Paul Ferreira – vocals, guitar, harmonica
Paul began playing the blues in the early 1970s. Largely self taught, he has been making music and writing songs for his own interest and enjoyment ever since. Strayhorn began as a solo project, made possible by affordable multi-track home recording, with the distant dream of finding the right people to play with. In the summer of 2010, after accepting an invitation from an old friend, Algerian band leader Seddik Zebiri, to his Sunday jam at Charlie Wright's in Hoxton, he was fortunate enough to connect with some fine jazz musicians who share his love of the blues.
Oli Arlotto – tenor saxophone
French born, living in London for many years, Oli is one of the most exciting and versatile horn players on the British jazz scene with a rich and energetic sound.
He has toured in Europe with Vincent Arnaldi and numerous other French jazz bands.
In 1998 he formed the 5 piece jazz-rock band 804d, touring nationwide and in London. Since then Oli has played with blues artists like Canadian guitarist/singer Drew Barron (ex Buddy Miles` band) and played all over the UK with many excellent jazz musicians and his own quartet.
Michael Searl - drums
Originally inspired by a Phil Collins concert on TV Michael took up the drums while at senior school and learnt to play by hitting everything in sight. For many years his kit consisted of Argos shopping catalogues, a rubber pad, a wooden chest, and the floor.
He has a love of ALL kinds of music - having learnt to play by jamming with whatever was on the radio, or along with old tapes from family members...etc.
Currently very busy on the London gig scene, Michael is feeling very Blessed...and in the words of his fellow Jazzaholic, Sir Lance Rose:
"I just like it when it makes me wanna Dance"
Michele Montolli - bass
Born in Verona in 1986. At 8 years old he took up classical violin at the Conservatory in Verona. In his early teens he switched to electric bass and started to play in several local bands (rock, blues, reggae). At the age of 17 he studied classical double bass at the Conservatory in Verona, later taking up jazz double bass in Austria at the University for Music in Graz ( Wayne Darling's class), graduating in 2009. He has performed at the Verona Jazz Festival in 2006 and at many others around Europe and Balkan Penisula. Currently he's based in London and involved in a number of world music and jazz projects - Alejandro & the Magic Tombolinos, Don Menza Italian Quintet, Curiòrkestra. He has one album release for Azzurra Music with Baobab Ensemble – (UZUBUZU).
Joe Bickerstaff – keyboards
Joe started on violin aged 6 and struggled for five years to keep the damn thing in tune. And then at 11 discovered the piano which he taught himself, without the constraints of tutorship or preconception. The blues was where he started and remains in his very fibre. Branching out into jazz, jazz funk and cocktail to make a living, Joe has travelled the world through music, but is now firmly settled in North London. Glastonbury, Hyatt Singapore, Jumeriah Beach Hotel Dubai and the Langham, Dorchester, Hilton, Vortex and Grosvenor in London are semi-regular venues. All very grand, but Joe's heart remains with the blues and the opportunity to play them with Strayhorn is a true homecoming.
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
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