For the last three decades, audiences have warmed to the band's easy-going and informative presentation and the verve, musicality and good humour of our music.
John Russell, acoustic rhythm guitar and vocals: John's driving rhythmic guitar style belongs firmly in the Swing Jazz tradition where rhythm guitar is central to the pulse of the music for musicians, listeners and dancers, John has specialised in the art of rhythm playing and has accompanied many famous British and visiting foreign musicians. He is a former member of the Scottish Jazz All Stars. Although specialising in swing music, John plays with many different groups and being born to an Italian mother, has a special penchant for traditional Italian songs. John was the founder of the band back in 1980 and is also the band vocalist.
Dick Lee, clarinet, bass clarinet, recorder, soprano saxophone: Dick plays all kinds of music with all kinds of groups, ranging from performances of the 20th century classical repertoire to concerts and broadcasts with groups such as Swing 2009, La Banda Europa, Dick Lee Septet, and the Classic Jazz Orchestra. In 2002 he received a Creative Scotland Award from the Scottish Arts Council, and was the winner of the 2008 Composers! Competition run by the Scottish Centres of Musical Excellence. He is the son of Peggy Lee, but not that Peggy Lee.
Roy Percy, double bass: Roy Percy has been a professional musician for over twenty years. He has appeared in bands ranging in style from the New Orleans tradition to Swing, Big Band and Jump-Jive. As well as touring UK and European Festivals, Roy has been a frequent transatlantic visitor, appearing at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee; L.A.'s 'Sweet and Hot' Festival; Canada's Victoria Jazz Festival, and just about anywhere else you would care to mention. Nearer home, he has backed many visiting international jazz musicians at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival including Duke Heitger; George Washingmachine; Evan Christopher, Bob Barnard and Marty Grosz. As well as jazz, Roy can also be found playing in Scottish Country Dance bands, Rock-a-Billy bands and as part of a group specialising in Italian love songs.
Stephen Coutts electric and acoustic guitars: Stephen's early musical life was spent studying Classical Violin. He brings the precise and disciplined technique of that study to his Jazz Guitar playing. He has established himself as a great exponent of American Jazz Guitar Style and is in great demand throughout the country. He has played with many of the Jazz Greats both in Europe and America - he was a close colleague of the late great Stephane Grappelli. His musicality is the envy of many musicians and his improvisation is profound and always beautiful. He is a musician's musician.
