In the midst’s of time there was a meeting of minds that created a powerful musical force. That force propelled a bunch of ragged raw talent from the streets of Birmingham on their first faltering steps along the rocky road of folk history. The band called themselves "The New Bushbury Mountain Daredevils" and their unique brand of home-grown hillbilly heaven made a big impression on audiences not just in the UK but all over Europe.
It seemed the world had gone mountain mad. Every festival in the mid 90's seemed to have their name at the top of the bill. Drawn in by the bands infectious energy and unstoppable momentum everyone danced and sang along as the Bushburys (as they became known) became a promoters dream. Always guaranteed to send audiences home happy and fulfilled but never before they'd insisted on an immediate rebooking. There was a special chemistry on stage that audiences immediately recognized and felt a connection to. Their albums confirmed their status as serious contenders but said something more than merely confirming their status as a serious party band.
Here were some great tracks, with crafted arrangements, full of emotion and careful thought and above all some world class singers who could not only effortlessly hold a tune but could sing with conviction and sensitivity and add glorious harmonies to already great vocals. Those albums have stood the test of time and still sound great today, a true testament to the worth of the original talent that made up the original daredevils.
Over the years the band went their separate ways as inevitably happens as lives change. But something drew these wandering spirits back together in 2006. Three of the original four members decided it was time to dust off the old tunes, write some fresh ones and see if the old magic was still there. Would Buzby's bass still sound as solid and tuneful as it once had? Would the voices of Eric and Brian still sound so sweet and strong and their musicianship sound so special? A small three piece "secret" gig at a folk club confirmed everyone's suspicions....they were back and sounding better than ever. The idea to put a band sound around the trio was implemented and rehearsals began for the next gig at Banbury Festival.
Though the gig was only a month away plans had already been laid. Guitarist Andy Bole had already done a few gigs along the way with the boys and proved to be a great addition. His work with The Late Night Band and as a solo artist plus his session work with legends too scary to mention tells its own story as far as his playing is concerned. Drummer Jon Large has that rare quality, a musician who enhances melodies and moods rather than laying down his own beat for the band to follow. You don't find guys like that every day and when the Bushburys heard him they knew instantly he was a key player in the new team. Finally Chris Hall was brought in to the equation on accordion. The accordion had always been an important part of the mountain vibe and his work with bands like RCajun and the Zydeco Brothers and his session work with people like Paul McCartney, Bill Wyman and Kate Bush brought him to the attention of the band and made him their first choice for the role of squeeze man.
A couple of rehearsals later the band hit the stage to a full house at Banbury Festival and the new chemistry began. The band instantly rocked. Everyone recognized that the daredevils were up for it and were bringing something back. The old sound was still there but it had been injected with a fresh spirit. Three old daredevils had been the spark and the flames were being fanned by three new talents up there on stage and all six were united in the new music they were now creating together.
The gig was the catalyst for the quest to record a new album and the door to their secret hideout was prized open and a start was made on a recording that represented the new Bushbury sound.
So that's the story so far folks. The new band are up and running with gigs already in the diary. New songs are being written. Old songs are being reinvigorated. New ideas are being nurtured. It's work in progress but a new album will be released very soon. Meanwhile here are some tracks which show the new sound in evolution. Look out; The Daredevils are down from the mountain and ready to show there is gold in them there hills.
It seemed the world had gone mountain mad. Every festival in the mid 90's seemed to have their name at the top of the bill. Drawn in by the bands infectious energy and unstoppable momentum everyone danced and sang along as the Bushburys (as they became known) became a promoters dream. Always guaranteed to send audiences home happy and fulfilled but never before they'd insisted on an immediate rebooking. There was a special chemistry on stage that audiences immediately recognized and felt a connection to. Their albums confirmed their status as serious contenders but said something more than merely confirming their status as a serious party band.
Here were some great tracks, with crafted arrangements, full of emotion and careful thought and above all some world class singers who could not only effortlessly hold a tune but could sing with conviction and sensitivity and add glorious harmonies to already great vocals. Those albums have stood the test of time and still sound great today, a true testament to the worth of the original talent that made up the original daredevils.
Over the years the band went their separate ways as inevitably happens as lives change. But something drew these wandering spirits back together in 2006. Three of the original four members decided it was time to dust off the old tunes, write some fresh ones and see if the old magic was still there. Would Buzby's bass still sound as solid and tuneful as it once had? Would the voices of Eric and Brian still sound so sweet and strong and their musicianship sound so special? A small three piece "secret" gig at a folk club confirmed everyone's suspicions....they were back and sounding better than ever. The idea to put a band sound around the trio was implemented and rehearsals began for the next gig at Banbury Festival.
Though the gig was only a month away plans had already been laid. Guitarist Andy Bole had already done a few gigs along the way with the boys and proved to be a great addition. His work with The Late Night Band and as a solo artist plus his session work with legends too scary to mention tells its own story as far as his playing is concerned. Drummer Jon Large has that rare quality, a musician who enhances melodies and moods rather than laying down his own beat for the band to follow. You don't find guys like that every day and when the Bushburys heard him they knew instantly he was a key player in the new team. Finally Chris Hall was brought in to the equation on accordion. The accordion had always been an important part of the mountain vibe and his work with bands like RCajun and the Zydeco Brothers and his session work with people like Paul McCartney, Bill Wyman and Kate Bush brought him to the attention of the band and made him their first choice for the role of squeeze man.
A couple of rehearsals later the band hit the stage to a full house at Banbury Festival and the new chemistry began. The band instantly rocked. Everyone recognized that the daredevils were up for it and were bringing something back. The old sound was still there but it had been injected with a fresh spirit. Three old daredevils had been the spark and the flames were being fanned by three new talents up there on stage and all six were united in the new music they were now creating together.
The gig was the catalyst for the quest to record a new album and the door to their secret hideout was prized open and a start was made on a recording that represented the new Bushbury sound.
So that's the story so far folks. The new band are up and running with gigs already in the diary. New songs are being written. Old songs are being reinvigorated. New ideas are being nurtured. It's work in progress but a new album will be released very soon. Meanwhile here are some tracks which show the new sound in evolution. Look out; The Daredevils are down from the mountain and ready to show there is gold in them there hills.
Folk Country Bluegrass