"I started on guitar at age 14 when some mates suggested putting a band together at high school. After playing covers of whatever was on the radio (generally badly!), I first discovered the blues listening to those late sixties white players - Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter, Jeff Beck, Duane Allman, and many others".

"Listening to these exciting electric styles became a major influence and it was a huge challenge to copy the rich vocabulary of the many contemporary blues players. In 2000 I approached some old musical mates and suggested that we form a band that would only play the blues. After one rehearsal it became obvious that the idea would work."

The Courier
Dec 2005

"I started my playing too many years ago. I was influenced by my parents being muso's so I just got interested at an early age. My early playing was dance-hall music all around the countryside with the Embassy Orchestra, but also doing the garage band thing with some school mates - playing fétes, parties etc."

"I was influenced by a lot of different styles at the time and started listening to artists like John Mayall, Cream, Johnny Winter which was probably my introduction to the blues.Since then I have played in both covers and original bands playing Jazz, Rock, Latin, R&B, and the Blues. 4 The Blues is like going full circle - linking up with Kim Sumner whom I started out with in the early days jamming in bedrooms, garages and cellars."

"I have been playing in bands for about 10 years doing a lot of Rock, Grunge and Heavy Metal. 4 The Blues has been my first experience in playing Blues influenced music and my musical sensibilities have been forever turned upside-down."

"There is something so rewarding about playing a good, solid groove no matter how simple the technique required. 4 The Blues represents the most fun I've ever had with a Bass since I began learning, and our album "I Am a Tree" is not only a milestone for the band and the level we've worked towards - it is also the first recording I am genuinely proud to be on and (I hope) marks my coming of age as a player and songwriter."

"I actually started out playing Rhythm Guitar in a pop covers outfit back in the sixties. I was introduced to the idea of playing keyboards as a result of playing in this band and have been doing that ever since. The approach to play with 4 The Blues sort of dragged me out of semi-retirement because the music is so interesting."

"I've always loved piano players like Dr John and Ray Charles but haven't had much chance to play this type of music exclusively so this has been a great opportunity to get better acquainted with the Blues. There's so much more satisfaction in playing music that has real passion and the fact that this band is interested in pushing the envelope really appeals to me."