Without doubt the rhythm section of any band is the engine that powers everything else from within. That being the case, you would expect the BSBB to have a 7.2 litre Chrysler power-plant (as powers our MD's dream car, the Jensen Interceptor Series 3....!) You would not be mistaken, since the noisy people provide just that function here: they are Flo(rian) Cooper (bass guitar), Ben George (guitars of all kinds and webmaster), Nathan Steele (piano) and Matt Birkett (drummer-in-chief). These fine men are ably assisted by our other drummers Neil Waring and James Knight, and guitarists Massimo Guida. Once in a while the MD himself is allowed on the piano .... but only rarely now. Just like all the other sections, members of this section honestly believe they comprise the best department - and since Flo was in a previous life a trombonist, he believes he speaks with authority on this. The rest of the Band is not convinced...

David Pickthall

The Rhythm Section has recently undergone some quite considerable growth in size since the summer break. We are now a 3 guitar, bass, piano and 3 drummer strong section. We are the driving force behind the band and with such a selection of fine musicians it is hardly surprising.

Firstly on Bass, Florian Cooper; Flo to his friends. I suspect that this man could pick up most instrument on planet Earth and play it with ease. He is a former trombonist for big band and also plays piano and Cello. He has made a name for himself amongst the band not only by his fine playing but also his witty sense of humour and character.
On Guitars we have section leader Ben George, often referred to as Eric Clapton/Carlos Santana junior when our own versions of ‘Layla’ and ‘Smooth’ are played…need I say more??! This man plays with passion and dedication and clearly enjoys playing such a fine instrument. He took over as lead & Rhythm guitar this year since his predecessor George Rockett finished his time with us and is now at university. We also have Massimo Guida who has been playing with the Big Band since 2006. Massimo is a well established player and a very fine overall musician. In his spare time Massimo enjoys arranging many pieces for the Big Band, this is fantastic as every band need it's own arranger and with our MD being such a busy man more than one is great! Massimo contribted a large role in our lastest CD "Smooth" both in the production and playing the guitar, his mother is also a fine chef and her famous chocolate brownies always ups morale at every concert!

Our Pianist, also a new addition for September 06, Nathan Steele has taken over the reigns from Jeremy Watson. He has already proved his outstanding flair for the piano and on occasion will allow our director to play a tune! Nathan has seamlessly integrated into the Big Band playing our repertoire with considerable ease!

Finally onto the best instrument, Drums (As I my self play them)! On drums we begin with longest serving member, Matt Birkett. Matt is in his 3rd year in the band and is well known for his clever fills and extreme loudness and all round talent! We are lucky to have him and his beautiful pearl export kit!! Next James Knight who joined us just before the summer break 06, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table and is the only drummer in the section actually able to sight-read drum music at a fast enough pace to play it at the same time! We look forward to seeing him grow in confidence and enjoying all that big band has to offer. Chris Welch join the Big Band in early 2007. He has been playing the drums for 10 years and played a big part in our lastest cd "Smooth". Finally me, Neil Waring, I have played drums for about 3 years and am in my 2nd year of big band. I have thoroughly enjoyed being ‘thrown in at the deep end’ so to speak and feel that big band has enabled me to become a more skilled and experienced player. I have recently turned my hand to singing with the band look forward to many more noisy, fun years in big band.

Neil Waring

www.bsbigband.co.uk

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