Silver Dogs

Bio:

Silver Dogs is a six piece ambient folk rock band based in the North West of England.

Reformed in 2009, Silver Dogs was created in 2002 by Andrew Turner and original bassist, Lindsay Davies, as a folk influenced band with a difference. The aim was to draw on a variety of musical styles and influences to create an original and individual sound.

This led to the recruitment of an eclectic group of top quality musicians with a common aim – take traditional and contemporary folk songs and morph them into a distinctive Silver Dogs sound that was commercial but unlike previous English folk rock bands.

Although the band experimented at various times with elements of prog rock, jazz, funk and even acoustic punk(!), the classic Silver Dogs sound has gravitated towards ambient rock, grounded in twin leads of guitar and violin, rooted in a solid rhythm section, cemented by keyboards and fronted by powerful female vocals.

The band’s live set is built around treatments of traditional songs and the darker stories and legends, plus a number of more contemporary offerings from writers such as Sandy Denny, Lal Waterson and Antje Duvekot (the US singer/songwriter who gifted the band the powerful and controversial song, Poisonjester’s Mask).

Since reforming, the band have been rehearsing and recording with a view to playing a series of theatre-based gigs in 2010. With most of the classic line-up once again onboard, it promises to be an exciting year for the band and audiences alike.

Silver Dogs are:

Neil Aspinall (drums and percussion) – highly experienced and versatile gigging, recording and session musician, Neil also works at The Cake House Recording Studio in Chorley helping young bands to hone their songwriting and arranging skills with M People keyboardist, Paul Birchall.

Richard Curran (violin, viola, mandolin) – distinctive and highly creative gigging, writing and arranging musician, with classical roots and huge stage presence, Richard has worked with Bert Jansch, Steve Tilson, Maggie Boyle, Cornershop and Angie Palmer among others. His live work has included gigs at Wembley Arena, V Festival and Ronnie Scott’s.

Darren Dean (lead guitar) – a gifted gigging and session musician with the ability to provide powerhouse lead and ambient washes, Darren has been with the band since the early stages. He is heavily influenced by the styles of Mark Knopfler and Steve Lukather, and was lead guitarist and vocalist with Lyngua Franca before joining the Dogs.

Becky Haslam (vocals and guitar) – brought up in a folk loving family, Becky gravitated towards rock and became involved in many different writing and performing projects. She has supported Hawkwind and Ian Gillan, and worked with many well-respected musicians including Pat Martin (Unicorn) and Adrian Lillywhite (King, Kirsty MacColl) as well as being an accomplished songwriter.

Alan Partington (bass) – the newest member of the band, Alan has brought a mature technique and a powerful presence to the rhythm section. Originally gigging with Clown and Groucho in the 70’s, Alan’s roots are in blues, r ‘n’ b and soul. He has also gigged with the Hugh Jarre Band and Nice Guy Eddie before being asked to join Silver Dogs when the band reformed.

Andrew Turner (keyboards, acoustic guitar) – a veteran of the prog rock scene, Andrew has worked with a variety of top musicians, including blues legend, JoAnn Kelly, but cites his musical highlight as an impromptu set with the Steely Dan rhythm section. He has also supported many artists such as Bad Company and Roxy Music. Heavily influenced by the likes of Robert Wyatt and Brian Eno, he remains committed to challenging conventions and taking risks in his music (a spell in an anarchic, electric, Border Morris band being an example).

Since reforming the Dogs have been rehearsing for a couple of live shows and recording a demo EP. Our first "comeback" show is scheduled for the 23rd January at The Playhouse2 in Shaw followed by the ACE Centre in Nelson on the 27th February, after these shows watch this space.

The EP was recorded just before Christmas at Cake House Recording Studio's in Chorley and engineered by the brillient Matt Cogley of Failsafe. We hope to be going back in a month or two to record a full album with Matt.

In the mean time have a listen to the tracks and if you get chance to come and see us please do so and come say hello.

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Member Since:

June 29, 2009

Members:

Becky Haslam - Lead Vocal

Andrew Turner - Keyboards, Accoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals

Darren Dean - Lead Guitarist

Alan Partington - Bass Guitar

Richard Curran - Violin

Neil Aspinall - Drums

Influences:

A wide range of musical influences.

Sounds Like:

A blend of traditional folk and rock music and a few bits and pieces in between. We have been described as a cross between Fairport Convention and Pink Floyd!

Record Label:

Unsigned