Gasoline & Matches

Gasoline & Matches are a high energy, multi-award winning, dual fronted British band combining close harmonies, melodic guitar licks and serious musicianship. Fronted by Birmingham natives Sally Rea Morris and Stephen Marks, they are fierce entertainers known for their tongue-in-cheek and much-loved song "Never Have I Ever" described by Bob Harris as “Clever, funny, totally original…and it’s Country!” They built momentum after multiple spins on BBC Radio 2, and never fail to get festival goers on their feet to participate in the infamous drinking game which inspired the song. As resident hosts of Nashville Sounds in the Round, their Bluebird Cafe style songwriter round at Birmingham Symphony Hall, it’s clear to see their contribution & influence on Country and Americana music in the Midlands.

Sarah Jory

Sarah Jory is a pioneering steel guitarist and vocalist whose career began remarkably early. She picked up her first steel guitar at the age of five and was already appearing on BBC Radio 2 by nine, performing with the band Poacher. Around the same time, she joined Colorado Country, later renamed Sarah and the Colorado Country, balancing professional touring with her schooling. At just eleven years old, she released her debut album Sarah’s Steel Line, marking the start of an extraordinary career. By her early teens, Sarah was performing internationally, including appearances at major US steel guitar conventions alongside legends such as Buddy Emmons. Over the years, she has worked with artists including Ricky Skaggs, Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers, Charlie Pride, and The Bellamy Brothers. A multi-award winner with the British Country Music Association, Sarah later toured with Eric Clapton and was a member of Van Morrison’s band from 2006 to 2012, appearing on several acclaimed recordings.

Martin Harley

Martin Harley, hailed as a “slide guitar master” (Roots Magazine), blends Americana, Blues, and Folk. For three decades, he’s captivated audiences and recorded acclaimed albums in Texas, Nashville, and Wales, earning praise as one of the UK’s top roots musicians. His sold-out shows at venues like London’s Union Chapel and appearances at Glastonbury and the Royal Albert Hall highlight his dynamic stage presence. His music has featured on TV shows like The Vampire Diaries and Banshee and in live segments on PBS’s Music City Roots. Harley has collaborated with icons like Jerry Douglas and Grammy winner Derek Mixon, and his album Static in the Wires reached #2 on the iTunes Blues charts. His latest release, Morning Sun, produced by Nigel Stonier, showcases his finest songwriting to date, with inventive contributions from Michael Blair, Mark Lewis, and Chris (CJ) Hillman. Harley’s heartfelt music continues to push boundaries in contemporary roots.

Ben Smith

Ben Smith is a versatile guitarist, singer, and songwriter, widely recognised as one half of the folk/country duo Smith & Brewer. The duo are known for their strong harmonies, thoughtful songwriting, and a sound rooted in traditional folk and country influences while retaining a contemporary edge. Alongside his work as a recording artist and performer, Ben is a highly respected session musician, regularly recording and performing on guitar and pedal steel across a wide range of projects. His sensitive playing style and deep understanding of tone and arrangement have made him a trusted collaborator for artists in both studio and live settings. Ben is also well known in the guitar community for his work as a guitar demonstrator for the Andertons YouTube channel, where his clear, musical approach has helped introduce thousands of players to new instruments and gear. Through this role, he has worked closely with many leading guitar manufacturers, including Auden, Martin, Yamaha, PRS, and others, showcasing instruments with both technical insight and real-world musicality. In addition, Ben is a returning guest for Nashville Sounds, having previously appeared ahead of the Transatlantic Sessions, further cementing his reputation as a respected voice within the contemporary roots and Americana scene. Whether performing, recording, or demonstrating instruments, Ben brings a consistent focus on musicality, craftsmanship, and authentic expression.

John Connearn

John Connearn, otherwise known as ‘Digital John’, is a guitarist, composer, producer, and presenter from the United Kingdom. John is a prolific guitarist in the contemporary scene, releasing music that has caught the attention of the modern musician community. From acoustic solo work, to complex electronic guitar tracks, John’s versatility and competence has led him to collaborate with musicians and brands in all areas of the guitar world. John is a presenter for Andertons Music Co. and Neural DSP, providing educational content for products, tone tutorials, and wider musical demos online. John continues to release music and perform worldwide, whilst collaborating with an ever-growing list of musicians and brands, such as: Disney, The BAFTAs, Plini, Nick Johnston, BAXTY, Anika Nilles, Gibson, Taylor Guitars, Elixir Strings, and Victory Amplification.