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SCOTCH MIST (Folk Rock)

The first incarnation was an acoustic group called ‘Uncle Tom Cobley, featuring three Brummies : singer guitarist Dave Whooley, and brothers Keith Jones on violin & mandolin & Ken Jones on guitar, banjo & melodeon, who ran a successful acoustic folk club at The Three Magpies, Hall Green, Birmingham as well as local folk clubs.

The ‘electric band’ idea really started by guitarist Ken Jones, and local friends including guitarist Tony Butler. Eventually this led to the formation of the three piece electric folk rock band ‘Scotch Mist' with Ken's brother, Keith Jones, on electric violin and mandolin, and drummer Steve Austin, with Keith and Ken sharing vocals.

Now a gigging band, they rehearsed with other musicians before being joined full time by experienced Walsall singer & musician Mike James. Scotch Mist Mk1 was truly formed. The band went on to hold held down two Birmingham residencies, firstly at the legendary Golden Eagle, Hill Street and, at the time, the very modern Park Hall in Wythall on the outskirts of the city, as well as performing at colleges and universities nationwide. The band completed their first studio sessions with this line-up.

Around this time Steve left the band, to be replaced by the very experienced drummer Trevor Foster. The group next added the voice of Heather McCauley to the line-up, who also played fiddle and danced, Heather being of Shetland descent. The band played colleges, universities and pub rock gigs as Scotch Mist MkII, including the Hope & Anchor in Islington, London and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. The line-up remained a five piece until mid 1975.

In 1975 both Ken Jones and Heather McCauley decided to leave the band, and Scotch Mist MKIII welcomed the singer/songwriter John Norton from Staffordshire, as well as the excellent lead guitarist Birmingham based Rod Hudson. Concerts were performed at colleges and universities across the UK including supports to the likes of Fairport Convention and cult Irish band Horslips.

The band eventually changed its name to 'Bright Eyes', taken from a song written by John..... tbc.....

Scotch Mist MKI Mike James: vocals, guitar & mandolin Keith Jones: fiddle, mandolin & dulcimer. Ken Jones: guitar & melodeon. Kevin Whitehouse: bass & mandolin Steve Austin: drums

Scotch Mist MKII Mike James: vocals, guitar & mandolin Heather McCauley: vocals & fiddle Keith Jones: fiddle & mandolin Ken Jones: acoustic & electric guitars Kevin Whitehouse: bass Trevor Foster: drums

Scotch Mist MKIII Mike James: vocals & guitar John Norton: vocals & guitar Rod Hudson: lead guitar Keith Jones: fiddle & mandolin Kevin Whitehouse: bass Trevor Foster: drums