Barry Dransfield, the pioneering English folk fiddle player and multi-instrumentalist, has died at the age of 79. A key figure in the late-1960s English folk music revival, Dransfield was celebrated for his unerring ear and unique fiddle style, playing off the chest rather than the shoulder.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, to Mary and Arthur Dransfield, Barry attended Woodlands community primary school and later Harrogate grammar school. He began performing in his teens on mandolin in a bluegrass group with his elder brother, Robin. After working as a luthier in London, his performing career took off, leading to a historic duo partnership.
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The Dransfield Duo and Breakthrough
Barry and Robin Dransfield began working as a duo in 1969, quickly establishing formidable reputations on the folk-club scene. Bill Leader of Trailer Records issued their first LP of traditional songs in 1970, which won Melody Maker’s folk album of the year. A follow-up in 1971 and a US Warner Brothers contract followed, but Barry turned down the offer, leading to the duo's split.
Solo Career and Historic Recordings
Barry resumed a solo career, recording a now much-sought-after solo LP for Polydor Records in 1972. He featured on two historic records of the era: Shirley Collins and the Albion Country Band's No Roses (1971), playing lead fiddle on The Murder of Maria Marten, and Morris On (1972), a folk-rock compilation of morris dance tunes.
| Album | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| No Roses | 1971 | Lead fiddle on The Murder of Maria Marten |
| Morris On | 1972 | Fiddle, guitar, vocals on The Cuckoo's Nest |
Later Years and Legacy
The brothers reunited towards the end of the 1970s for two more LPs and occasional gigs. Both later settled into string instrument repair and dealerships, Barry in Hastings and Robin in Cornwall. In 1979, Barry met his partner, Christine Goldschmidt, at the Queens pub in Crouch End, north London.
Key Takeaways
- Barry Dransfield was a pioneer of the English folk music revival.
- He was a self-taught fiddle player with a unique off-the-chest style.
- His duo with brother Robin won Melody Maker's folk album of the year in 1970.
- He contributed to landmark albums No Roses and Morris On.
- He later worked as a luthier and string instrument dealer.
FAQ
What was Barry Dransfield known for?
Barry Dransfield was known for being a pioneering English folk fiddle player and multi-instrumentalist, part of the late-1960s English folk revival movement with his brother Robin.
How did Barry Dransfield play the fiddle?
He played the fiddle off the chest, as opposed to on the shoulder, which made it easier for singing while playing.
What albums did Barry Dransfield appear on?
He appeared on Shirley Collins and the Albion Country Band's No Roses (1971) and Morris On (1972), among others.
When did Barry Dransfield die?
Barry Dransfield died at the age of 79, as reported in his obituary.
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