Dave Whetstone

Since the mid-1970s Dave Whetstone has remained at the forefront of British folk music, beginning with his performances alongside Hemlock, whose lineup included Paul Martin and Brad Bradstock, both of whom later became his colleagues in the Cock & Bull Band. He maintained that partnership with Martin and Bradstock through the 1978 spin-off project known as the Hemlock Cock & Bull Band, and, once Jean Pierre Rasle joined, within the Cock & Bull Band itself. As an exceptionally melodic accordionist, Whetstone contributed decisively to the group’s first release, All Buttoned Up, which entered the folk charts assembled by Melody Maker. A two-year amalgamation of the Cock & Bull Band and the Albion Band followed, producing the notable 1985 recording Eyes Closed & Rocking. After departing the Cock & Bull Band that same year, Whetstone helped establish Waz, a British folk ensemble that also featured ex-Fairport Convention multi-instrumentalist Martin Allcock together with bassist, woodwind player, percussionist, and vocalist Pete Zorn. His accordion work turned the trio’s self-titled 1998 debut into a landmark release; shortly after his exit, British guitar virtuoso Steve Tilston assumed his role. Fairport Convention later recorded several of Whetstone’s compositions, among them “Rhythm of the Time,” “Red and Gold,” and “The Five Seasons.”