James Findlay is a locally based traditional singer, fiddler and guitarist. He started playing the fiddle at about eight years old while living in Dorset, and guitar at the age of fifteen. Coming from a musical family, he is influenced by all genres of music. However, his love lies in traditional English folk music and ballads, his presentation and style of playing being inspired by Nic Jones, and singers such as The Watersons.

James was a winner in the 2008 New Roots competition, judged by among others, Eliza Carthy and Pete Coe, and recently triumphed in the BBC Young Folk Awards 2010.

Instrumentalist Jerry Bird has played fiddle, guitar and mandolin in various folk and folk-rock bands for more years than he cares to remember. Born in Bath, he has recently returned to the west-country after many years living in Sussex, and he now lives in Dorchester. He has a great love of folk and early music, and a vast repertoire of traditional tunes which he enjoys interpreting in new ways especially on the guitar.

The pair are frequently to be found playing in traditional music sessions, notably at the Brewers Arms, Martinstown, and the Blue Raddle in Dorchester. Their repertoire includes many songs and tunes from Dorset and Somerset, including some country dance tunes from Thomas Hardy’s repertoire.

Sessions
James, Jerry and friends play at the Brewers Arms, Martinstown (01305 889361) on the third Tuesday evening of every month from 8.30pm, and at the Blue Raddle, Church Street, Dorchester (01305 267762) on the first Wednesday of every Month (please telephone to confirm actual dates).

These are open sessions so if you play traditional music please bring an instrument along and join in the fun!

Contact:

Jerry Bird 01305 880150

jerry@chesilpromotions.co.uk

2010 Gigs:

Fri 18th December: Tom Brown's, Dorchester, Dorset 9pm

Fri 8th January: Tom Brown's, Dorchester, Dorset 9pm

Sat 16th January: Tom Brown's, Dorchester, Dorset (charity music day)

Sat 6th February: The Royal Oak, Great Bookham, Surrey 9pm

Fri 19th February: Tom Brown's, Dorchester, Dorset 9pm

Fri 5th March: Town Hall, Wareham (charity concert, time tbc)

Sat 3rd April: The Wellington Hotel, Boscastle (TBC)

Fri 11th June: Tom Brown's, Dorchester, Dorset 9pm

Mon 30th August: Maumbury Rings, Dorchester 1.30pm

Youtube Clip:

Tune set: The Litchfield Tattoo/The Sloe

Recorded at Bournemouth Folk Club 5th April 2009

NEW CD!

Byker Hill

The Lakes of Shillin

Gypsy's Hornpipe/Enrico

Adieu Sweet Lovely Nancy

Little Musgrave

Lichfield Tattoo/The Sloe

Willie Taylor

Midnight on the Water

British Man o' War

The Dorchester Hornpipe

Michael Turner's Waltz

The Demon Lover

Salmon Tails/Jimmy Allen

Available now

£12.00 inc p&p

Sample Album Track: British Man o' War