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"Superb - a thoroughly modern mix of jazz and blues, combining a sense of history with their own contemporary influences." Blues Matters
"One of the finest guitar-based blues and roots bands in the world." Time Out
More reviews...
Rob Koral - electric guitar
Co-leader of the band (with Zoë), Rob is originally from a rock and
blues background. He has since made his name on the British jazz scene,
having performed with Jim Mullen, Django Bates, Bill Bruford, Tim
Garland, Dave O'Higgins, Ainsley Dunbar and Sue Hawker. He has appeared
on television in The Old Grey Whistle Test, The James Whale Show and
Good Morning Australia and in festivals in Brecon, the Isle of Wight,
Glasgow, Edinburgh, Jersey, Marlborough and Birmingham.
Zoë Schwarz - vocals
Zoë's formal classical background included studying with Esther
Salaman and passing Royal Academy exams in singing, piano, clarinet and
theory, eventually gaining a BA (hons) degree. Zoë has headlined at
Ronnie Scott's, The Vortex, Dean Street, and at festivals all over the
UK. She has performed with an extraordinarily wide range of musicians
including Harrison Birtwistle, Emma Kirkby, Scott Stroman and Keith
Tippett. She has been writing both lyrics and music since the age of
seven and is gaining a fine reputation for her work internationally.
Zoë's collaborations with Rob Koral have produced eleven songs for
this album.
Pete Whittaker - Hammond organ
London-based jazz organist Pete Whittaker became fascinated with the
Hammond organ after hearing the classic 1960s jazz recordings by the
likes of Jimmy Smith, Richard 'Groove' Holmes, and Jack McDuff. Recent
recording projects include UK saxophonist Theo Travis's Double Talk and
guitarist John Etheridge's Blue Spirits. Pete is also regular member of
the Jonny Boston Quartet and the Nigel Price Trio.
Stephen Darrell Smith - Hammond organ and backing vocals
Steve has played keyboards with Roger Daltrey, Robert Plant, Lulu, Greg
Lake, and Gary Moore. He has run his own recording studio for 25 years
and his engineering credits include Chrissie Hinde and Paul Young. He
produced Sandi Thom's UK no. 1 single I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker in
2006. Steve is also a successful songwriter and record producer and has
lectured in sound production and recording techniques at Salisbury
College and Bournemouth University.
Malcolm Creese - double bass
Malcolm leads the innovative trio Acoustic Triangle - alongside Tim
Garland and Gwilym Simcock. He has worked with Cleo Laine, Lee Konitz,
George Shearing, George Benson, Johnny Griffin, Mel Tormé, Junior
Mance, Kenny Wheeler, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Mose Allison, Georgie Fame,
Sting, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart, The Divine Comedy, Depèche Mode,
John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra. Malcolm has played on
numerous television and film soundtracks including Lord of the Rings,
Cold Mountain and G.I.Jane.
Dave Wallace - drums
Originally from London, Dave is a prolific session player. He was
working professionally at just 13 and has since played for headline acts
at virtually every major arena & festival in the UK. Dave has also
worked extensively in theatre and television as well as recording
countless albums in a wide range of genres. Dave has toured regularly
with David Essex since 1990.
Si Genaro - harmonica and backing vocals
Si is the mild-mannered yet mysterious harp player in the band. Formed
mainly from hydrogen atoms and powered by steam and alchemy, he was
found in a swamp in the mid '80s and answered only to the name Elias.
Now almost fully recovered, he has mastered several words in the English
language and his care worker is pleased with his progress. Si has been
playing harmonica for 20 years; when not doing this he enjoys stealing
fast cars. He once met Larry Adler and can burp the alphabet.
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