North Drive Hampshire Bluegrass

What do you get if you start with the fine heady bouquet of Gary Payne's fine tenor voice and the strong mature claret that is his driving rhythm Guitar? Then add in the peachy high tones of Sherryl's voice with the ever- dependable base-notes of her Bass lines. Top up with the champagne effervescence of Richard's jangling Banjo, and finally the delicate strawberry wine overtones of Ed's Dobro?

The musical equivalent of cheap wine in a box!!!!! 

​

Blossom Hill originated from a trip to the Czech Republic where the band first came together as Home Territory. In 2003 three of us went to Prague (to buy a Banjo), and after an impromptu trip to a Bluegrass festival, we were invited back the following year to play as guests. Home territory was formed with Gary on Guitar, Sherryl on Bass, Len on Dobro and Richard on Banjo. The band morphed over a period of time into the more familiar six piece with Joe Hymas and Emily Smith on Mandolin and Fiddle. Geography and other commitments proved to be difficult, and after many happy years together the band shrank to its original four - and was renamed Blossom Hill. Like several other bands to have graced the Bluegrass stages, Blossom Hill was built around the talents of Gary Payne and with a history dating back to the days of Bluegrass Stampede and Fingers and Co, he provides a wealth of knowledge and material, along with a fine Tenor voice and the driving rhythms that have become such an important part of the bands engine room.

The other part of that engine is Sherryl Payne who was hooked on music from an early age and with influences like the Seekers was quickly drawn to singing harmonies - followed by Guitar lessons whilst in her teens. Years spent in Folk Clubs gave her a rich experience of live music, and in 1993 after meeting Gary was quickly drawn into the world of Bluegrass. The upright Bass was to follow, and after a spell of playing with Blackjack (Gary, Rod Jackson and Pat Francis) Sherryl was invited to join A Band Like Alice (Gary, Richard Collins, Bob Winquist and Alan Ward).

The Piano and Sport occupied Richard Holland until Teacher Training College where he took up playing Guitar. However it was 1987 before he discovered the Banjo, and then a good number of years learning to play before forming the Lynne Butler Band. The original band brought Richard into contact with Emily Smith (Fiddle) and Richard Hampton (Mandolin) - Emily was to become part of Home Territory, and Richard Holland was to join Richard Hampton playing in Contraband. Sherryl Payne joined the band on Bass, and when the Guitarist (Simon Sprott) left, Gary took up the Guitar slot.  A number of years playing Guitar in Folk Clubs gave Richard a wide experience of acoustic music.

So Blossom Hill have been together in one form or another now for at least 14 years, and in that time have played a number of festivals both in the UK and Europe. At the Cornish Bluegrass Festival they had the honour of playing with Jack Lawrence the one time partner of Doc Watson.

Regulars with the British Bluegrass scene, both Gary and Richard have been recognised for their contributions to Bluegrass - and Sherryl is a central figure in the BBMA - Blossom Hill, a band with its roots in the right place!

 Sadly we have to report Ed Gallagher  our latest Dobro player  has had to leave the band - work place and family commitments have made it impossible for him to continue. The next gig at The Gower festival will see Roland Emanuel (Mandolin) filling in for Ed.  

New 4 track EP from the band - only £3.00 -available from any of the band members, or contact through the web site.