Tracing the Rails Music

Pint an' a Reel

Like the rhythmic clatter of wheels on old iron rails, the music of Pint an' a Reel carries the soul of a journey. Born from a love of folk tradition and the rolling history of Britain’s railways, this Sussex-based band crafts evocative, bespoke compositions for Tracing the Rails—each tune a bridge between past and present.

Their music breathes life into the forgotten tracks we rediscover. As the series unfolds, so too will their soundtrack, set to be released at the end of Season One, a musical time capsule for every listener who longs for the romance of the rails.

Alan Knights

Ian Fyvie

Pint an' a Reel – Folk Music with a Railway Soul

Like the echo of a whistle through a misty station, the music of Pint an' a Reel carries a deep connection to tradition, storytelling, and the rhythm of the rails. Their journey began in 1990 at The Jolly Brewer in Brighton, where Ian Fyvie and Peter Smith first met—two musicians drawn together by a love of folk music, a well-poured pint, and the warmth of a good session. Their duo became a trio when they met Alan Knights years later at The Woolpack in Burgess Hill, where a circle of folk players gathered. Alan, a classically trained musician stepping into the world of folk, was captivated by the energy and camaraderie of the scene.

Their name, Pint an' a Reel, is an anagram of Ian, Alan, and Pete, perfectly capturing their spirit—part music, part mischief, and always rooted in good company. Regulars at The Round Georges in Brighton’s Kemptown, where they play most Tuesdays, they bring their signature mix of lively tunes and evocative ballads to audiences across Sussex and beyond.

But their passion isn’t just for music—it’s for railways, too. Ian is an active member of a Signal Box Preservation Society, with a particular fondness for wagons, while Alan fulfilled a lifelong dream by driving a steam train for his 60th birthday. When they heard about Tracing the Rails, they reached out to offer a song, and the rest, as they say, is history. Now, their bespoke compositions bring the lost railway lines of Britain to life, blending melody with motion, history with harmony.

At the end of Tracing the Rails Season 1, we plan to release the sound track, a musical time capsule capturing the soul of the journey. Until then, you can catch them live, pint in hand, keeping the folk tradition alive and well.

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