Rick Tarrant - (lead vocals and guitar) A long time member of Contraband bringing
considerable vocal and instrumental talent to the band. Rick's influences include
Doc Watson, Tony Rice and Tim O'Brien. Rick has established himself as an admired
performer within Contraband and as a solo artist performing locally and across the
country.
Richard Hampton - (mandolin) a long established member of Contraband bringing energy,
drive and instrumental skills to the band. Richard has been playing bluegrass mandolin
for over 20 years. Previously a member of several bands including Poor Valley, Cross
Country and Ricky G and the Ferretones - the resident band of the Cambridge Folk
Club with whom he played at the Cambridge Folk Festival. Richard's mandolin playing
provides an essential element to the band's authentic sound.
Hamish Gavin - (bass/vocals) A founder member of Contraband and our one and only
bass player. Hamish is at the heart of the band providing the foundation on which
everything sits. Hamish joined the embryonic Contraband shortly after providing them
with one of their earliest gigs at his Anchor Folk Club in Southampton way back in
the 80's (yes that's the 1980's folks).
Richard Holland - (banjo/vocals) The most recent recruit to Contraband. Richard has
been playing folk music for many years. His involvement with bluegrass started around
1987 when he grabbed and subsequently mastered the banjo. A keen enthusiast Richard
is a key figure in the British Bluegrass Music Association and a regular performer
at many festivals. Richard's banjo and vocal work bring an essential authenticity
and quality to Contraband.
Mark Leggett - (guitar) The other remaining founder member of Contraband. Mark's
influences are Mississippi blues, ragtime and music from the contemporary British
and American roots music scene. His introduction to bluegrass coincided with Contraband's
formation in the early 80's. Mark's guitar playing adds weight and depth to Contraband's
sound.
Contraband formed in Southampton in the early eighties. Originally a three piece
band - banjo and two guitars -playing a straight bluegrass repertoire. The band was
influenced by a number of other genres of acoustic music such as country, blues and
folk. Performing in local folk clubs and music venues and with the addition of a
bass player Contraband became an established act. The band's repertoire grew with
each member introducing original material, songs and instrumentals from artists that
were influencing them. Over the years this has produced an eclectic and extensive
back catalogue of upbeat songs, ballads and instrumentals.
