Claire Barker - Lead Vocals & Band Leader
Claire began singing aged 6 joining her first school choir and hasn't stopped since! Having been classically trained as a teenager Claire moved from opera to rock, to pop to soul and funk. Putting bands together at University as well as songwriting, recording and doing session work She has been singing in the area of Norwich for a decade. With 4 years as part of a duo and then 6 years singing in Norwich's The Lee Vasey Band. She has a huge amount of experience at function band gigs, weddings, parties, pubs and clubs she will endeavour to get you all on the dance floor! Soul music is her biggest influence and her love for it is evident in her performances. She will do whatever she can to make your wedding special happily going the extra mile. Claire is a fan of putting the talent in the band to the test, challenging them to play very musically complex songs and arranging unique arrangements to those songs you all love!
Claire also goes out solo in restaurants and wine bars and performs at wedding ceremonies as the Bride walks down the aisle and signing the register. Check out the solo website at www.clairebarker.com
Claire also goes out solo in restaurants and wine bars and performs at wedding ceremonies as the Bride walks down the aisle and signing the register. Check out the solo website at www.clairebarker.com
Josie Tate - Backing Vocals
Josie has been around on the Norwich music scene for 7 years. Providing backing vocals for The Emma Hall Band for over 4 years performing to audiences all over the county. Josie is passionate about her singing and she adds so much fun to the band with a great voice and fantastic percussion skills. Josie's natural ability to harmonise tightly with both Claire and John (guitar) means a strong three part harmony massively enhances the vocal sound of the band. You can also catch Josie as part of the Black Diamond Duo, a fantastic acoustic duo new to the city.
Andy Doyle - Bass
Andy has been playing bass for nearly 20 years with experience across a wide variety of different musical styles. Originally establishing himself on bass guitar for Norwich funk band The Persuaders in the early 1990’s Andy quickly developed interests in jazz and improvisational music, this lead him to take up double bass to better develop swing and a more organic approach. Nowadays Andy is equally at home on electric and double bass and works mainly as an in-demand sideman for live performance and recording. As well as the Claire Barker Band Andy’s current projects include The Paul Hill Trio, the Eddie Seals Band and the Ben Brown Quartet. Andy has played with many of the UK’s leading Jazz and Funk artists and has performed at both the London and Cheltenham International Jazz Festivals.
Pete Laurence-Couzens - Bass
Pete has been heavily involved in music most of his life doing world cruises, and playing with many function bands around the UK and abroad. He is far better known for his trombone playing but is also a very proficient bass player. Sadly we haven't mastered how to get him to play both at the same time! He brings his trombone along to gigs and will knock out an awesome solo when his hands aren't busy on the bass!
We are lucky enough to have Andy and Pete covering the bass chair in the band, with both of them being so busy, they share the role of The Claire Barker Band's bassist.
We are lucky enough to have Andy and Pete covering the bass chair in the band, with both of them being so busy, they share the role of The Claire Barker Band's bassist.
Andy Cooper - Hammond/Keyboard
Andy played for 20 years in and around the London music scene with a number of London’s top blues, soul and country bands, playing on two award winning CDs on the way. This resulted in regular appearances at the famous 100 Club in Oxford Street, music festival appearances around Europe and Scandinavia as well as UK TV and Radio work. Since relocating with his family to Norfolk Andy continues to perform live in addition to music production and recording in his home studio.
John McSkimming - Guitar
John was bought a guitar at the age of nine, but decided to really learn to play after seeing Jimi Hendrix on a 1960's television music show.
At seventeen he supported the Nashville Teens, who are known for their version of ‘Tobacco Road’, since when he has played with and supported the Kinks, Paul Young, Joe Jackson, Eddie Floyd ('Knock On Wood'), members of Madness and the Specials among others.
Touring and playing professionally during the 80's, he played live sessions on Radio 1 and at venues during the Cannes Film Festival, gained a recording and publishing deal with CBS (now Sony Music), and supported mod band Secret Affair on tour all over the U.K.
You can reach John through his website at www.johnmacguitars.com
At seventeen he supported the Nashville Teens, who are known for their version of ‘Tobacco Road’, since when he has played with and supported the Kinks, Paul Young, Joe Jackson, Eddie Floyd ('Knock On Wood'), members of Madness and the Specials among others.
Touring and playing professionally during the 80's, he played live sessions on Radio 1 and at venues during the Cannes Film Festival, gained a recording and publishing deal with CBS (now Sony Music), and supported mod band Secret Affair on tour all over the U.K.
You can reach John through his website at www.johnmacguitars.com
Simon Dring- Drums
Simon's obsession with percussion began at the age of six when he was chosen to play maracas in a school concert - apparently he was the only one in my class able to hold a steady rhythm. Upon moving to Norfolk when he was eight, he got his first real drums and began drum lessons with the late Angus Honeyman and then Colin Brady. At the age of 18, he turned professional, and also began teaching. Since then, he has done well over 1,000 gigs with many different groups including orchestras, pop, rock, brass, silver and blues bands, jazz ensembles, choirs, function bands, shows, plays, drum masterclasses, festivals etc. He has gigged across the UK, Europe, New Zealand and America. He has supported bands and artists including Walter Trout, California Guitar Trio, Johnny Winter, Robben Ford, Blue Oyster Cult, Eric Sardinas, Gary Moore, Devon Allman, Jon Cleary, Aynsley Lister, and many more. Festival appearances include Glastonbury Festival, G-Taranaki (New Zealand), High Voltage, Colne Blues Festival, Burnley Blues Festival, Blues On The Farm, Bedford Rhythm Festival, Newark Blues Festival and many more.
Simon has played on numerous demos and projects for bands and artists and have recorded at studios in the UK, America and Europe including Ardent Studios, Memphis, Tennessee and BBC Maida Vale Studios, London. You can reach him here for teaching, session playing and deps www.simondring.co.uk
In September 2010 he was thrilled to be voted "Best British Blues Drummer" at the British Blues Awards 2010.
Simon has played on numerous demos and projects for bands and artists and have recorded at studios in the UK, America and Europe including Ardent Studios, Memphis, Tennessee and BBC Maida Vale Studios, London. You can reach him here for teaching, session playing and deps www.simondring.co.uk
In September 2010 he was thrilled to be voted "Best British Blues Drummer" at the British Blues Awards 2010.
