Tin Shed Rattlers

Rob Whitaker

I have had a connection with the Rattlers for 30 years. The original fiddle player, Ross Smithard, taught me some tunes and my family attended Downside dances many times.  I have had a connection with Noel Raynes through the old folk club sessions he held under the Civic Theatre in the late 1970's. Through the 1980's I had my own band "Uncle Bobs" and played in the Junee-Gundagai region. In recent times, I have been playing bluegrass guitar and mandolin and have had the fortune to meet many of the original musicians from southern USA. Butch Robins and Lonnie Hoppers were members of Bill Munroe's Bluegrass boys and I have been lucky to share music with them and make many friends.

I commenced playing with the Tin Shed Rattlers in 2004 and have enjoyed good company, great music and the privilege to make a lot of folks forget their blues and have a happy time dancing. Being a member of this musical group is something special and I will treasure every moment.

Instruments: I play a Washburn A Model mandolin and a beautiful Dave Freshwater Octave Mandolin made for me in Inverness, Scotland. Sometimes when Liz cannot play with us I will play some fiddle.

Favourite artists:  Stan Rogers, Kenny Baker, Ossian, Kevin Burke, Solas, Dry Branch Fire Squad.