THE LONG NIGHTS

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The Long Nights were formed when Alan and Lynne were joined by Scottish fiddle player and vocalist Mary Dougherty. A member of Leeds Symphony Orchestra and brought up in the Scottish folk tradition, Mary brings an exciting blend of Celtic, classical and bluegrass styles to the band as well as lending her fabulous voice to both lead and harmony vocals.

 

The band take their name from an old Lancashire tradition, not unlike the Texas dancehall culture that has survived to this day. Until the 1930s Lancashire string bands played to packed audiences around the county in just about any building large enough to hold them, with music, clog dancing and dialect recitations going on late into the night. These events were known locally as “The Long Nights”.

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As well as gigging and busking across the UK, the band are currently working on material for their first record together.

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Alan Hempton - Guitar, vocals
Lynne Hempton - Banjo, shruti, vocals

Mary Dougherty - Fiddle, vocals

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