The Mellstock Band plays and sings the dances & songs of English village and church bands from the eighteenth century to the present day.

Their repertoire and style come from village musicians’ manuscript books and from living traditions of song and instrumental music from all parts of England and beyond. The instruments used are early nineteenth-century, chosen for their distinctive, authentic sounds and include fiddle, concertina, clarinet, oboe, flute and serpent. Their presentations illuminate the music with period costume and spoken word.

Photos/Video

The musicians backgrounds include folk, jazz and earl music, using their skills to create a vital present-day musical experience rather than a rather dry museum-like reproduction of something past and gone. Though the repertoire is rooted in the village bands of the last two hundred years, they also include music and instruments from much earlier, and from more recent times, bringing in the accordion, saxophone and trombone.

The band has appeared in various television programmes, including the celebrated production of ‘Pride and Prejudice’, the film version of ‘The Return of the Native’ and the film ‘Tess of the D’urbervilles’. Radio credits include ‘Round Midnight’, ‘Folk on 2’ and they provided the music forthe classic serial ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge’. They have performed at the Purcell Room, the National Theatre and toured Europe, Africa and the U.S.A.

Audio Samples

SELECT A TRACK

Performance options

The Mellstock Trio