Deportees

With Mick Green, Adrian Dear and Ian Southerton Graham led The Deportees, mainstays of the Chester music scene, for nearly twenty years. Graham has now stepped down from the band, but they continue to perform regularly

They play guitars, mandolin, mandocello, bouzouki and banjo as well as  harmonica and melodeon - almost entirely acoustic, but with some subtle electric guitar touches. Most of all they sing  - four voices finding unexpected harmonies in a mix of old and recent songs from both sides of the Atlantic, some written by themselves, others by their heroes like Woody Guthrie, Richard Thompson, Hank Williams, John Martyn,  Bob Dylan, Guy Clark, Robert Johnson, Buddy Holly, Tom Waits and good old Trad Arr.You'll hear songs to join in with, songs to make you think, songs to move you and songs to get you moving. When Adrian turns up the volume on his electric guitar and with the addition of Ian Southerton's bass guitar they can also turn their hands to a lively rock n roll set if the need arises or the mood takes them.

They released a live CD of pub sessions 'Three In A Bar'of which 'Folkwords' said

"If you like broad spectrum string driven folky rock... then you'll love this. The blend is American roots and English folk, and a damn fine blend it is too..."

The Deportees website is here