THE Crocker Brothers, one of the UK's premier acoustic bluegrass bands, return to the Milton Rooms Studio next month after their sell-out success there last year.

They combine virtuoso instrumental work with haunting close harmony vocals to capture the authentic 'brother duet' sound and pathos of early country music. Songs range from traditional standards to more contemporary originals featuring banjo, mandolin, guitar and bass.

As well as writing and performing their own material, the Crocker Brothers love to play the music of their favourite artists, including the Delmore Brothers, Stanley Brothers, Reno and Smiley, and Larry Sparks.

John and David Crocker have been playing and singing bluegrass music for more than 40 years. They have travelled a long way in their varied careers but still have their roots around York and East Yorkshire where they grew up.

John found early fame in the early 70s playing electric fiddle and mandolin as a founder member with Steve Harley of the hugely successful Cockney Rebel before the original band split up. He has written all the songs on the Brothers’ latest album, Originals Volume I.

David is also a man of many talents, dedicated to mastering several instruments and numerous styles: bluegrass banjo, classical banjo, classical guitar, bluegrass guitar and many more. But he is also a skilled craftsman and violin maker as well as a serious painter who has exhibited at the Medici Gallery in London. Many of his paintings feature the landscape of the East Yorkshire Wolds.

The trio’s line-up is completed by Alex Somerville on bass. Nobody is very sure how Alex does what he does on the bass, but whatever he's doing, it works every time. He also plays jazz bass as well as guitar, fiddle and mandolin.

Tickets (£9in advance or £10 on the door) are limited in the Studio so early booking is advised for the band on Friday, February 5 at 7.30pm, either through the Milton Rooms box office in Malton or telephone 01653 696240.