Barry Dransfield, the pioneering English folk fiddle player and multi-instrumentalist, has died at the age of 79. His contributions to the late-1960s folk revival movement, alongside his brother Robin, remain influential in traditional music circles.
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 Robin before working as a luthier in London.
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The Dransfield Duo and Breakthrough
The brothers started working as a duo in 1969, quickly establishing formidable reputations on the folk-club scene. Barry taught himself folk fiddle, playing off the chest rather than the shoulder, which made singing while playing easier. Bill Leader of Trailer Records issued their debut LP of traditional songs in 1970, winning Melody Maker’s folk album of the year. The follow-up in 1971 led to a US Warner Brothers contract, but Barry turned down the offer, and the duo split.
Historic Recordings and Solo Career
Barry recorded a now much-sought-after solo LP for Polydor Records in 1972. He featured on two historic records: 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. On the latter, he played fiddle and guitar and sang a lasciviously leering version of The Cuckoo’s Nest.
Comparison of Key Albums
| Album | Year | Role | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Dransfields (debut LP) | 1970 | Fiddle, vocals | Trailer Records |
| No Roses | 1971 | Lead fiddle | Pegasus |
| Morris On | 1972 | Fiddle, guitar, vocals | Island Records |
| Barry Dransfield (solo LP) | 1972 | Multi-instrumentalist | Polydor |
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1979, Barry met his partner, Christine Goldschmidt, at the Queens pub in Crouch End, north London. The brothers reunited toward 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. His obituary celebrates a life dedicated to folk music and craftsmanship.
Key Takeaways
- Barry Dransfield was a pioneer of the English folk revival movement.
- He played fiddle, guitar, cello, and dulcimer, often performing off the chest.
- His 1970 debut LP won Melody Maker’s folk album of the year.
- He contributed to landmark albums like No Roses and Morris On.
- He later worked as a luthier and instrument repairer in Hastings.
FAQ
What was Barry Dransfield known for?
Barry Dransfield was known as a pioneering English folk fiddle player and multi-instrumentalist who helped revive traditional music in the late 1960s.
How did Barry Dransfield play the fiddle?
He played off the chest instead of on the shoulder, which made it easier to sing while playing, and he never learned to read music, relying on his sharp ear.
What are Barry Dransfield's most famous recordings?
His most famous recordings include his debut LP with Robin Dransfield (1970), No Roses (1971), Morris On (1972), and his solo LP for Polydor (1972).
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