Fiddler Who Played Off Chest, Starred in 'The Bounty'

Barry Dransfield, a significant figure in the late 1960s English folk music revival, passed away at the age of 79. Alongside his brother Robin, he established a formidable reputation on the folk-club scene, with their first LP in 1970 earning Melody Maker's folk album of the year. Dransfield was known for his distinctive fiddle playing style, performing "off the chest" rather than on the shoulder, which allowed him to sing while playing.

He was a multi-instrumentalist, proficient on guitar, cello, and dulcimer. His career included contributions to historic folk albums like Shirley Collins' 'No Roses' and the folk-rock compilation 'Morris On'. Despite international fame looming with a US Warner Brothers' contract, Dransfield declined the offer, leading to the duo's split and subsequent solo careers.

Dransfield also ventured into acting, famously portraying The Blind Fiddler in the 1984 film 'The Bounty,' starring alongside Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins. He later released several solo records featuring his compositions and diverse musical interpretations. He eventually settled in Barnstaple, North Devon, after living in Brittany for a period.