Bristol's Hope

An "All-Star Band" of Newfoundland Musicians


Baxter Wareham
Anita Best
Kelly Russell
Derek Pelley
Sandy Morris

 


Assembled for the 1997 Cabot 500 Celebrations, Bristol's Hope was awarded a Year of the Arts Grant to produce a Recording which was released on CD & Cassette early in 1997. Invited by The International Festival of the Sea to perform in Bristol, England, in May 1996, the Group also performed in Bonavista for the Arrival of The Matthew on June 24 and have performed at numerous other Special Events and Festivals during 1997.

Members of Bristol's Hope in Bristol, England - May 1996

Members of Bristol's Hope :

Anita Best (Vocal)

 Steeped in Newfoundland outport singing traditions, Anita has long been a respected folksong collector and performer...... in fact she was briefly the lead singer of Figgy Duff before Pamela Morgan! Her many years performing in the duo of Pamela Morgan & Anita Best has resulted in an exquisite album, The Color of Amber. Recently the host of her own CBC Radio Series, A Little Ball of Yarns, Anita has become a much loved and prominent voice in the field of Newfoundland Folk Tradition & Culture.

 Baxter Wareham (Vocal, Button Accordion)

 From Harbour Buffett, in Placentia Bay, Baxter grew up hearing the songs and dance music of his outport home. With groups such as The Wareham Brothers and The Breakwater Boys he has brought his wealth of traditional songs, recitations and accordion tunes to audiences all across Canada and to the USA & England as well. Hehas recorded 3 albums, one featuring the famous song "Rubber Boots"

Kelly Russell (Fiddle, Bouzouki, Concertina, Bodhran)

 A former and original member of such pioneering Newfoundland groups as Figgy Duff, The Wonderful Grand Band and The Plankerdown Band, Kelly has also worked extensively performing with and learning from the late fiddlers Rufus Guinchard.& Emile Benoit. Founder, owner and operator of Pigeon Inlet Productions, one of Newfoundlands foremost independent labels which has released 30 albums of local folk material over the past 16 years.

 Sandy Morris (Guitar)

 A mainstay of the Newfoundland music Scene for 30 Years, Sandy is considered to be one of our best and most versatile guitarists. A former member of legendary group The Wonderful Grand Band and musical composer and arranger for comedy troupe CODCO for many years, Sandy now runs his own recording studio. The Nickel Soundworks, in St. John’s.

 Derek Pelley (Electric Bass)

 Derek's performing roots go back to quite a number of St. John's rock bands of the 60's & 70's Instrumental in the in the folk music revival of the mid 70's a founding member of Figgy Duff, Derek has also toured and recorded with Red Island and Rawlin’s Cross. Derek recorded a solo album at
Dave Pegg's Woodworm Studio in England.

For bookings and information contact 
 Send email to Kelly Russell
Back to Pigeon Inlet Homepage