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The two soon agreed that a band was a worthwhile project to reflect the exciting new material coming out of the US at that time, provided it presented a contemporary edge which would illustrate not only the instrumental talents of the band but also a distinctive vocal/harmony sound. Both Bernie and Mark were aware of the country music coming out of the USA and with common admiration for the work of artists like Vince Gill, Restless Heart and Desert Rose Band, and they decided that a band offering up-to-date material would be a good idea. Initially they formed a six piece, called The Natives, becoming a five piece, Trading With The Natives in early 1992, settling on a line up that featured a female vocalist.
The line up in 1992 was Nadine Smith (acoustic guitar and vocals). Nadine began singing in country bands when only 14 years old. She progressed quickly to front her own band ‘Nadine & Nebraska Falls’ where she gained invaluable experience performing regularly at country clubs throughout the home counties.  In 1989 Nadine contributed 1 track to a compilation EP titled Silver Heart Country 6-Pack. The track was Jagged Edge Of A Broken Heart, a hit for Gail Davies. Nadine’s association with the Natives started as sound engineer and although initially not actually a band member, she was able to develop her vocal technique and become more aware of the new artists and material emanating from the States. Soon, Nadine handled her vocal duties with ease and apart from adding much needed glamour to the line up, also significantly lowered its average age as well!
Barry ’Bazzer’ Smith (pedal steel guitar & fiddle). Barry joined the band in early 1992 when they became a five-piece. He was considered to be one of Britain’s premier exponents of the pedal steel guitar. Prior to joining the Natives, he had a long spell with Frank Jennings Syndicate, during which time he backed many famous international artists, performing on television and radio. Bazzer had also played at The Grand Ole Opry and was a popular player with many country fans at clubs throughout the country. Early highlights with the Natives included two appearances at the prestigious Pedal Steel Guitar Convention in Burghclere, Hampshire.
Steve Cox (drums) was a member of the Natives since day one. Steve’s playing career had been a varied one including 60’s and 70’s covers bands, rock ’n roll and country. Steve, or Mr. Cod as he was known to the band, has played with the Natives in Holland. The Joker in the pack, the rest of the Natives were convinced Steve was probably as nutty as a fruit cake. Sadly Steve passed away in October 2025 at the age of 76.
Mark Bickerstaffe (Lead guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin & vocals) Mark is a founding member of the Natives and has been playing since 1976. Mark’s first excursion into country was playing for Slowpoke a London based country rock outfit formed by Francis Kerr.  Slowpoke described themselves as successfully combining the excitement of rock ‘n’ roll with the tenderness of some of the best in country music. Their members were formerly with other band including Crayfish 8, Spirit of St Louis and The BiZness. Slowpoke were Duane Pype (guitar and vocals), Les Miserables (drums), Rich Head (guitar and vocals) and Wayne Kerr (bass and vocals). The band didn’t use their own names. Rich Head was Mark Bickerstaffe. After the demise of Slowpoke, Wayne Kerr (real name Francis Wooton) went on to join Steve Scott and Rio. As well as numerous deps and studio sessions, Mark has played in the States at the St. Louis International Steel Guitar Festival backing Gerry Hogan (along with Bernie). A great fan of harmony vocals, Mark’s voice convinced the band that an operation in his youth is to blame for his high range!
Bernie Taylor (bass and vocals) Bernie was a founding member of the Natives Bernie was an experienced player with countless recording sessions to his name. and was a member of Al Barrett’s Linemen for eight years as lead guitarist. He had recorded and performed in the USA on many occasions, playing in Nashville with the likes of Ray Flacke and in Texas with Herb Remington.
The band’s first cassette album Restless was released in January 1993. They also had one track, All The Right Places on the 1994 compilation album The Best Of New British Country – Declaration Of Independence. Mark and Nadine married in September 1996. They recorded a CD album called Return Of The Natives in c1997. Although never fully professional, the Natives did travel extensively from St. Austel in Cornwall to the Grand Ole Opry in Glasgow. Their distinctive contemporary country style was particularly well received in the concert clubs in the north of England.
By the turn of the 20th Century bookings were in decline and the Natives finally called it a day in 2010 when they appeared at the Ripley Castle Country Music Festival. By this time they had already launched a new band, called Sub Zero in the summer of 2009. It’s not a country band but they do have an extensive repertoire featuring popular music from the last 50 years. Nadine and Mark also perform as an acoustic duo with a leaning towards Americana and in a trio called Cold Harbour with their daughter Trinity playing a mixture of acoustic country and Americana. Sometimes Sub Zero and Cold Harbour play at the same event.
I videoed Trading With The Natives at Congleton CMC on 17^th February 1994, one of the northern concert clubs. Click here to see the whole video (2 hours 25 minutes).