A SHORT HISTORY OF SMITHFIELD FAIR
Uncommon Music (Updated 11/17/11)

 

The project now known as Smithfield Fair began in mid-1973 in Pensacola, Florida. Founded initially under the name 'Laughter', the premise of founding member Dudley-Brian Smith was simple: original songs or interesting adaptations of non-original and traditional works molded with a variety of musical elements utilizing vocal harmonies and acoustic instrumentation. Coming from a large, tradition-based, artistic family, this project was just another extension of the creative personality of the Smith family. Over 39 years, the format has remained the same, changed only by the contributions of the various individual members.

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

 

 

TJJAN

TJDUDLEY

TJBOB

Jan

Dudley-Brian

Bob

 

 

 

 

Our Auxiliary Members:

 


TJDAVID

J. David Praet


JOEL3

Joel Smith




A HISTORIC TIMELINE: 1973-2011

LAUGHTER74D

LAUGHTER73-4

LAUGHTER74A

LAUGHTER 1973

LAUGHTER 1973-4

LAUGHTER 1974

LAUGHTER1975

LAUGHTER76

LAUGHTER76-8

LAUGHTER 1975

LAUGHTER 1976

CHARMER 1976-78

CharmerwEllene

CHARMER80-83

VOICES84

CHARMER 1978-79

CHARMER 1980-83

CHARMER 1983-85

CHARMER85-89

SF89-90

SF90-91

CHARMER 1985-89

SF 1989-90

SF 1991-1995

SF96-98

SF98

SF99-04

SF 1996-98

SF 1998

SF 1999-2004

SF07

SF2010

SFLogo

SF 2005-2008

SF 2009-Present

SF ONWARD!




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)

 

                                                                                  

       

 

 

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