Formed in 1990, Straight Eight, an exciting Soul and R & B band promise a highly enjoyable show appealing to all. With a distinctive full-blooded horn section, initially the band played classics from the golden era of Soul, including tracks made popular in the ‘Blues Brothers’ and ‘Commitments’ movies. More recently, they have extended the repertoire by applying their special treatment to funkier numbers from the seventies to the noughties, along with some gems that you’d forgotten!
They have impressed at many high-profile events – awards evenings, college balls, dinner dances, charity events, parties, weddings, clubs – from Newquay to Newcastle, and are equally at home playing at a Park Lane Hotel or in the garden of your local pub. Prepare to be entertained!
Let’s meet the band…..
Lee (AKA ‘L.A.’)- Vocals
The exciting and effervescent Lee is mad as a box of frogs but with a matching energy second to none! We daren’t give him a radio mic as we would never be sure he would make it back to the stage! Sublime lead and backing vocals – just wind him up and watch him go!
Vikkie – Vocals
Known as “The Enforcer” Vikkie has a massively powerful voice ranging from a soft purr on tickover to an ear-splitting rockchick belter capable of crushing eardrums at fifty paces when the taps are turned up!
Demonstrating an incredible vocal range, her training in the performing arts has certainly not been wasted, although as choreographer her infinite patience is tested when dealing with the eight left feet of the horn section!
Jim – Guitar
The wild man of rock founder member Jim brings with him a wealth of experience and guitar expertise. Jim has played in all manner of styles over the years and the rest of the band are convinced that he has more than the normal compliment of digits to enable him to play such incredible guitar solos. Jim has only recently re-joined the band after spending a year dead for tax reasons (like his idol Hotblack Desiato of the band Disaster Area) or possibly he was detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure – whatever the reason, welcome back Jim!
A massive musical talent, give him a high six next time you see him!
Grant – Drums
Though Grant cites his influences as master percussionist luminaries like Ginger Baker, John Bonham, Ian Paice, Keith Moon etc., he worships one above all others. Who? why, Animal from the Muppets of course!
Well, we’ve seen Grant leaping over his kit after completely smashing ‘Wipeout’, but we’ve never seen Baker and co. or Animal even attempt it, we think that says something….
Nick – Saxophone
A founder member of STRAIGHT EIGHT, Nick is also the self-styled Musical Director often, however, referred to by the rest of the band as the “Obergruppenfuhrer”. He can be blamed for the majority of arrangements for the band.
His favourite instrument is the baritone sax and he loves the unique sound that the unusual line-up of the Straight Eight horn section produces.
Nick has been playing saxophone for over 40 years and his playing is as precise today as the first time he ever picked up the saxophone!
Gary – Trombone
Don’t let Captain Happy’s taciturn expressions put you off – he really is enjoying himself! The powerful sound of founder member Gary’s bass trombone is one of the most recognisable elements of the STRAIGHT EIGHT sound.
He is without doubt the best trombonist in the band!
Dick – Trumpet
Dick is a real life “Joey the Lips” having played trumpet with an incredible number of famous acts throughout the years (and also owning a small scooter)! One of the original horn section of Graham Parker and the Rumour, Dick is often seen on stage with Suzie Quatro and recently with the Osmonds. A fantastic jazz, rock, blues and soul trumpeter, Dick is a true musician’s musician and we are lucky to have him. His only worry is that one day he might have to get a real job!