The Les Paul Big Band

Rhythm Section

John Woodward undoubtedly one of the finest and most accurate bass

players for miles around. He can only be adequately described as '

'metronomic' and has been leading the rhythm section for well over 15 years.

He often plays Tuba in the small Dixieland Band within the main Band,

and also sings the Sinatra standards and other ballads. A great asset to the band.

Nick Gledon has had a lifetime of experience as a pianist in the Count Basie

tradition. He has joined us recently, whilst still playing with numerous other

groups. He is always in great demand in the Eastbourne area, and we are

delighted to have him onboard.

Harry Hogg is also a founder/member of the Band and an old work

colleague of Les's, who started out with the first sextet. Harry is still a

highly qualified consulting engineer with a Masters Degree, and often has to

dash off to the Middle-East on lucrative contracts. He sits quietly in the

rhythm section and provides an excellent backing for the frontline instruments.

Derek Roberts a recent chance meeting promptly resulted in an invitation

to Derek to come and join us. We are delighted that he accepted the offer, and

he is now a major contributor to the rhythm section, musically laying down

the beat upon which the Band flourishes. Considerable energy and dedication

are in abundance here, as are his forays into the worlds of Louie Bellson and

Gene Krupa!