The Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys

The Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys came together in the Spring of 2005, following Brian and Martin's request to Nick (a songwriting acquaintance from the local circuit) to write a bluegrass song with a view to performing it somewhere someday to someone. The first song Nick wrote specifically for the band (How Much) I'm Needing You was thrashed out in the Schofield brothers' small recording studio at Tonedale Mill. Nick played mandolin, Brian banjo and Martin acoustic guitar. It was evident from quite early on that there was something that could be worked on and before long a handful of songs were polished with complex harmonies and instrumental solos.One crucial element was missing from the lineup, and as small worlds have it sometimes, Jules visited from his studio upstairs and just happened to bring his double bass along..........they added a well-known local landmark and Thunderbridge Bluegrass Boys were born.The summer of 2005 was spent having a ball, doing gigs to whoever would listen, writing more songs and learning more covers. There was also the instruments too - individually the players were new to them, but knew what they had to do, and much time was spent learning the ins and outs of bluegrass playing methods.It was also evident from the word go that traditions were as important to the band as anything else. They follow in the footsteps of their stateside influences by performing radio-style around a single microphone, moving in for solos with superb choreographic ease. The image and reputation followed rather rapidly, along with a huge collection of incredibly daft hats.