Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra are one of the hardest working bands on the UK roots circuit.
Their style is more eclectic than most, influenced by early 20th century American music, with the addition of “razor-sharp” solos, great arrangements and original songs; their music harks back to a golden age whilst staying perfectly modern. The songs are penned by Rob Heron, a crazy fool for country music and a full time dandy-cowboy. His songs are full of character, satire, and good old fashion hollerin’.
The band, a hot six-piece, also features Ben Fitzgerald (guitar), Tom Cronin (mandolin), Colin Nicholson (accordion), Rob Blazey (double bass) and Paul Archibald (drums).
Their debut album, Money Isn't Everything, caused a sensation when it was released in 2012, winning a host of rave reviews, but the best way to experience Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra is live so check them out soon when they’ll be previewing material from their eagerly anticipated, still untitled, second album, which is due for release in June 2014.
“With songs of escapism, booze and exotica, there’s a definite retro feel here that harks back to the dichotomy of the jazz age when the bright young things partied and the working class worked. A great debut.” Blabber ‘n’ Smoke
"Originating from Tyneside and playing pinpoint accurate period ragtime blues, this six-piece, made up of members from as far afield as Warwickshire and the Orkneys, shine on their debut album." Daily Express
“MONEY ISN’T EVERYTHING is as authentic as anyone under the age of 70 and not born and bred in New Orleans has a right to produce.” No Depression
“With relentlessly upbeat tempo and generous dollops of humour, Money Isn't Everything is a light hearted affair, but it is great fun. Individual Tea Pad Orchestra solos are mostly short, but razor-sharp, while Heron's singing has the fullness and brio to make his stories sparkle.” Songlines
Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra are;
Rob Heron (vocals, rhythm guitar), Tom Cronin (Mandolin, harmonica, vocals), Colin Nicholson (accordion, vocals), Ben Fitzgerald (lead guitar, vocals), Rob Blazey (double bass, vocals), Paul Archibald (drums, vocals)
UK & Ireland Tour · February-March 2014
February
Friday 21 Newcastle upon Tyne The Cumberland Arms
Saturday 22 Cleeve Prior, nr. Evesham Village Hall
Sunday 23 Ironbridge, Shropshire Eighty Six'd Café
Monday 24 Birmingham Kitchen Garden Café
Tuesday 25 Norwich The Bicycle Shop
Wednesday 26 Winchester The Railway
Thursday 27 Swindon The Vic
Friday 28 Bath Chapel Arts Centre
March
Saturday 1 Porthtowan, nr. Redruth Mount Pleasant Eco Park
Sunday 2 Worth Matravers, nr. Swanage The Square & Compass
Monday 3 Sarratt, nr. Rickmansworth The Cock Inn
Tuesday 4 Brighton Latest Music Bar
Wednesday 5 London Green Note
Thursday 6 Bristol The Stag & Hounds
Friday 7 Wicklow, Ireland The Bridge Tavern
Saturday 8 Dublin The Grand Social
Sunday 9 Cork Crane Lane Theatre
Tuesday 11 Omagh The Weigh Inn
Wednesday 12 Portrush, nr. Coleraine The Atlantic Bar
Thursday 13 Dundalk, Ireland The Spirit Store
Friday 14 Bangor, N. Ireland The Goat’s Toe
Saturday 15 New Galloway The CatStrand
Sunday 16 Stranraer The Grapes
Monday 17 Liverpool The Caledonia
Tuesday 18 Leicester The Cookie Jar
Wednesday 19 Sheffield Rivelin Folk Club, Nether Edge Bowling Club