Robin Dransfield

Robin Dransfield

Robin Dransfield is a British folk musician and acoustic guitarist associated with the 1970s English folk scene. He first performs with his younger brother Barry Dransfield in the mid-1960s in the semi-professional bluegrass and old-timey group the Crimple Mountain Boys. In 1969, he leaves a teaching post to focus on music full time, after being persuaded to do so by Barry.

Robin and Barry Dransfield

As a duo, Robin and Barry Dransfield build an early following at the Harrogate Folk Club. They share bills with artists including Martin Carthy, Ewan MacColl and the Watersons. The pair later expand into a band format under the Dransfields name, adding vocalist, bassist and keyboard player Charlie Smith and drummer Brian Harrison. This line-up shifts the music towards an acoustic and electric sound.

Their period of concentrated activity leads to two albums, Rout of the Blues and Lord of All I Behold. Robin later works away from the concert stage for a time, taking work as a roadie for Dave & Toni Arthur.

Later work

Robin and Barry Dransfield reunite to record the acoustic duo album Popular to Contrary Belief in 1977. After that, both return to solo careers. Robin’s first solo album, Tidewave, follows in 1980.