This is a resolutely incomplete, non-definitive guide to British (and Irish) country music, or at least the small sliver of it visible to me, here in the distant American colonies. There have been an awful lot of UK (and Irish) twangbands, dating back many decades, and many remain quite obscure, even on the isles. But I will keep banging away and tracking down as many artists as I can find. As always, any helpful comments, corrections and suggestions are welcome.
This page covers the Letter "T"
Drew Taylor "Drew's Brew" (One Up Records, 1977) (LP)
A bunch of fiddle tunes, including standards such as "Turkey In The Straw," "Cotton Eyed Joe," et. al.
J. R. Taylor "This Song Is Just For You" (Westwood Recordings, 1980) (LP)
Tennessee Stud "Making Music For Money" (Tank Records, 1977) (LP)
Jim Tobin "...Remembers Jim Reeves" (Release Records, 19--?) (LP)
Tom & Smiley "The Bluegrass Sound Of Tom & Smiley" (Saga Records, 1968-?) (LP)
The first album by the bluegrassy duo of multi-instrumentalist Tom ("Smiley") Bowker and guitar picker Tom Travis, who tackle their Anglo-American repertoire with gusto. There's a palpable similarity on tone to the early work of Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, just hewing more closely to bluegrass, as opposed to blues and jazz. These guys apparently did pretty well, making appearances on radio and TV, and touring quite a bit on the UK folk scene.
Tom & Smiley "Country Style" (Saga Record, 1969) (LP)
Another brisk bluegrass set, with additional backing from Brian Booth (bass), Brian Gobley (fiddle) and Nick Strutt on mandolin... nice picking and plenty of vigor. Objectively speaking, these guys don't add much that's unique to the genre, but it's interesting to hear such a competent grasp of the style... Also, their exaggerated American accents are kind of hilarious. Perhaps most notable here is Nick Strutt, who went on to form a duo with Roger Knowles that morphed into the country-rock band Natchez Trace, and later was a founding member of the folk-rock band Mr. Fox.
The Travellers "A World Of Our Own" (Allegro/Hallmark Records, 1968) (LP)
(Produced by Siggy Jackson)
Pretty straightforward harmony-based hootenanny-style 'Sixties folk music, very much in the style of Peter, Paul & Mary, or perhaps more aptly The Seekers, who recorded the hit version of the album's title track. The Travellers were proteges of UK producer Siggy Jackson, though the main focus of the group seems to have been the gal singer, Jenny Wyton, who stands out in a trio that also included John Horrill and Reg Wyton. According to the liner notes of the Allegro label edition, Jenny Wyton's family ran a pub called the Drum Inn, in the picturesque English village of Cockington, Devon, which is where the trio first started performing before winning a talent contest, which then led to tours, television, and a recording contract. I have also seen mention of Irish folk/pop singer Majella Brady being the Travellers' lead singer, though I don't know if she actually sang with the band -- perhaps she was on their second album? At any rate, this is a cute record -- it's not country, but it's not bad.
The Travellers "Blowing In The Wind" (Hallmark Records, 1969) (LP)
Travelling Indian Band "Travelling Indian Band" (Emerald/Ember Records, 19--?) (LP)
Man, talk about cultural appropriation! Bell bottoms AND Native American head-dresses? On an Irish album cover?
Lane Travis "Swinging Doors" (Westwood Recordings, 1975) (LP)
The Tune Twisters "This And That" (Hillside Records, 1973) (LP)
Soni Tyrone "China Doll" (Outlet Records, 197-?) (LP)
