Member bios:
Multi-instrumentalist Jake Edmonson studied music at Trinity College, London. He is a native Lancastrian who spent nine years sailing the seven seas, playing Tenor Sax on cruise ships. He also plays Alto Sax, Flute and Clarinet, bringing a wide range of sounds to the band. His approach to music is influenced by Joshua Redman, Charlie Parker and Phil Woods.
Originally from France, singer Gaia studied the piano and singing from the age of 10, moved to England in her early 20’s and in 2017 became a singing teacher at The Music Spot in Lancaster. Among her influences are Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Sia, Beyonce, Tina Turner and Lana del Rey.
Guitarist Tim Hickman grew up in the western United States and is (mostly) from Los Angeles. He studied music performance at the University of Oregon with Don Latarski. Later, he studied with Sid Jacobs in Los Angeles and Trefor Owen in Manchester. His influences include Pat Martino, Johnny Smith, Jim Hall and Kenny Burrell.
Bassist Ken Johnston is a Londoner by birth. He comes from a long line of musicians and has lived in Lancaster for 20 years, where he studied Bass with Laurence Canty. Among his influences are the Motown legend James Jamerson, King Oliver, Charlie Parker and Robert Johnson.
Drummer Richard Rushton comes from Australia and played in several pop, jazz and funk bands in Sydney before moving to Lancaster. Since 2011, he has played in the Lancaster-based jazz group, Swerve Trio. His playing is influenced by the drummers who played with Miles Davis over the years – Max Roach, Tony Williams, Jack Dejohnette and Al Foster – as well as Elvin Jones and Paul Motian.
