Yet again, Pete Hartley proves his versatility and commitment to his love of live music with Witchhazel. By constantly listening to the requirements of his audience, Pete’s drive and passion to satisfy ensures his continuing success in the world of live music.

Pete Hartley proudly presents Witchhazel, this hugely popular four piece Bluegrass /Jazz string band.

Witchhazel
Four Piece Bluegrass / Jazz String Band!
 

Witchhazel was formed in 2006 and hit the ground running as a top flight Bluegrass / Roots music live act.

Witchhazel "Which is Witch" Available Now

CD Tracks Texas Eagle Minor Swing Gulf Coast Highway Uncle Pen Good Old Gal Steve's Last Ramble Carolina Star How Can A Poor Man Ramblin' Boy Mama Tried Blackberry Blossom T For Texas Willin'

Combining soulful harmony vocals with lightning fast instrumental work, Witchhazel produce a mesmerising blend of acoustic styles. Foot stomping, bluegrass classics and fiddle / banjo hoedowns segue seamlessly into romantic swing pieces and gypsy jazz.

The show can be presented entirely acoustically or using the band's state of the art amplification system. Witchhazel are available nationally or internationally and are happy to discuss tailoring their show to suit your event.

Meet The Band...
 

	Ben Smith- Guitar/Voice Ben is a professional folk musician with 15 years experience. His style encompasses country, blues and jazz, all delivered with passionate vocals and his trademark driving guitar style. Ben has worked with international acts such as The Strawbs, Eric Bibb and Bally Sagoo, he has recently released a solo album on New Mountain Music records.
	Hazel Rider- Banjo/Voice Hazel is one of Britain's foremost bluegrass banjo players and vocalists. She combines a unique rapid fire banjo technique with sweet vocals and crystalline harmonies. Hazel has always been in demand on the folk / bluegrass circuit and has appeared with The Celtic Rogues, Jack The Lad , Daisy Roots and Moonshine, amongst other top festival acts.
	Pete Hartley- Violin/Mandolin Pete is a virtuoso fiddler and mandolinist whose breathtaking technique has brought him worldwide respect. Dazzlingly rapid and intensely moving, Pete's style is instantly recognisable. As a professional violinist since 1980, Pete’s background includes a wealth of experience, from playing in bands like "Barbara Thompson's Paraphernalia", sessions for TV and Radio, to thousands of gigs worldwide at venues such as The Savoy in London , Grosvenor House in Park Lane, London and the Zurich Jazz Festival.
	John O'Connor-Double Bass/Vocals John's rock solid double bass playing is the framework around which the band works its magic. Providing danceable rhythms for the audience, as well as the odd "one liner" John is the consummate professional bassist. Originally a bass guitarist playing alongside rock acts like Slade, John plays double bass in Witchhazel and has forged an enviable reputation on both instruments in the U.K. jazz scene.

Bigger Band...
Witchhazel is also available as a five piece band with Sally Minchin on fiddle, this allows Pete to play more mandolin and for exciting twin fiddle Duels!
 

Sally Minchin is one of the most glamorous and exciting entertainers in the UK, a violin virtuoso with a vast experience over many years of playing all styles including Jazz, Rock, Fusion, Funk, Country, Bluegrass, Swing, Gypsy, Irish, Russian, Greek, Jewish, Eastern etc. Her reputation and success is founded on providing the highest possible levels of service and performance to discerning clients. Forming the fifth band member of Witchhazel, she is available for corporate events, weddings, parties and concerts.

Keeping it live
The band is proud to offer a completely self contained show which relies not on backing tapes or electronic assistance but solely on the talents of the musicians.

Witchhazel have a large and growing repertoire of songs and instrumental pieces. These include:

Country standards

Devil Went Down To Georgia, (Charlie Daniels band)
Carolina,
Sixteen Tons (Tennessee Ernie ford)
Mama Tried (Merle Haggard)
My Bucket's Got A Hole In It (Hank Williams)
T For Texas
Willin' (Little Feat)
Johnny Come Lately (Steve Earle)
Folsom Prison Blues (Johnny Cash)
City Of New Orleans (Willie Nelson)

Bluegrass tunes

Rollin' In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Uncle Pen
Blackberry Blossom
Orange Blossom Special
Duellin' Banjos (From the film “Deliverance”)
Texas Eagle
Fly away (from the film “Oh Brother were art thou”)

Jazz standards

Minor swing (Stephane Grapelli & Django Reinhardt)
Summertime
Dark Eyes
Blue Skies

Plus many many more. Witchhazel can also work with you to include special requests.