The Players

Jonathan X. Coudrille has written words and music almost since he was conceived. He first broadcast at sixteen as a political satirist, then left Cornwall to travel the world, did so, came in contact with the Experimental Rock Underground, received the Melody Maker folk-rock top soloist award, was invited to give a master class at the Saint Petersburg Conservatoire and performed his Caballetta Suite for Spanish guitar in concert with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Festival Hall. Two decades playing with Russian and Gypsy ensembles infuse his vocals with smoky lyricism and add gravitas to his piano style.

Dave Painter, percussionist, who – inspired by Gene Krupa – has been playing professionally since the age of eight, drives the music along with the understated power of a Pierce-Arrow stretch limousine and – alas only in the studio and not on stage – startles with unconventional obligati, from an assault on a Cornish shovel with a four pound hammer to a haunting arpeggio on a selection of electrical scrap-iron with a wire brush.

Tony Apple, who has played for Joan Armatrading, is deeply steeped in the blues, wellspring of his earthy, angular improvisations on vintage Martin, slide and electric guitars and occasional piano and mandolin. His skills as recording engineer give distinction and cohesion to the band’s eclectic sound and he owns what may be the biggest collection of recorded guitar in the county.

Dickie Neville, as is evident from his blistering dexterity on the String Bass, studied the classical guitar to an advanced standard before falling in love with rhythm. He is equally at home with Modern Jazz and the folk roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll and has been chosen to back many visiting stars including Chuck Berry. Renowned for his wit, Dickie is the band’s dynamic anchor.