Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys

Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys

Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys form in spring 2005 after Brian and Martin ask Nick, a songwriting acquaintance from the local circuit, to write a bluegrass song for them. The first song Nick writes specifically for the band is (How Much) I'm Needing You, worked out in the Schofield brothers’ small recording studio at Tonedale Mill. At that stage the line-up is Nick on mandolin, Brian on banjo and Martin on acoustic guitar, with Jules later joining on double bass after visiting from the studio upstairs.

The group develops from a local project into a bluegrass band with a focus on harmonies, instrumental solos and traditional performance methods. Their members learn bluegrass playing techniques as they go, and the band performs in the radio-style arrangement around a single microphone, moving in for solos as needed. The repertoire grows to include original material and covers, and their image becomes associated with a collection of unusual hats.

Albums

The band releases a second album titled The Moon Shines Still. They play songs from the album alongside older favourites at its launch party.

Instrumentation

Across the early line-up, the band includes mandolin, banjo, acoustic guitar and double bass. Their arrangements emphasise close vocal harmonies and instrumental breaks within a traditional bluegrass setup.