Once was a time when the future looked black as vinyl for ‘Slim Panatella and the Mellow Virginians’. It seemed like they’d spurned their spurs, pawned their palaminos, sat on their stetsons and headed into the sunset…
But the trail took a U-turn and the Thames Valley’s favourite cowpokes find themselves heading back to Dorset this autumn, with three of the original band members joining forces once more in a series of special concerts for Artsreach.
Simon Mayor has an unequalled reputation in folk, bluegrass and classical circuits alike, and is recognised as one of the world’s leading mandolin virtuosos, as well as a fine fiddler, guitarist, composer and producer.The superb voice of Hilary James defies categorization, and has featured everywhere from the BBC’s ‘Folk on 2’ to Radio 1 and Classic FM. She also plays the double bass, mighty mandobass and is a mean guitar picker! As a duo, Simon and Hilary have enjoyed several sellout tours with Artsreach. Now, with guitarist and mandolinist Andy Baum providing the rhythmic drive behind the band, one of the UK’s top banjo players John Breese completes the lineup as a special guest.
Delivering an evening of ‘Bluegrass to Irving Berlin’, expect good-time music firmly rooted in 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s America, with wonderful vocal harmonies and instrumental virtuosity.
Guess that ol’ longing to lasso a longhorn and that craving to cuddle a cactus never really leaves you…
“An aural orgy of dazzling musicianship” The Independent
Thur 4 Dec, 7:30pm. Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall. 01297 560948
Fri 5 Dec, 7:30pm. Frampton Village Hall. 07968 586906
Sat 6 Dec, 7:30pm. Portesham Village Hall. 01305 871925
Sun 7 Dec, 7:30pm. Langton Matravers Village Hall. 01929 423834
