A SHORT HISTORY OF SMITHFIELD FAIR
Uncommon Music (Updated 11/17/11)
By 1976, the project was the trio of Dudley-Brian and his brothers Bob & Joel, relocating home to Alexandria, Louisiana and changing the name to 'Charmer' (for their mother's assertion they were 'charming rogues'). Rapidly established for their “blood harmonies”, a first single was released in 1977, 'A Place In Your Heart' b/w 'Goodbye, Old Friend'. Charmer made a name for itself locally and regionally through constant performing in clubs and cafes, on television and radio, at college coffeehouses, at music festivals, and as a popular concert opener. Founding the independent label Rapides Records as an expression for their original music, Charmer released it's first album, Only the Wind, in 1981 (engineered by J. David Praet). In 1983 when Joel departed to live in Germany, singer/songwriter Jan Dedon (later Smith by marrying Dudley-Brian) was added and the group continued to perform regularly, releasing an album a year. Joel returned in 1986 and the quartet continued creating their original songs and music until 1989.
In 1989, the project again changed names, this time to 'Smithfield Fair', with a slight shift in direction to include the Scottish traditional music of their heritage and songs learned in childhood. As Smithfield Fair, the group became known for their committed, interesting and passionate presentation, as well as their original songs in traditional styles and themes. Bob and Joel would exit the project for other creative pursuits, notably the musical venture of 'Diverse Peoples' and the artistic cooperative, Saxon Guild, and Bob for a time to live and study in Japan. Rapides Records, too, would change. First under the name 'Lunatunes' and finally to 'Stevenson Productions', giving the family a broad-based production outlet for their musical releases, as well as books and other artistic endeavors.
Continuing an active performance schedule while maintaining its own unique musical identity, Smithfield Fair is occasionally joined on stage by brother Joel and long-time contributor J. David Praet. After 39 years and 27 albums, Dudley-Brian, Jan and Bob Smith as Smithfield Fair continue to create uniquely hopeful original music that eludes pidgeon-holing and includes influences from folk, gospel, swamp pop, sacred, Celtic, jazz, classical, and pop.
See the "Historic Timeline" below for the full spectrum of the band's 39-year history: Additional members by years are Dwight Beebe (1973-1976), Tom English (1973-74), Bryan Mead (1975-76), John Wakefield (1978 - not pictured), Bill Jonson (1977-78 - not pictured), Ellene Owens (1978-79), Bud Albright (1982 - not pictured), Marty Bergen (1998), Frang Bladen (1996-2008), and Joel Smith (1974-1990).
For more information on individual band members, click on the names below. Often on stage, Smithfield Fair wears various setts of the Maclabhruinn (McLaurin) tartan, as they are McLaurins of Appin (Argyll & Bute). Band member photography by T.J. Shuflin
Our Auxiliary Members:
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A HISTORIC TIMELINE: 1973-2011
Photographic credits for Historic Timeline: Mike Walker (73), Mary English (73-4), John Jeffries (74), Charles Waters (75), Steve Smith (76), Ray Boswell? (76-78),
Norlan Macanas (80-83), David Hodges (83-85), Mumblius (78-79, 85-89, 2005-2008), Jim Zietz (89-90, 91-95, 96-98, 98, 99-04) and T.J.Shuflin (2009-11)