Artist description Show Of Hands create their own unique musical style by combining the melodic and narrative strengths of English and Celtic traditional music with instruments and textures from other traditions.

Music Style Folk Rock with a traditional feel but a modern approach

Artist History Steve and Phil met as teenagers while playing in different bands in the Devon city of Exeter where they grew up. They eventually got together and for a short period played in pubs and clubs, even undertaking a disastrous tour of Sweden the summer they were 16. As school finished, their lives went separate ways. Steve went to university in Coventry, collected a degree and teaching qualifications and ended up in London playing music in a rock band in his spare time. For Phil the leap to professional musician was immediate. Throughout the years he played with many different people, including the Arizona Smoke Review and then from 1984 with the Albion Band.In the mid 1980’s, as Steve returned to live in the West Country, he and Phil got together casually to play a few shows. This continued until 1991 when it became obvious that the partnership had the potential to become a full time career. Phil left the Albion Band and Show Of Hands was born.

Group Members Show Of Hands are songwriter Steve Knightley and multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer.

Instruments Their instruments include the cuatro from South America, the cello-mandolin from Eastern Europe, the slide guitar from the USA, and the mandolin from Italy), along with traditional guitar and harmonicas.

Albums Show Of Hands (00), Dark Fields(98), Live at the Royal Hall (97), Lie Of the land (97), LIVE (92), Backlog 1987-91 (91)

Press Reviews Yorkshire Evening Press -- 'Stunning! Acoustic duo Steve Knightley and Phil Beer on top form with their latest album, which comes complete with songbook. Two more memorable characters can now be added to Knightley's rogues gallery: the Cornish miner in Cousin Jack; and the Poacher in Longdog, which rattles along with Beer on fiddle...' ---- Tony Slinger, Venue Magazine -- 'When you pick up a SOH album, you automatically expect top quality songs, stunning vocals, wonderful harmonies and breathtaking instrumentals - which must make it very hard for Steve Knightley and Phil Beer to make each album better than the previous one. The subtle use of studio guests...adds that something extra, but when it comes down to basics, it is the sheer musical quality of Show of Hands that makes all the difference. Songs include a superb version of Nic Jones' Warlike lads of Russia, the brilliant Bristol Slaver and Bob Dylan's Farewell Angelina. Definitely the best of their many superb albums.'

Location London - United Kingdom

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