnny Williams is a first class professional country music artiste from Sheffield, South Yorkshire. At his shows you are guaranteed to see pure country music at its best as he entertains you with one of the best voices in country music today, accompanied by top quality backing tracks and acoustic/electric guitar playing.

WRANGLER play the type of Country Music you can relate to. A good choice of traditional Country Music from Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, George Jones and Hank Williams and some modern material from George Strait, Alan Jackson, Mark Chestnut and Vince Gill are included in their vast repertoire. What you see is what you get, ‘100% Live Country Music'

Yesterday's Another Country is a north east -based outfit playing mainly original material drawn from country, blues and folk genres. Claire and Gary, the mainstays of the band, have been writing together for a number of years and are now gigging and looking for career development. With strong melodies, great playing and singing and lyrics that tell a story, YAC have been receiving great feedback. See http://www.myspace.com/yesterdaysanothercountry for more info.