The Band
The band are a strange breed, often found at the bar or scurrying towards a buffet...
Format consists of a combination of the following instruments
Steve (Guitar)
Steve started playing classical guitar at the age of 12 performing Bass in bands in the 70's. Steve has played in many show bands and has been teaching and composing for over 20 years. Steve has performed on numerous BBC and Channel 4 productions and is currently working on an album of original material.
Bob (Bass)
The son of a Professional Jazz Drummer, Bob's first interest in playing the guitar started at an early age and at 12 he was a very competent Classical guitarist. He progressed in his early 20s to playing bass guitar. Over the years he has played in a very wide range of bands, from country to heavy rock, and trad jazz. In the 80s he toured with the rock band Blade, and in the 90s with Trigger (Medicine Bow), the country band.
Ed (Drums)
Ed has been playing with Steve and Bob since the dawn of time. His favourite jazz drummers are Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Jack deJohnette, Billy Cobham and Brian Blade. Amongst his favourite albums are: Heavy Weather (Weather Report), Big Train (Wynton Marsalis) and Flow (Terence Blanchard)
Andy (Piano)
Originally did a Bachelor or Music Degree at University College, Cardiff, but I soon found that classroom teaching was too much like hard work, so ended up in the IT industry.
Since then, I have played in a huge variety of bands - jazz, blues, soul, funk - even a Madness tribute band for a very short while - and also taught a few students in my spare time. When the opportunity arose to take early retirement, I decided that it was too good an opportunity to miss, so now I can concentrate on music full-time, both teaching and playing. Influences are far too many and varied to mention!!
James (Sax)
James plays the alto, tenor and soprano sax. He has worked with Pee Wee Ellis (James Brown/Van Morrison/JB's) Scott Stroman and Jools Holland to name a few. He was a young jazz musician of the year finalist two years running. James studied at Leeds College of Music, Dartington College of Art. At the Guildhall School of Music and Drama he was taught by Jean Toussaint. James' playing style is influenced by Michael Brecker, David Sanborn, Bob Berg & John Coltrane.
Ian (Trumpet)
Ian discovered jazz at college, when he was supposed to be studying classical music. He started on trumpet but these days prefers the more mellow flugel horn. Along with contemporary jazz he can now be found playing in funk, blues, reggae and punk bands, as well as writing and recording his own stuff. His heroes include Chet Baker, Art Farmer and Gerard Presencer.