Their much-praised CD 'Scratch 'n' Sniff' came out in 1998
Gentlest and subtlest accordion player Paul Hutchinson of Belshazzar's Feast with John Hymas, well-known in jazz & classical circles as both player and composer (fiddle & viola) and Tony Harris (bouzouki, guitar and vocals) who is part of the Ian Bruce Breezeband along with Paul. You may remember them storming this year's Winchester Folk Festival along with overlapping ceilidh line-up Bazza's Dog.Hoover the Dog was formed in 1997 following the arrival in the Welsh borders of Paul Hutchinson (accordion) from Bournemouth. John Hymas (violin & viola) and Tony Harris (bouzouki & guitar) had been playing together quite happily for the previous year, but reluctantly agreed that the addition of an accordionist might be an asset. Thus 'The Hoovers' original and unusual mix of music, conceived out of the three members diverse backgrounds, was born. Paul is well-known in English and Irish music circles, John comes via a Portuguese symphony orchestra and Tony, an ex-pat Yorkshireman, was always one of the best-known bouzouki/guitar players in the borders.
Their much-praised CD 'Scratch 'n' Sniff' came out in 1998
Frankie goes way back at the Fo'c'sle and has invariably been a great favourite. With an amazing once-heard
always-loved voice and technique that defies description, she will dispel the Christmas shopping blues with a few real
folk carols and a feisty selection of music from the tradition, William Blake, Brecht and Leon Rosselson. " ...
some of the most glorious, evocative, life-affirming, folk music ... " (Geoff Wall reviewing The Fair Moon Rejoices).