(From the band's official biography)
Influenced by 1960’s folk groups with their big harmonies and acoustic instruments and a less country & bluegrass comparative, but every bit as eclectic, as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Smithfield Fair was born in the fertile creative music scene of Pensacola, Florida in mid-1973. Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Dudley-Brian Smith, already active in the late 1960’s/early 1970’s singer/songwriter movement, formed the group (initially under the name ‘Laughter’) to concentrate on original works sung with harmony over acoustic instrumentation – a focus remaining today.
1975 performing as "Laughter" (l-r) Dudley-Brian Smith, co-founder Dwight Beebe and Brian Mead. Photo by Charles Waters
Dubbed by a reviewer as "the perfect cafe band', the group kept its attention on performance and increasing its regional following, with founding members Dudley-Brian and Dwight Beebe joined by Dudley’s brothers, Joel and Bob. By mid-1976, the three brothers had moved the ensemble back to their home in Central Louisiana, changing the group’s name to ‘Charmer’.
Singer/songwriter Jan (Dedon) Smith joined in 1983 during the hiatus of Joel Smith (who returned in 1985 and stayed until 1990) and over the next six years the ensemble would release an additional six albums of original songs, expanding its audience with continual touring and concert performances .
1984 performing as "Charmer/Voices", Bob, Jan, and Dudley-Brian. Photo by mumblius
In 1989, the group changed its name to Smithfield Fair, focusing on traditional songs of its shared Scottish heritage and original songs written with traditional styles and themes. Ultimately becoming acknowledged as one of the foremost presenters of traditionally Scottish-based music in North America. Critics have often commented that group originals sit comfortably and easily beside centuries-old Scottish songs.
Smithfield Fair are regular performers at the annual Tartan Fest held at Scotland Farms in Minden, Louisiana to celebrate "Tartan Day" in the USA. The event is organized by the Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands, based in Shreveport, Louisiana.
•Smithfield Fair(website)
•Smithfield Fair/Greyfriar's Bobby (video/live performance)
Dougie McCance, branded as "Dougie the Piper", is one of Scotland's premier professional pipers best known as a member of the backrock sensations, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. He has just released his first solo album, "Composed."