Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys

[PIDGINBANJO]

For seven years now, Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys have had a fantastic time pitching their own kind of bluegrass music to whoever will listen. The same line up of four blokes who met when they tired of various other musical projects have played throughout the UK and beyond, and have to date released three CDs and a concert/documentary on DVD.

Whether it's playing at one of the festivals or just in someone's sitting room for charity, the Boys aim to please by putting on a top-notch performance regardless of the gig. Their four part harmonies and all-acoustic single-mic performance is one to be reckoned with, as well as their on-stage banter, great original songs and some really cool covers.

The band consists of brothers Brian & Martin Schofield on banjo and guitar / dobro respectively, Nick Girone-Maddocks on mandolin and lead vocals and Jules Bushell on bass. They also take pride in running themselves - there is no need for management, PR or agency involvement. Nick does the marketing, PR and songwriting, Brian the accounts, tour / gig management and other marketing. Jules is the sound engineer and computer geek - he can mix the sound and do Facebook at the same time! Martin is the musical force behind everything, making sure no corners are cut to maintain the Thunderbridge quality control levels. A real team effort which demonstrates it takes more than playing and singing to run a successful band! They also never forget their own photographer, designer, web-designer and roadie Andy Jones from http://www.shootingpixels.net

The bluegrass scene is one that Thunderbridge are extremely proud of, and they'll help put on a gig for anyone, or pass on a gig to anyone whenever they can.

Please check out our website for an extensive gallery, gig list, CD tracks, videos, monthly newsflash, store and other links.

Nick Girone-Maddocks
Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys
http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com

[PIDGINBANJO]

Here's our latest news:



Hi all, and welcome along to April already......

We had a ball in March, in between emergency hospital visits, lost voices and other commitments we managed to celebrate our 7th birthday and pull off several lovely gigs across the region and met loads of new people. We also fullfilled one of the recent Jessie's Fund auctions (http://www.jessiesfund.org) and raised a stack for the worthy charity. Thanks to all who came to all the shows - and thanks of course to all who made them happen. The latest CD, Back In The Land Of The Living Room, also achieved a 5 star review in Maverick Magazine (available online and in WHSmiths), which was lovely.

We're all busy during April, what with Jules doing lots of thespian stuff on the side and of course the now compulsory Sore Fingers Summer School during Easter week, of which he is now a main fixture. He's also playing this evening, Good Friday, at the wonderful Milverton Music Club (http://www.milverton-music.co.uk) with the wonderfully daft Green & Bushell, featuring Jules playing whatever he can get his hands on and the clown-prince Rupert Green on vocals and Ukelele. They'll be doing a little set during the evening, and Nick will turf out a couple of new solo songs too, as he gears up for the recording of his third solo CD. Martin's busy working on some special additions to the usual Thunderbridge show and Brian's planning to practice his forward roll a further 50,000 times.

Thunderbridge-wise it's been a long time comin', but we're FINALLY doing another Jessie's Fund gig on the 14th April for our old mate and chief venue-owner Vic Bigg. He's been off the scene for a while but he's taken over The Holywell Inn, a lovely little pub just outside Wellington and we are there on the 14th to celebrate the opening of his function room. It's free admission, great beer (Thunderbridge Ale being relaunched after a 2 year break), great bluegrass and of course a great laugh all around. Welcome back Vic & Paulette, you have no idea how much Thunderbridge need a place like yours......We start at 8.30 ish and who knows what time it will end. There may also be a guest spot from long-time friend Jim Bellamy on the banjo. We can't wait...Oh! And if that wasn't enough, it's Jules' birthday that day too!!! Come and share the cake.....

Nick will be hosting another 2-hour Folk Roots and Branches radio show on http://www.10radio.org on Thursday 12th April at 6pm. He'll be going through all sorts of stuff from his collection and will be digging deep for great music, especially the 'roots' part of the show! Please log on if you can.....

On Thursday 19th April we're heading off to Bournemouth to play the great Bournemouth Folk Club. We've played there before and had a ball - a really lovely venue, and top-notch support from the folky-rootsy-grassy Catherine Burke. More details on the website.

So, that's about it for now - keep in touch and don't forget you can email any one of us through the website, http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com.

Keep well, have a great Easter and, as always, we hope to see you out there soon.

Cheers

Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys
http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com

[PIDGINBANJO]

Yup. April. More than halfway through!

Blimey that was quick. One minute March, next minute nearly May.

So. We had a wonderful time last night at the Holywell Inn, raising yet more money for Jessie’s Fund, and inaugurating the new function room. And a fantastic birthday cake for Jules.

Quick announcement- Bournemouth Folk Club on Thursday! There are tickets left but don’t leave it to chance. Support from the wonderful Catherine Burke band. Come if you can- Thunderbridge have a quiet month coming up- this is your last chance for a (short) while.

www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com

[PIDGINBANJO]

There's a great gig coming up in Wellington - our first here for a few months and the only chance to see us until our annual shindig at Wellington Park in July. This next gig is on Tuesday May 29th at the lovely Flavours Restaurant in Wellington High Street. This is mainly a good excuse to get some of you along to sample some of Herman's great, great food, and to listen to an intimate Thunderbridge session at the same time. Chicken Jambalaya (plus a veggie option) and a sweet, and a Thunderbridge gig - all for just £16.00. There are only 30 seats available, so please call Herman at the venue to book as soon as you can on 01823 662006. We've done a few of these over the years at similar venues, and they are just what we love doing. So the music and the food should be at it's best.....what a great combination. Get in quick....

Another event you may want to get yourselves to is the fab Ashley Wood Festival in June - over in Wiltshire. Thunderbridge are not playing there but we promised the organisers we'd let you know about it - click this link for more info....

http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=c15 ... 7825f662e1

Other than that, see you in June when we finally get to Westport in Ireland for the Westport Festival

http://www.westportfolkandbluegrass.com
.

Aren't we lucky?


Nick, Brian, Jules & Martin
Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys
http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com

[yotter]

Just to give this another plug, Westport is a really lovely town in County Mayo, West of Ireland. We had a great holiday there recently - the weather was fabulous ( OK, we were very lucky ), the pub scene fantastic with live music everywhere, lots of good restaurants and all dominated by the holy mountain Croagh Patrick. We climbed up with our boots on, which isn't what the locals do for a penance. Everyone was really friendly - Sláinte.

[moonshineminx]

And another Westport plug!!!This great wee festival was started 6 years ago by a guy from Israel who watched the film The Commitments and decided to come and pull pints in Ireland!As well as The Thunderbridge Boys,there's canadian bluegrass from the wonderful Viper Central,local talent such as Tim Rogers and The Clew Bay Critters and the Molly Hicks Band..and lots more...All free except the evening concert.The euro exchange rate makes the accomadation really reasonable and Westport is a picture postcard village of Ireland,we look forward to going every year.Hope some of you can make it over.

[PIDGINBANJO]

Thank you to Yotter and Moonshineminx for their Westport remarks. We are really, really looking forward to this one. Let's hope that, having negotiated the Commando obstacle course known as Ryanair Flight Booking, we don't uncover any hidden snags/fees when we set off from Bristol on Friday 29 June.

Meanwhile, here's the latest newsletter from TBB:

'Hi everyone, and welcome to what promises to be a splendid June - with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, some football and the Olympics all kicking off this month, will you all have any time left for some Thunderbridge action.....?

We've had some lovely gigs recently including a small restaurant gig in Wellington, and a super spot at The Bath & West Show, in association with the wonderful Somerset Life magazine (did you see us on telly?)

June has few gigs but boy, are they going to be good 'uns?

Jules was off during the first weekend for the Fire In The Mountain festival in deepest darkest Wales. He'll no doubt have been playing with a few other bands so maybe you caught him if you were there. Thunderbridge were not at this one..... http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/o ... emountain/ Loads of other bands in attendance.

The middle of June sees TBB take some time out to go The Isles of Scilly and play a bit - hopefully we'll catch you if you're on the Islands on the weekend of the 23rd....

The end of June takes us over to the west of Ireland for the first time where our good email-friend Uri Kohen puts on a great Folk & Bluegrass festival http://westportfolkandbluegrass.com/. We were supposed to go here last year but couldn't make it, so we're going this year - proving that TBB always keeps a promise! Expect tales of Guinness, RyanAir, Galway girls and Leprachauns on our return. (We're taking our very own Leprachaun with us - our good mate Andy Jones from www.shootingpixels.com )

Then it'll be onto July so we'll keep you posted.

Another of our good friends, singer & picker Gordon Campbell (If you ever have a spare night, go along and listen to one of his songs....) has got a great session going at the Bathpool Inn just east of Taunton on the A38 - It's called 'Buskin at the Bathpool' and features a variety of great local singers, players and sessioners. There's no website for it just yet, but it's well worth a visit every other Wednesday - give Gordon a call on 01823 325173. His next special guest nights feature the fantastic Chris Moreton plus Old-Timey support from the Temporary Trio.

That's about it - while the gigs are a bit scarce just now, lots are coming in for later in the year and we're using this down-time wisely writing some great new songs and (yet again) re-vamping the set to keep you wanting more....!

Hope you all had a cracking Jubilee - see you Out There soon

Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys
www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com

[PIDGINBANJO]

Viper Central

We’ve just agreed a great gig in a few weeks’ time in a new venue for us. Canadian band Viper Central (http://www.vipercentral.ca) are over on a UK tour and we are doing one of our ‘Bluegrass Nights’ at the Beambridge Inn just outside Wellington. This will be on the 13th July, a Friday night. Tickets for this are a mere £8.00 (available from our website http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com or by calling 01823 667669)
We first came across this great acoustic 5 piece when we were in Holland back in 2009, and its great that they’re now coming to play with us again. Thunderbridge will also be on the bill airing some new songs, so get in quick – as usual, only 100 tickets available!

[PIDGINBANJO]

Back from Tresco and Ireland

Thunderbridge are just back from Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival in County Mayo,Ireland, with slightly bigger bellies and some lovely gigs under their belts. A headlining slot at the Saturday night show was followed by a more intimate acoustic session in the bar, where we played loads of ‘unheard’ songs that we often play for soundchecks or just for fun. One new song was added to the band’s setlist – Susanna Clark’s ‘Come From The Heart’. We heard via twitter that this great songwriter had died on Friday and decided that one of her songs should be played by the band at some point over the weekend. Footage on our Home Page was taken when the song was but one hour old…..enjoy…. Check out our web Gallery for some photos of the trip. (http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com/b ... index.html)

Over the weekend of 22-25 June, TBB enjoyed the unique and very wonderful hospitality of Tresco, Isles of Scilly. Friday evening's task was to entertain the returning gig racing crews in the bar of The New Inn while Saturday's contrast was a small, very intimate and completely unplugged 'living room' concert to raise some money towards a new gig shed. And then, icing on the cake, a third performance outside in beautiful sunshine on the Sunday afternoon.

Next gig is with the fabulous Viper Central in Wellington on 13th July. We saw them play in Westport last Friday......and are we all in for a treat!! Get to the Beambridge if you can.

http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com

[PIDGINBANJO]

Hi all – it feels like it’s been a while what with not much happening in August and all.....Jules has been out and about with some of his other musical outlets, and Nick has been ‘head down’ finishing his third solo CD ‘Broken Radios’ (with a little help from some friends), which no doubt you’ll hear more about in due course.

Still, less rest now as we kick into Autumn.........

September 14th sees us at the lovely Cornish Bluegrass Festival http://www.cornish-bluegrass.co.uk Once again there’s a whole host of UK and foreign talent on the bill and TBB are playing two sets over the weekend and maybe doing something at the marquee-filling Gospel session on the Sunday morning.

Sep 20th sees us at the Ritz Acoustic Club in Burnham on Sea. Now, Nick cut his song writing teeth at this excellent club way back before TBB was around – we’re honoured to be returning as guests at one of their ‘Showcase’ nights. More info can be found on http://www.ritzacoustic.com , and there’s sure to be others there strutting their stuff too. Cheap bar! Good raffle! Cheddar cheese is usually the main prize!

September 28th involves not Thunderbridge, but some good friends who go by the name of Southern Tenant Folk Union. They have been guests of ours before and now they’re coming back to our home turf in Wellington for a pub visit as part of their latest tour. Thunderbridge are not playing but Nick’s doing an opening solo slot for them when they play The Vintage in Fore Street, Wellington on Friday 28th Sep. They are a great band and if you fancy a pint and good time, go along to The Vintage to see them. http://www.southerntenantfolkunion.com

Moving into October and on the 12th we’re putting on our 6th annual Bluegrass Night at the lovely Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre in Taunton (http://www.tachhi-morris.com ) and this year we have none other than the extraordinary and award-winning Stompin’ Dave Allen (http://www.stompindave.com) sharing the bill with us. He’s a one-man song and dance machine and will thoroughly entertain you for the entire duration of his set. Do not miss this show – as always, it’s gonna be a good one! Tickets are a recession-busting £10. Great value for such a great night’s music, even though we say that ourselves!

That’s about all for now, but there is a rumour we’ll be doing some busking in Wellington/Taunton at some point over the next few weeks, and we’ll try to keep you posted. There’s also a rumour that the great Bap Kennedy will be making a return visit with his band in the early stages of next year. As always, we’ll keep you posted.

Until we see you Out There again, take it easy and be kind to each other.

Cheers

Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys

http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com

[PIDGINBANJO]

Here’s a reminder for you that there are still tickets left for our upcoming ‘6th Annual Bluegrass Night’ at the lovely Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre in Taunton on 12th October.



Since our first Bluegrass Night in 2006, we have hosted some fantastic acts from both the UK and overseas, including Dick Smith & Mike O’Reilly (Canada), Gold Heart (USA), The Carrivick Sisters (UK), Four Wheel Drive (Europe) and Sons Of Navarone (Europe)



This year sees us promote an act who’s a little closer to home, but still of International quality. Stompin’ Dave Allen (http://www.stompindave.com) is an extremely talented solo performer and multi-instrumentalist who crams so much into his show it’s almost hard to believe what you’re seeing. Not only that, but he dances too! He has won many awards both at home and overseas and is worth the admission price alone, not to mention the set that Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys have prepared for the evening. Check Stompin’ Dave out doing his thing here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upoEezOX ... ure=relmfu



We all know that times are hard and going out is not always an affordable experience. At Thunderbridge promotions, we have once again kept the admission price the same for another year at £10.00 (£9.00 concessions), as we all know there’s not really any money in bluegrass and we all do it for the love of the music and the reception of the crowd, and if we can put a smile on your face for a tenner then our job on earth is done!!!



Treat yourselves – a great venue with great facilities and a great line up. Tickets are at http://www.tacchi-morris.com or on 01823 414141.



Many thanks – we hope to see you there...



Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys

http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com

[PIDGINBANJO]

Hi all, and thanks to all those who came and made the especially special 6th Annual Bluegrass night even more special than the especially special night it was supposed to be. Our guest, Stompin’ Dave Allen, had a ball of a time and certainly made a few new friends. In all, we reckon we offered more for your £ than the Rolling Stones, given that our tickets were a fraction of the price and we even took the time to speak to you all afterwards. When we play the 02 Arena, we’ll still charge you all a tenner and stand at the door and say goodbye to each and every one of you after the gig. Eat yer hearts out Mick and Keef.....Photos of the gig are on the website, check out http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com and look at the gallery.



Anyway, onto more pressing things.....



There’s a great band playing at the Victoria Rooms in Milverton this coming Saturday 20th October – Blame Sally (http://www.blamesally.com) are from California and are a female four piece acoustic roots / country / bluegrass band. Think the Dixie Chicks in a few years’ time, and there’s Blame Sally. Thunderbridge ARE NOT playing, (although Nick Thunderbridge has nabbed an opening slot ably assisted by Martin Thunderbridge on the guitar) but we thought you ought to know about this lot as they’re right up our street, so in theory will be up yours too.....tickets are a mere £10 and include TWO opening acts and a free chair to sit on. More info at 01823 400544. (News just in......this has just sold out all 150 seats but check where else they are appearing.)



Secondly, remember Thunderbridge Ale? Richard Masters is the man responsible and he’s only gone and opened a pub near Wellington, hasn’t he? Well, just to make sure he’s brewing the right stuff, Thunderbridge have decided to pay a visit to the pub on Wednesday 24th October to play some songs to whoever turns up. It’s open to the public, and any money raised in the passing of the song hat will be donated to Jessie’s Fund, the band’s chosen charity. He has promised many different ales on draught, including the now legendary Thunderbridge Ale, all of which is brewed on site. The pub is at Greenham Business Park and (whilst it doesn’t look that way from the outside) has a bar, bar stools, an old fireplace and proper beer. Thunderbridge will be there playing from about 8.30 so why not come along and revisit those heady days of The Martlet Inn, if you remember them? Check him out at http://www.mastersbrewery.co.uk 01823 674444. Good times.



Other than that, we’re still rocking on to the winter, and doing a rather good job of it too, even though we say so ourselves.



Check Nick’s new CD at http://www.nickgm.co.uk – it’s nearly ready, thanks to the rest of the Thunderbridge Boys, who have all lent their skills in one way or another.....



Rock N Roll.



Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys

http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com

[PIDGINBANJO]

Special Announcement

It is with huge regret and sadness that Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys have announced that they are to cease playing together. Their last gig is scheduled for 8th December at their old stomping ground, Wellington Arts Centre.

The decision comes as the band finishes their seventh year playing their own brand of UK bluegrass. Many miles have been travelled, many gigs have been played, they still are, and will remain great friends who have achieved a great deal together. With other commitments increasingly hindering valuable band time, it has been decided that the band needs a break.

There will always be the possibility that they’ll get together again in the future, but as a great songwriter once said…”A rest is as good as a change”

For 2013, Nick will continue to promote his new solo CD ‘Broken Radios’ (have a look at http://www.nickgm.co.uk) with a new band and Jules will carry on playing bass with various other people (info and links at http://www.julesbushell.com). Brian will be taking a break from playing live and Martin will be venturing into some other musical projects. Both Brian & Martin can be contacted by visiting http://www.customplastics.co.uk. The band’s website will remain up and running for the foreseeable future, and Thunderbridge Promotions will endeavour to continue to promote top quality bands who are passing through the region.

The band wish to pass on their thanks to all the friends and followers they have throughout the UK, and beyond, and for all the support they have been given since their first concert together in 2005.

Their penultimate gig will be next Saturday 17th November at the newly-built Langford Budville village hall, and ticket information is available through http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com

Tickets for their last show at the Arts Centre are priced £10 each and are strictly limited to 100. In support will be’ Jacey & Dan’, a super acoustic duo up from Cornwall. More information and tickets will be available imminently.

http://www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com

[Duff]

I very sorry to hear about The Thunderbridge coming to and end. I have seen you play Three times over the years once in a little church in the middle of no where and twice as festivals. Every time was a real treat. Thanks for your music and putting a smile on my face more than once.

I hope you will play together again in the future after a well earned rest.

All the best Duff

[Ray Hutchings]

Very sad news, you guys have a great sound and great stage presence.

How about making the Cornish Bluegrass Festival your annual reunion gig ?