Forged in London, formed in Bristol
Fiddle and uilleann pipes — perhaps the difinitive combination in Irish traditional music. Evoking the true sound of Irish music, the two complement each other, blending together but also finding the spaces left by the other instrument.
Two highly respected traditional Irish musicians in their own right, Dominic Henderson and Bradon Smith come together to form Straight From the Jug, playing authentic Irish traditional music of the highest calibre.
The two met on the London Irish session scene, often to be found playing in the front window of the grand old pub The Antelope in Tooting on a Sunday afternoon — and then, quite likely, off to sessions at the Howl at the Moon in Hoxton, or The Lamb in Camden.
When some time later both found themselves living in the West Country, they began playing together again — re-finding a love of driving rhythmic tunes, as well as opportunities for playing some slower reels and airs together. Around a table with a pitcher of ale, Straight From the Jug was formed.
Drawing on their extensive repertoires, Dom and Bradon have created a live set of original arrangements of traditional tunes (jigs, reels, polkas, slipjigs, marches, slow airs, waltzes ) that is varied and compelling. Their playing is deeply respectful of the tradition, while remaining subtly playful, full of lift and lilt. Both fine singers, the duo have added traditional songs for two voices to their set, backed by drones on pipes and fiddle.
An easy on-stage charm, and the evident love of the music they are playing, makes for engaging live performances.
Recently, a record turnout at Readifolk folk club and a hugely popular performance at the Hay Festival as part of Maggie O’Farrell’s book launch tour show Straight From the Jug to be a captivating live act, showcasing Irish traditional music played at the highest level.
Bradon Smith
Fiddle
Bradon Smith is a respected fiddler and fiddle teacher based in Bristol, UK. Classically trained but growing up in a folk family, Bradon has played folk fiddle since the age of 6. He is a well-known fiddle player on the Bristol, Bath, and London session scenes.
He is interested in the lesser-known tunes of the Irish tradition, and has a love of the compositions of those fiddler-composers such as Paddy Fahey, Eddie Kelly, and Ed Reavey.
Bradon also plays fiddle with The Sunny Banks, a four piece band playing pure-drop Irish folk music.
Dominic Henderson
Uillean pipes
Dominic Henderson is a renowned uilleann piper and whistle player from North London who earned his stripes as a teenager playing at sessions, before taking his talents further afield, qualifying for the All-Ireland uilleann pipe final in 2007. He co-founded TEYR, with whom he has released two studio albums.
Dominic has a keen interest in traditional piping, but his strength lies in a unique modern uilleann piping style which blends respect for the tradition with his own musical experimentation.
