MARTIN WARNE, lead vocals and rhythm guitar.
I’m a Bridport based singer and guitarist. My musical career began in Brighton, East Sussex, singing and studying piano. I took up the guitar, inspired by the bands of the 60s and 70s, from R&B, classic and progressive rock, through to the works of Bob Dylan and Fairport Convention.
I played a few gigs, with mainly self-composed songs, in the Sussex area. I then moved with my family to the West Country in 1979.
I joined Smile and Wave in 2016 with Mike Smithwick, playing in local venues. In early 2024, Mike and I formed the NEW TRICKS trio with bass guitar player Jim Cook.
MIKE SMITHWICK, lead guitar and vocals.
Indulging my love of guitar playing for many years, I’ve gathered inspiration from many artists, ranging from Bert Jansch and John Martyn through to Mark Knopfler and David Gilmour.
Playing in various bands over the years has led me to my recent involvement with Smile and Wave, a duo comprising m
yself and fellow music lover and friend Martin Warne, and we are currently playing with NEW TRICKS where we’ve been joined by the excellent Jim Cook on bass guitar.
We play extensive local gigs, performing songs from some of our favourite musicians, from the gentler sounds of Tom Waits and Neil Finn, to the more energetic sounds of Dire Straits, Tom Petty and Joe Bonamassa – something for everyone!
JIM COOK, bass guitar.
My obsession with music started when I went to live performances by early Rock’n’Rollers including Gene Vincent, Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, and later, UK Rhythm and Blues groups: Cyril Davis, Long John Baldry, the Rolling Stones, Georgie Fame, Yardbirds, John Mayall and the original American Blues artists: Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, Bo Diddley and Howling Wolf.
All this great music inspired me to become a singer and harmonica player. It was pointed out that my talents might lay elsewhere! I tried bass guitar, and soon I was playing in several local bands.
UK Blues groups touring the country would regularly use local bands as support acts, and my band Whisker Davis Blues Stormers supported Alexis Korner, Graham Bond and PP Arnold. My next band, Spirit Level supported John Mayall’s Blues Breakers with Mick Taylor (soon to be a Rolling Stone) and Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac (three times!).
However, I skilfully avoided fame and fortune, and I am now enjoying playing a wide variety of music with my great mates NEW TRICKS! I hope you come and see us soon.
More info: https://www.jimcook1960s.co.uk/