A SHORT HISTORY OF SMITHFIELD FAIR
Though 2009 marked Smithfield Fair’s 20th anniversary, the group actually dates back to 1973 in Pensacola, Florida
and a group founded by singer/songwriter-guitarist Dudley-Brian Smith. Originally known as “Laughter”, this acoustic and vocal group
played the Gulf Coast acoustic scene until moving back to Dudley’s hometown of Alexandria, Louisiana in 1976 and changing the name to “Charmer”. By then, the group
was made up of Dudley and his brothers Joel (guitar) and Bob (bass). The trio released their first single in 1977 – A Place In Your Heart b/w Crazy With the Wind,
first album in 1981 - "Only The Wind", and a second album in 1982 – "Must Be The Gypsy" - for Louisiana-based independent Rapides Records.
In 1983, Joel left to live in Munich, Germany and was replaced
by singer/songwriter Jan Dedon. Already an established and experienced singer, Jan had recently returned from San Francisco and met Dudley (whom she would later marry)
at a recording session. Joel returned in 1986 and Charmer continued as a quartet to record and perform throughout the southern United States. They recorded and released a total of
8 albums before again changing the band's name in 1989 to Smithfield Fair, and direction by focusing on their mutual Scottish heritage. Joel and Bob would soon depart to form
“Diverse Peoples.”
As Smithfield Fair, Jan & Dudley’s vocals and original songs
formed the focus of the group. They continued to tour and record, releasing four cassette albums, and firmly establishing themselves in traditional Celtic circles.
In 1995, the duo released its first compact disc album – Scotland Owns Me – and signed the following year to internationally-renowned Centaur Records for the 1997 release of
Scattered Seeds of Scotland. This album and the pairing with Centaur brought them international repute and airplay, as well as high critical praise.
From 1996 to early 2009, the duo was joined by Dudley’s nephew Frang Bladen
on bodhran/percussion, and after a 3-year residency in Japan, Bob Smith returned to record with the group until re-joining full-time in 2005. Bob’s graphic design and
photography were front and center on the group's subsequent releases. Their work as Charmer proved to have continued staying power and to better tie in the music
of their earlier incarnation, Stevenson Productions released "Charmer: The Perfect Café" in 2007, celebrating that group's 35th anniversary. On the heels of that release and a series
of reunion performances, 2008 brought Smithfield Fair’s 20th anniversary celebration – "Twenty for Twenty" (its 11th compact disc and 15th album) – featuring songs continually requested
by audiences.
Acknowledging nearly 4 decades of original music, the group released its most ambitious project
in late 2009, "The Longing", fusing the styles of Smithfield Fair and Charmer effectively. In early 2010, the trio released "Scotland, Fair Scotland: The Traditional Collection", while
continuing to work on new original songs. Smithfield Fair continues to perform selectively, often joined by long-time producer/engineer/guitarist J. David Praet, who has worked on most
releases under both band names. The ensemble has been featured on a number of national and international television programs and their music continues to receive airplay and strong
critical praise throughout the world.
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
Auxiliary Member
Return to Smithfield Fair Homepage
