Goldrush, based in Scotland, are acknowledged virtuoso exponents of Bluegrass: a musical style which conjures up images of old Kentucky and of the Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains. With successive waves of immigrants to the rural southern heartland of the USA this area became a musical  melting pot for the transported folk music of settlers from Scotland, Ireland and mainland Europe as well as Afro American minstrels accompanied by the banjo. With the fusion of these influences and the addition of the ragtime influenced three finger banjo style it is no surprise that the genre has been referred to by ethnomusicologists as ‘folk music in overdrive’.

Goldrush was formed by John Sheldon in 1989. They made their debut at the Guildtown Bluegrass Festival which John originated. In 1993 the band produced an outstanding sell out debut album entitled ‘Crossing the Blueridge’. An original track from this album was chosen for inclusion in the British Bluegrass Music Association compilation CD. In the intervening years Goldrush have played the widest range of gigs, festivals and tours including support to top line touring American bands promoted by the British Bluegrass Music Association. The band released a top selling CD 'Panning for Gold' with a selection of the tracks penned by John. The CD was supported by the British Bluegrass Music Association, has been widely acclaimed as a wonderful collection of superbly played traditional and original bluegrass. In this recording and in their live performances Goldrush show a respect for the roots of the music, capturing the drive and excitement of the first generation performers. 

Individually and collectively the present line-up have decades of performing experience ranging from the folk scene; the country music circuit; Edinburgh International Festival, Edale Bluegrass Festival, European World Of Bluegrass - and many other premier Bluegrass events. The present band has forged a distinct and impressive identity.  

The line-up consists of:        

·         John Sheldon, banjo, baritone vocals. Band leader and diehard bluegrass enthusiast John has a fierce drive and talent for the banjo. His involvement in Bluegrass over many years has involved organising festivals, concerts, tours and producing albums. He is a past chairman of the British Bluegrass Music Association and founder of the Scottish Bluegrass Association. He has assisted in the European Bluegrass Network; the International Bluegrass Music Association and received an award in recognition of his achievements as a Pioneer of European Bluegrass Music.

·        Robert McFarlane, guitar, lead and harmony vocals. A smooth and emotive singer with echoes of Lester Flatt combining  inspirational picking in the style of Carter Stanley. He has been extensively involved with Bluegrass and American music in the folk and concert scene since the early sixties. Robert can deliver a Bluegrass song with great drive and passion.

·        George Graham, mandolin, tenor harmony vocals. George plays brilliant mandolin paying respect to all the Bluegrass greats  with his tasty solos and breaks. He is one of the best tenor singers on the UK Bluegrass scene. The joker in the pack, he is famed for his cruelty to banjo players with his stock of 500 banjo player gags.

·       Mark Adams, acoustic double bass, bass vocals. Mark has captured the essence and spirit of traditional Bluegrass from extensive exposure to Bill Monroe’s music . His straight ahead, rock solid timing  reflects these influences and he drives the band with tack hammer timing. Mark is a talented master of ceremonies and wit.

·         Alan Mairs, fiddle,  lead and harmony vocals. Alan is a highly talented multi-instrumentalist and seasoned Bluegrass performer with an extensive musical pedigree. His fiddle playing is utterly superb and has been acknowledged by top US performers. His playing and singing are at the cutting edge of Bluegrass.

Contact Goldrush      tel. 07968124582        e-mail john.sheldon@scottishbluegrass.com