Listen out for Back Porch Bluegrass on radio FreeFM - a celebration of bluegrass music.
Using his own vast archive of CD's and vinyl records, Hamilton Country Bluegrass Band legend Paul Trenwith has produced Back Porch Bluegrass to feature a wide range of the genre's best performers.
Paul hasalways been an enthusiastic advocate for and promoter of bluegrass music, and when the opportunity for a radio show came up, he decided there was no better time than now.
The show includes tracks from classic bands, the traditional stylists and contemporary groups as well as some 'roots' bluegrass and newgrass. New Zealand and Australian bluegrass gets an airing, and every show will include some of his favourites such as Doyle Lawson, Laurie Lewis, Rhonda Vincent, Flatt and Scruggs, Blue Highway, Ricky Skaggs and maybe even the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band.
Paul is a founder member of the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band, playing banjo and occasionally singing harmony parts. With the HCBB, with famous, fiddle-playing wife Colleen, he featured in the very successful Country Touch TV series, and toured with the band throughout NZ in1969-70. In 1971, the band ventured to Australia, where they played in concerts and toured with the Slim Dusty Show, throughout NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory, as well as participating in Slim's recording sessions.
In 1971 the band visited the US, appearing on the Grand Ole Opry and at a couple of major bluegrass festivals.
Paul still plays many gigs and helps fellow musicians whenever he can.
He is a member of the Morrinsville Country Music Club, and frequently plays in their monthly club nights as part of the band. He has become something of a musical 'jack-of-all-trades', featuring on banjo, dobro, pedal steel and rhythm guitar. He also plays double bass in the Hamilton-based Irish band 'Reelmen' at parties, celebrations and Irish dances.
Paul's four sons are all talented musicians, and Paul enjoys playing music with them. Currently a trio with Sam (guitar, harmonica, song-writer and vocalist) and Tim (double bass and vocals) with Paul on banjo is popping up to play music at various gatherings, featuring a diverse range of music from pop-chart derivatives to Sam's songs to old-time bluegrass.
Paul recently retired from his construction industry management job, in order to spend time teaching all acoustic instruments and to play his music.
