The Musicians part 1

STEVE BROWNING – LEAD GUITAR/VOCALS:

Steve started playing the guitar in his early teens, and it wasn’t long before his natural talent for the instrument led to him joining The Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra, from where so many prominent musicians have emerged in recent years. He formed his own successful Jazz Trio in his native Gloucester, and then went on to study at the Leeds College of Music where he was awarded the prestigious jazz guitar prize. He played in a number of bands in the Leeds and Manchester areas during his studies there. After his graduation, Steve returned to Gloucester and joined one of the leading local outfits ' Bluesique', and the country rock group ' Sailing Shoes'. In the early 'nineties he joined the African jazz fusion band ' Baraka ',who enjoyed a good deal of success at some major music festivals including Glastonbury, Womad and the Sidmouth Folk Festival. He has also played in the ‘pit’ for theatre production companies associated with the West Yorkshire Playhouse [Leeds] and the Wyvern Theatre [Swindon]. Steve’s natural gift for his instrument enables him to perform at a high level in many different styles from Rock through Blues to Modern Jazz. He also plays a mean slide guitar. He currently teaches guitar at various schools in the Cheltenham area.

JULIE KIMBER – SAXOPHONE:

Julie is the youngest and most glamorous member of the Band. She has spent the last 6 years working professionally in Spain, Oman and Dubai with her long time partner Bryn Thomas in a highly successful duo known as “Sax ‘n’ Axe”. The prospect of a young family and a desire to settle in the UK has lead to Bryn following up his Teaching qualifications. This has enabled Julie to do more session and band work. She joined Otis’ band in September 2003. She is a very accomplished tenor/soprano sax player and clarinetist. Julie also teaches music and saxophone.