Melissa is a singer/songwriter from Southampton UK, her songs cover a broad spectrum of genre. Folk,Rock,Acoustic,Pop,Jazz and Country to name a few.
She started playing the flute classically at about seven years old and achieved grade 8 distinction at 14. She had already started playing the piano and writing music before her teenage years and also a bit of acting in local pantomimes. ( Oh no she didn't...Oh yes She did. )
Her lyrics are about life and love, her own experiences and those of others.
The music and sound has been likened to that of Kate Bush, Joni Mitchel, Stevie Nicks and Joan Baez.
She has fronted and written for many bands and in 2004, teamed-up with Dave and started performing along the south coast as a duo, herself taking vocals and playing keyboards/ flute and Dave on electric and acoustic guitars.
Jerry took up bass aged 17 when a last-minute guitarists no-show saw him drafted in to a friends band - at a gig!
He joined Melissa in March 2008 and played his debut gig at HMS Collingwood in June. He's played in several bands since resuming 'active service' in 2000 after a 20-year break ("I didn't think it would be that long!!" J.) including Big Time Rollers, BluesHog and Shrewd Move. Jerry says "I was drawn to Melissa by the quality of the music and songwriting. I'm very happy to be part of this band".
Influences include Nathan East, John Illsley, Dave Bronze and Steve Owers.
Jerry plays Cort RB5, Fender Jazz, Vintage Icon and Curbow 4 basses through (original) Trace Elliot amplification.
Plays the acoustic and electric guitar
Pete has joined us having spent the last 8 years in a Beatles tribute show playing throughout Europe and the Middle East and has played to audiences from a handful of enthusiasts in Russia to thousands at Twickenham Stadium. His musical tastes are wide and varied albeit his influences are seated in Jazz , pop and rock music .
“ What drew me to Melissa’s music was the variety of rhythm , melody and ‘living lyrics’ all of which make the music individual yet familiar.”
Pete’s influences are many and include: - Brian Bennett, Kris Karen, Steve Gadd, John Bonham and of course Ringo.
Pete plays Yamaha Maple Custom and keeps his 1963 Ludwig Super Classic and 1962 Trixon Telstar waiting in the wings.
