Simon 'Youngman' Smith, vocals:
It was indeed a no-brainer for Youngman to follow on his family’s tradition and be heavily involved in music in some form or fashion. This budding R&B sensation is the son of one of the worlds most prolific Drum n Bass turtablists, Simon ‘Bassline’ Smith who has encouraged his 20 year old son Simon ‘‘Youngman’ Smith to go ahead and live his dream. Growing up in a household where music was a constant, Youngman has been influenced by the best of the best and has been exposed to extensive genres. This exposure has been embedded in his personality and comes through in his artistry and his creativity.
www.myspace.com/officialyoungman
Simon Crick, trumpet:
Simon is a trumpet player currently studying the bmus 4 course at the Birmingham Conservatoire. His range, technical ability and understanding of a wealth of musical genres have made him one of the most sought after lead trumpet players in the city and beyond.
Lluis Mather, woodwind:
Lluis is one of the most in demand sax players around. With incredible control of his instrument he always delivers something special. Lluis has toured in a wealth of places including amsterdam, germany and toronto and he currently runs his own jazz quartet as well as being involved in a number of different projects. he is also a member of myjo.
Richard Foote, trombone:
Richard Foote is a character from Scotland. Currently in his 3rd year at the Birmingham Conservatoire he is wowing audiences with his charm and wit and also his undeniable talent at the trombone. Having played in big bands since he was a youngster Richard has a swinging, easy style adept to any situation. He is also a fabulous soloist. This guy is one to watch in the future!
Tom Durham, guitar:
Tom's influences include Hendrix, Bill Evans, RATM, Krantz/Carlock/Lefebvre, Phil Robson, The Smiths, Allan Holdsworth, Buckethead, and Frank Zappa. A fiery guitarist with an addiction to his rat pedal Tom Durham is a beastly player with attitude to match. He is currently involved in numerous different bands including Zappajazz, the Tom Durham trio and quartet and currently plans to start an organ trio.
www.myspace.com/tomdurhamgroup
Andy Bunting, keyboards MD:
Musical Director and arranger of the band, Andy is also a Birmingham based jazz pianist currently gigging around the country with his own band, and as a sideman to a number of different projects including the 'Ben Kane Sextet', 'John Flemming Quartet' and the 'Tim Thornton Quintet'. During his time at the birmingham conservatoire he was taught by some of the world's most prestigous musicians including liam noble, hans koller & Dave Holland. in 2007 He won the 'mike gibbs - bbc big band award' for composition & arranging.
Rob Anstey, bass:
Rob Anstey is a Trombonist and double bassist based in Birmingham.
Originally from Southampton, Rob moved to study jazz trombone at Birmingham Conservatoire where he also took up double bass.
A versatile, creative and open-minded musician he has played trombone with the Conservatoires UK big band, Sid Peacock's 'Surge'. He is a current member of the Mike Fletcher 'More or less ensemble' and has recently featured in the Birmingham Conservatoire Jazz Orchestra's tour led by Mike Gibbs.
On double bass he is a regular feature in many Birmingham based ensembles including the Ben Bryden Sextet who recently featured in the inaugural Dumfries Jazz Clamjamphrie, and has studied under Arnie Somogyi and Mark Hodgson.
John Randall, drums:
John Randall is a multi-award winning drummer and composer from London. His band features many of the rising stars of the UK jazz scene and their recent debut album ‘Insomnia’ (released by UK drumming legend Clark Tracey on his label TenToTen Records) has already gained wide critical acclaim and seen John land numerous awards for his music. These include the £4000 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award, The Dave Holland Jazz Ensemble Award, a Yamaha Scholarship for Outstanding Young Jazz Musicians and The John Mayer Memorial Award for Composition
Tom Chapman, percussion:
Tom Chapman is a drummer and multi-percussionist, originally from Bedford and now based in Birmingham, UK. Tom is predominantly known for his cajon-based percussion set-up playing with world and folk music artists but is also busy as a drum kit player on Birmingham’s vibrant jazz scene.
Whist studying on Birmingham Conservatoire’s jazz course, Tom had the opportunity to learn from drummers Tony Levin, Gene Calderazzo, Mal Garret and Jeff Williams, as well as receiving coaching from Hans Koller, Julian Seigel, Liam Noble and many others. A particular highlight of his time at the conservatoire was playing with Britain’s greatest jazz “ex-pat”, bass player Dave Holland. The Conservatoire also brought Tom into contact with ex-Albion Band fiddler Joe Broughton, establishing a long-standing musical relationship. Tom graduated in 2007 with first class honours and “The Principal’s award for outstanding contribution to the life of the Conservatoire”
in the short time since he left the Conservatoire, Tom has appeared as a session percussionist on over a dozen albums and has gigged extensively in the UK and Europe.