Ministry of Soul
Name: Jonathan
Role: Bass
Experience: Jonathan trained at Birmingham Conservatoire and has played bass in national touring shows at Ronnie Scotts, in Pantomime for First Family Entertainments, for the CBSO and has been gigging since the age of 15 in a wide variety of original and function bands. He has played in venues across the country from working men’s clubs to London theatres, the Jam House in Birmingham and Old Trafford football ground. When not getting into the groove with the Ministry of Soul Jonathan plays in shows and teaches music and photography.
Musical Influences: James Jamerson, Bernard Edwards, Marcus Miller and anything funky with a good groove.
Favourite Album: Hatful of Hollow by The Smiths
Band member most likely to ... spend ages adjusting his amp settings for the perfect bass sound
Name: Geoff
Role: Trumpet
Experience: Since his early brass band days Geoff has rarely ventured far from his trumpet. With over 100 shows under his belt, both as player and MD, performances ranging from Bach to Basie, in locations from Derwent Dam to Dubai he has covered a wide range of styles. Geoff is also lead trumpet with the Terry Peters Big Band and he has worked with the Sticky Wicket Swing Orchestra, and performed as a soloist on piccolo trumpet.
Musical Influences: Maynard Ferguson, Wayne Bergeron, Maurice Andre, Tower of Power and Earth Wind & Fire
Favourite Album: Ennea/Pure Music by Bill Chase
Band member most likely to ... play too high!
Name: Lyndsay
Role: Vocals
Experience: Lyndsay has been performing for ove 20 years in a variety of projects from choirs to live bands. Having found her voice in a Nottingham gospel choir, she progressed to singing both backing and lead vocals in bands mostly with a focus on soul / motown / disco / pop. She has performed at venues ranging from local festivals to the Birmingham National Indoor Arena with an award winning artist at the Brit Asia Awards.
Musical Influences: Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake
Favourite Album: Thriller by Michael Jackson
Band member most likely to ... take home some lost property after a gig
Name: Richard
Role: Keyboard
Experience: Richard is the keeper of the keys to the ministry and the younger brother to musical maestro David. Richard, also classically trained has over 20 years experience in a number of function bands Richard has travelled and played at some of the best pubs, clubs, hotels and venues this country has to offer and include Birmingham's ICC and the National Motorcycle Museum.
Musical Influences: Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Earth Wind and Fire, The Beatles, Elvis, Oscar Peterson and Nat King Cole
Favourite Album: Off The Wall by Michael Jackson
Band member most likely to ... be in a kebab shop at the end of a gig!
Name: Dave
Role: Guitar and Vocals
Experience: David is a classically trained guitarist and first hit the stage aged 12. At just 15 he joined The Dream Factory who were the biggest unsigned band in the West Midlands at the time and had a hit single with 'Wine and Roses' which was critically acclaimed by Elton John and Paul Weller. David has played in a number of professional bands, theatre shows and at prestigious venues including Ronnie Scotts, The Jam House and The Banquesting House London. He has undertaken recording sessions playing incidental music for the BBC show 'Vets in the Wild' and on two albums for jazz saxophonist Julian Smith.
Musical Influences: Paul Weller, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, The Small Faces, Jeff Beck and Segovia!
Favourite Album: The Gift by The Jam
Band member most likely to ... to be told to turn down!
Name: Nigel
Role: Drums
Experience: Nigel has toured with many professional artists including Wham! and Grammy award winner Albert Lee. When he is not making sweet soul music with Ministry of Soul, he can also be found playing at summer festivals with 80s ska legends The Beat.
Musical Influences: Country, Soul, Funk and anything that's played well.
Favourite Album: 5th Gear by Brad Paisley
Band member most likely to ... make the most noise!
Name: Janine
Role: Vocals
Experience: Janine loved to sing from an early age and learnt how to harmonise in her bedroom listening to Whitney Houson records. She started writing her own songs at the age of 12 and has had experience in performing at various events, carnivals, clubs, both solo and with live bands. From providing backing vocals at the Brit Asia Music Awards to playing Motormouth Maybelle in the Nottingham Operatic Society's rendition of the musical Hairspray.
Musical Influences: Whitney Houston, Mary J Blige, Faith Evans, Mariah Carey, Deborah Cox, Amy Winehouse, Adele and Beyonce.
Favourite Album: Whitney by Whitney Houston
Band member most likely to ... wear gorgeous but uncomfortable shoes.
Name: Paul
Role: Tenor Saxophone
Experience: 10 years with Dance Stance (Atherstones finest ever band), even more years with the mighty Groovy Gang.
Musical Influences: The Crusaders, King Curtis, Maceo Parker and Kajagoogoo.
Favourite Album: Songs In The Key of Life by Stevie Wonder
Band member most likely to ... be in the bar or go walkabout up a mountain
Name: Sarah
Role: Vocals
Experience: Sarah has been singing since the age of 16 in live rhythm and blues covers band and accoustic acts performing live lounge style covers. Sarah has performed at a number of prestigious gigs including a Christmas party in Iceland for Google as well as corporate events for John Lewis and the White Company, as well as festivals.
Musical Influences: Fleetwood Mac, Bon Iver, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Laura Marling, Elbow, Arcade Fire
Favourite Album: Rumors by Fleetwood Mac
Band member most likely to ... get lost!
