The New Generation...

Who's in the band? I hear you ask. From the original early seventies line-up, James Warren, Crun Walter and Mike Evans remain. In 1999, Messrs Warren, Walter and Evans were pleased to introduce John Miller on keyboards, Tim Robinson on drums and Richard Stubbings on keyboards and, well, just about any other instrument you care to think of ....

In the year 2000, John Miller, whose wonderfully inventive keyboard style added a certain 'je ne sais quoi' to the new band is stepping aside. John will still be involved with Stackridge in the future on the writing side and we all wish him well. When performing, John prefers the more relaxed atmosphere of the world of jazz. Watch out for John playing in pubs and clubs around London - his inventive style is always worth a watch.

For the run of gigs leading up to Cropredy 2000, Stackridge has been joined by Ian Towers on keyboards. A jazz stalwart, hailing from Bristol, Ian brings a wealth of talent and experience to the band. Head chorister at Well's Cathedral School, Ian went on to college to study classical double-bass technique. With the band since April, Ian's vocal and keyboard skills (and his wonderful organisational capacity ...) have considerablt enhanced the Stackridge live pewrformance.

Melifluous song-smith, James Warren, the powerhouse behind such wonderful new songs as 'Something About The Beatles' adds his dulcet vocal tones to the Stackridge front line. In the intervening Stackridge-free years, James has not been idle - he achieved chart success with The Korgis in the '80s and his ability as a sound engineer can be clearly heard in the finely crafted production of the new Stackridge offering on CD - Something For The Weekend.

The anarchic and salty wit of Mr Crun Walter is still very much in evidence. Listen to the humorous rock and roll spoof, Drinking And Driving on the new CD. Mr Walter is only to happy to lay down his builder's trowel to return to the bass guitar. "Better than fitting loo pans, any day," he quips, blithely.

The redoubtable fat man, Mr Mike Evans, returns to the fray, bringing an ecclectic array of violinistic influences to the top line. Hot club jazz, traditional celtic, American bluegrass and classical strains are all in evidence.

The easy, relaxed tones of Mr Towers vocalisation provides a pleasant contrast to Mr Warren's youthful and dulcet vocal renderings. His considerable keyboard skill fills out and strengthens the live sound of the new band.

Drummer Mr Tim Robinson joins Crun to drive along the rythmn. A clear, solid beat and precise articulation are the hallmarks of Mr Robinson's excellent drumming style. Not clockwork, but definitely regular, with that extra spring in the beat that really makes the rythmn pop and the song swing.

What can you say about Mr Stubbings, except that he is not Mr Warren's younger brother.... There is a wonderful delicacy about the colouring he provides on the top line of the new Stackridge sound. Richard features on keyboard, acoustic guitar, accordion and flute - not forgetting his fine harmony vocals.
Is there no end to this boy's talents?

This page was updated on October 17th, 2000 by Jennie Evans