Band Member Biographies

Musician	Bio
Andy	Andy is a self taught musician, vocalist, and composer playing keyboard and percussion. As an old hippie he prefers the melodic, drifty end of the repertoire, but is equally happy to rock given the right material! In previous bands he played at Glastonbury and Ronnie Scott's Club amongst many other venues, as well as touring in Europe and the US. He's at home in many musical genres and also composes music for brass band and orchestra (though not playing at the same time). Andy is thrilled to be part of The Merlins' campaign for world domination (starting in Nidderdale)
Mike	Mike has played drums since the tender age of 13 after seeing Ian Paice on the Deep Purple In Rock tour. He started playing 3 piece rock and toured the North in a beat up old Transit Van peaking by playing support to the Jam in Huddersfield. After Med School he joined a 1980s synth band and got experience of recording and radio before moving into playing jazz. He was fortunate to be taught by a jazz legend which opened the door into a world of technique and discipline. More recently he has played regularly in a Gospel group and is delighted to be back in a proper band again.
JP	JP started out as a blues-rock guitarist but found his true voice on bass. He’s played everything from smoky Lancashire pubs in 2- to 5-piece combos, to jazz, blues & originals gigs alongside David Bowie’s ex-guitarist John (Hutch) Hutchinson. He plays bass to serve the song, because he loves the sound and the role — to lift the band, tight with the drummer, generous with space. The best compliment is often that people don't particularly notice the bass, unless it’s missing... or when it’s wrong. Friends call him JP to avoid confusion with the other John.
John	The other John is originally from Bronte country and is Yorkshire born and bred but got lost in the Midlands for 30+ years before returning to the home of his ancestors in Nidderdale. A largely self taught guitarist and singer, John cut his teeth in university band Big End and the Con Rods and has played in a number of bands since, covering a wide range of genres. More recently, he adds choir singing to his repertoire and has sung in St Marks Basilica in Venice, Birmingham's Symphony Hall and on stage at The Royal Albert Hall with Brian May (although Brian didn’t know he was there). John loves playing anything with a groove and is excited to be playing now with such a talented group of musicians.