Hoover the Dog
THE BAND
This immensely talented trio from the mid Wales borders burst onto the folk/world music scene in 1998 with the release of their debut album 'Scratch 'n' Sniff'.
Their live set is delivered with such enthusiasm and technical virtuosity it has enthralled Britain's festival and club audiences. Since the CD the band's repertoire has evolved and is now chiefly made up of original tunes by violinist John Hymas. These reflect his diverse musical background, encompassing Jazz, Classical, Folk and East European styles but with an overall Celtic flavour. The Hoover's set also includes dynamic and adventurous arrangements of traditional music interspersed with well chosen songs.
For a three-piece band Hoover The Dog create an astonishingly big sound and their imagination and musical skill constantly push at the boundaries of traditional and contemporary music.
John Hymas - violin
John attended the City of Leeds College of Music from 1982-5 where he studied Jazz and Contemporary music. He went on to do a Post Graduate course in orchestral studies at Goldsmiths College, London. After freelancing with various bands and orchestras in London for several years John went to live in Portugal where he played viola with the Opporto Orchestra. He is interested in composition, recently having a piece for Big Band performed at the Presteigne Festival as well as writing chamber music. He is also a member of roots outfit The Tango Band.
Tony Harris - bouzouki, guitar and vocals
Tony began playing in his native Yorkshire with local musicians and eventually with members of Kitsyke Will. After moving to Shropshire, he played with various bands including the Flying Fish Band and Kempion, with whom he toured Europe extensively. During 1997 Tony was invited to the States to record with piper Greg Morrow and recent projects include The lan Bruce Breezeband with Paul and Bazza's Dog with John
and Paul.
Paul Hutchinson - accordion
Paul's folk career started in Bournemouth's celebrated Old Pull & Push, playing at many of the premier festivals in the UK. He later formed Irish Folk/Rock band IQ40. From 1995-1998 he was a member of Fieldwork Productions whose last opera,
Mick Ryan's A Day's Work enjoyed success at festivals in England and Ireland. Paul is one half of the duo Belshazzar's Feast as well as working as a session musician recording with a number of artists in the UK and abroad.
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
What the Papers Say
about
Scratch 'n' Sniff
Irish Music Magazine
"consistently delivers something to knock spots off heavyweight big-name recordings"
Taplas
"These guys are very talented and they play with both skill and enthusiasm generating an energy and vitality which lifts the music and produces a big big sound for a trio"
Tykes News
"It's not often that a CD grabs my attention from the opening bars but this one did - it's obvious that these guys are playing for keeps"
Living Tradition
"Go and buy this album and like me you'll play it to death"
Broad Sheep
"A class CD from a class band"
Folk on Tap
This page © Fo'c'sle FC and Hoover the Dog 2001
Paul Hutchinson welshpaul@lineone.net
focsle@SCoFF.zzn.com
