live & energetic function band for all occasions
We are a 8 piece live band with a pool of musicians available meaning we can play up to a 12 piece.
Originally the band was formed for a one off performance at a mutual friends wedding and we enjoyed playing together so much, we decided to form Bare Groove in 2008. Comprising of female lead vocals, guitar, bass, drums, percussion and a 3/4 piece brass section, we have over 100 years of performing experience between us. We play covers from The Stones to Dusty Springfield to The Killers, via the Beatles, Michael Jackson and The Blues Brothers.
We have played weddings, corporate functions, parties, pubs and charity events at some fantastic venues, including, The All Lawn Tennis Club, Woldingham Girls School, Horniman Museum, The Staple Inn (Chancery Lane), The Radisson Hotel (Portman Square), Hampton Court and Armoury House, (City Road).
We pride ourselves on our professionalism and endeavour to provide a service that is unique to each client. Our versatility to perform for any event, occasion or venue, helps ensure that our clients receive a tailor made package which reflects their individuality. As a result we have received great reviews from the clients we performed for and have already many bookings for 2010.
We all thoroughly enjoy being in Bare Groove and hope this shows in our energy when we perform, making sure that everyone watching is enjoying themselves too.
Bare Groove are:
Anna Bainbridge – Trumpet.
Anna is 25 years old and currently studying part time for a master’s degree in performing at Goldsmiths College. She trained at the Centre for Young Musicians and Pimlico School Special Music Course. Anna has played or sung in a large number of diverse venues in London including St Paul’s Cathedral, has toured Amsterdam with her University Symphonic Wind Orchestra, Blackheath Concert Hall’s and is an accomplished classical musician with many public performances to her credit.
Jonathan Bainbridge –Trombone.
Jonathan is 30 years old and passed his Grade 8 in trombone at 16 years old. He has played in the top London youth orchestra, the London Schools Symphony Orchestra, along with a number of other concert bands and choirs, at venues including The Barbican, Royal Festival Hall and Royal Albert Hall.
Neil Brooker – Bass Guitar.
Neil is 47 years old and has been playing bass guitar for over 30 years. He has recently joined Bare Groove after a having a three year break from playing while he concentrated on his business. Prior to this, Neil’s experience includes performing with singer/songwriter/pianist Sam Flynn and recording an album of rock originals. Having well over 2,500 live performances under his belt, Neil is a tremendous asset to the band and he says he is looking forward to many happy times and gigs with Bare Groove.
Louise Brown - Lead Vocals.
Louise is 36 years old and has been singing since the age of 6. She has mainly performed in musical theatre both on the amateur stage and in the West End, where her credits include Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar and Chicago. She has also worked as a backing vocalist and session singer for covers bands and a number of up and coming artists.
Matthew Brown - Drums/Percussion.
Matthew is 34 years old and has been playing the drums for 18 years. Graded through the London College of Music in piano and saxophone, he is also a talented singer. Matthew has vast performing experience with other cover bands and has previously drummed for four original bands, and has been involved in numerous other ‘one off’ music projects. He has played at many venues including Fairfield Halls, Southwark Cathedral, The Rock Garden and The Clapham Grande.
Matthew Jackson - Trumpet/Vocals.
Matt is 30 years old and has been playing trumpet for over 20 years. He has sung in a number of choirs, a Barber’s Shop Quintet and has been a backing singer for East-17. Having played with the London Schools Symphony Orchestra, Newcastle Jazz Orchestra and lots of small groups, he has performed at some outstanding venues including The Royal Albert Hall.
Keith Ottaway - Guitar/Vocals.
Keith started playing the trumpet when he was 9, and since then has always been involved in music of one style or another. Keith studied music through school and university, but has always been happiest playing guitar in bands. He has been in bands writing original material, as well as a broad range of covers bands. Keith has been part of many orchestras, symphonic bands and choirs, playing or singing at venues including, The Royal Albert Hall, The Barbican, The Clapham Grand and several of the large London Cathedrals.
Andrew Prudames - Saxaphone
Andrew has been playing sax since the age of eleven and cut his teeth on the youth big band circuit. From the age of sixteen he has been playing and recording with rock, soul, jazz and funk bands in his native Yorkshire. He has instructed and arranged for several large ensembles and has played at weddings, functions and student balls across the country. Highlights include headlining Sheffield Freshers ball, playing with renowned saxophonist Snake Davis and supporting Atomic Kitten (and the Cheeky Girls!) at Cardiff International Arena.
David Columbell (Bass), Lynn Raja (trombone) and Andy Smith (Drums and percussion),are also very experienced musicians and are part of the Bare Groove family providing us more musicians and being deputies/understudies for the band.
