Steve Chapman Smith. Guitar, Bouzouki, Mandolin, 6 string Banjo, Bass, Hammond and vocals.
Andy Healey. Guitar, Harmonica, Slide guitar and Vocals.
Paul Green, Mandolin, fiddle and vocals
Martyn Hirst, Banjo, Squeeze box, percussion and vocals
Influences
Steve Earle, Tom Petty,Chuck Prophet, Neil Young, Johhny Cash,Jimmy Webb, Glen Campbell, Grant Lee Philips, Lemonheads, Dylan, Jackie Leven, Doll by Doll, Jeff Finlin, Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams, Ian Hunter,The Clash, Stones,Elvis Costello, Donovan, The Black Crowes, The Faces, Richard Hawley,Gram Parsons,
The Waterboys, Mike Scott,
Organ album review Dec 2008
THE TROUBADORS – Stolen Time (Self Release) – There’s a great banjo driven version of Oh Suzanna, you know the one – For I come from Alabama, With a banjo in my knee... the version really is totally wasted as a hidden bonus track that you only discover if you accidentally leave the CD running for ten minutes or so after things have finished. I Guess it doesn’t quite fit in with an album that’s made up of eleven original songs though? Eleven authentic sounding originals from the rather fine Alt.Americana outfit. If you like your alternative American country music and your intelligent kind of Steve Earle feel, then this rather mellow album in one you most certainly need to check out. Impressively enjoyable stuff - refined bluegrass, gentle country rock and the finest kind of mellow Americana (all without the rose tinted spectacles). Don’t think we’ve encountered them before, reached down for the press release to find out with Southern US state they’re from – West Yorkshire! Well I guess we live in global village, and they certainly sound authentically right. Eclectic American alt.country, melancholic songs of protest, of life, of loss - fine fine songs, uplifting and inviting even when things are downbeat. Seems this is their debut album, they’ve made a fine debut – Steve Earle, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Gram Parsons and a more than healthy blend of American alt.country rock. Fine songs, fine guitars, banjos, mandolins, fine voices, fine words - oh and it seems the main man is Steve Chapman Smith, one time Red lorry yellow Lorry, Ghostdance, Fiat Lux man... who’d have thought it! Fine fine songs from a fine band with a clear love for their craft, and if this sounds like your kind of thing then this is a rather highly recommended album – www.thetroubadors.co.uk or www.myspace.com/thetroubadorscouk
also on napster and Amazon downloads
The Troubadors didn't leave anything to mystery; they meticulously explained the story behind each of their songs. One of their Iraq war protest songs complained how troops get treated after they have done our government's dirty work. Some were about relations; we learnt of a will that caused family rifts. We were also warned of the song that nearly created the singer's divorce before hearing it strummed out in front of our eyes.
Because these songs obviously meant something to these two men, it was sung with such passion. Mainly being two guitars, two vocals but there was also the odd meander to slide blues guitar and harmonica freak outs. This was definitely a set to remember.
Ghosts in the Nightclub @ Royal Park Cellars
By James Burkitt
Sandman Review
The Troubadours
Stolen Time
When I first put this album on I had to go back to the cd player and check I hadn't somehow put on one of my Steve Earle albums. Some bands wear their influences on their sleeve, the Troubadours tattoo them on their forehead. To be fair Mr Earle is credited on the inner sleeve as an inspiration.
So the Troubadours (not to be confused with a bunch of scousers peddling La's style sixties jangle under the same name) specialise in acoustic country rock. They are mainstays of the local music scene playing numerous gigs and running an acoustic night in Wakefield amongst other things.
This is music written from the heart, if not particularly originally. As a souvenir of the Troubadour's live act it pretty much hits the spot. I like the way that Steve, the chief songwriter, has written about what he knows (presumably) with subjects such as family feuds over wills and references to the miner's strike. My favourite song though is by the other main Troubadour, Andy. 'Lost Faith' is a well-measured song criticising the Iraq war articulately. It reminds me of Billy Bragg's mellower moments.
My only other real criticism about this is why oh why the American accent? I realise that it's a common thing, especially in this genre, but singers as varied as Rachel Unthank & Alex Turner are happy to sing in their own voice. Let's have a bit of Yorkshire pride next time!
Pete Ellis
Thought i'd drop by and say hi! Good to see you have so many gigs lined up.I'm Still trying to sort out a date to come up and see you in action. I've ben meaning to email you Andy but , no excuses, i've just been plain lazy. Hope you are having a ball.
HELLO THERE!!! WERE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU COME PLAY FOR US LAST NIGHT AS THE GUESTS GUY,S !!!! IT WAS A FANTASTIC SET !!! AND YOU GOT THE ROOM BUZZING WITH SING ALONG TOO !! AMAZING !! YOUR MORE THAN WELCOME HERE ANYTIME !!AND WE WILL CATCH UP AGAIN REAL SOON !! OUR THANKS TO THE TROUBADORS !!!!! ALL THE VERY BEST !! CRAIG AND MAND THE PIC,S AND WRITE UP WE WILL BE UP SOON !!!!
Hi Promoting a gig : Cool Blues and Hot Gypsy Jazz Kyla Brox and The Samuel C Lees Quartet Two Acts : One Show 7 November The University of Sheffield A special ticket offer is available subejct to availability. Please hurry and book since the early booking offer might be removed after a short period. Box office is : 0114 222 8968 and quote special code UN1 You get £2 off the ticket price i.e. £10 Kyla Brox "Blues Diva" The Samuel C Lees Quarter "Fans of Hot Club and Django Should not miss this Band"
Bonjour Thanks for the friendly add I really appreciate your good sound in your music Best wishes from France (Follow me on twitter.com/pascal95 ) Pascal
The Troubadors - A great and very accomplished performance. Rousing, evocative, emotive. Delighted to have you at the festival yesterday. Donal - Principle Festival Organiser www.crownoflights.org.uk
hi guy,s oh yes we love to keep busy !!! we want as much live music as possible !!! thanks for the add to friends !!! we loved your set at kffc and if you,d like to pop in and play let us know!!! all the best troubadors!!! craig and mand!!!
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