Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra are one of the hardest working bands in the UK roots circuit, with thousands of touring miles under their belts. Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, they have earned themselves a sizeable fan base in the UK, Europe and beyond, playing their own brand of Western Swing, Blues, Gypsy Jazz and Country, or “North Eastern Swing” as they've coined it.
Their style is more eclectic than most, influenced by early 20th century American music, with the addition of “razor-sharp” solos, great arrangements and original songs; their music harks back to a golden age whilst staying perfectly modern. The songs are penned by Rob Heron, a crazy fool for country music and a full time dandy-cowboy. His songs are full of character, satire, and good old fashion hollerin’.
The band, a hot six-piece, features Stromness' own Colin Nicholson (accordion) Ben Fitzgerald (guitar), Tom Cronin (mandolin), Ted Harbot (double bass), and Paul Archibald (drums).
Their two albums, Money Isn't Everything (2012) and Talk About The Weather (2014) both caused a sensation when released, winning hosts of rave reviews – many of them 5-star.