The Banjo Mechanics began in 1995 when Ian Pattison and Lewis Melville laid their banjos down on the highway and successfully subdued a herd of stampeding tractor-trailers.
Considered by many to be one of Canada’s top banjo makers, Ian has handcrafted conventional and unusual instruments for artists as diverse as the Great Lake Swimmers and Mali’s Jah Youssouf for almost four decades.
Lewis Melville is a long time advocate and performer of alternative pop, country roots, and experimental music, his banjo and pedal steel playing can be heard in unexpected places, including on recordings by many well-known Canadian bands (Skydiggers, barenaked ladies, Cowboy Junkies, Grievous Angels, Kim Stockwood, the Waltons, 13 engines, the Bourbon Tabernacle Choir, Tannis Slimmon, Rheostatics, the Woodshed Orchestra, Jah Youssouf, and others).
