Rock

Thundering bass lines, not to mention Michael Anthony’s instantly recognisable backing vocals, play a crucial role in the unique sound of high-octane rockers Van Halen, a band that has been Michael’s musical home since their formation in the mid ‘70s. 

“The CP300 has proven to be a great keyboard to take on the road. It has better dynamics than any other keyboard I've used and the sampled grand piano is excellent. The built in speakers make it extremely useful as well because if I'm not getting enough piano in my stage monitors I can just turn the speakers on and it's sorted.” 

When he was young, Mickey Curry dreamed of being a top session player, like his heroes Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd and Jim Gordon. He’s achieved that aim, playing with many top artists over the past twenty years. But during that same time he’s also maintained a high-profile and fulfilling gig with Canadian rocker Bryan Adams.  

With recording, performance and co-writing credits as varied as Eric Clapton, Babyface, Al Jarreau and Phil Collins, Nathan East has deservedly gained a reputation as much for musical versatility as his profound skills on bass. Few players are in more constant demand. 

Anton was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and started playing the drums at age four. He moved to Boston in the USA when he was 17 and studied both jazz and classical music at the New England Conservatory, graduating in 1975. The following year he moved to New York and began making his name as a freelance musician. He soon met Letterman show MD Paul Shaffer on a session for Joan Armatrading, but it was almost ten years before he got the chance to join Shaffer on the Letterman show. 

Hailed as the Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic guitar, Antonio Forcione has a charismatic stage personality with the instinct of a musician determined to brush aside artificial barriers, creating an amazing fusion of emotional expression and formidable technique. 

Emerging from the vibrant late-1960s San Francisco East Bay music scene, the mighty Tower of Power eleven-piece soul-funk machine featured the famous Tower of Power horns and the devastating rhythm team of Francis ‘Rocco’ Prestia on bass and David Garibaldi, purveyor of some of the slickest funk beats ever heard. 

At just 21 years old, singer/songwriter Meinir Gwilym is one of the bestselling Welsh language artists ever. 

Hundred Reasons formed in late 1999 as an amalgamation of two bands sharing the same management. Early 2000 saw them with a similar worldview to every other unsigned band – dodgy gear, no money and no deal. 

Bert Jansch’s groundbreaking guitar playing, deep songwriting and dark vocals have entranced audiences for over 40 years. Famously admired by Jimmy Page and Neil Young, Bert’s more recent fans include Noel Gallagher, Jarvis Cocker and Bernard Butler.