Graham Cleveland
Let me introduce you – to Graham Cleveland – Our Guitarist Supremo!
So continuing my little series of introductions to the members of The Jacquie Young Band, it’s time for me to officially introduce our lead guitarist. Graham plays electric guitar and is the most natural player I think I’ve ever met!
“G” as he is affectionately known to me, has been a part of my musical journey since the very early days of The Jacquie Young Band (2006). Making us laugh with his mad jokes, and silly riffs that he comes out with, but most of all, just blowing us away with his playing.
It surprised me to know he initially started as a keyboard player – rehearsing in his mate’s garage. Destiny however, had different ideas, and he found he was constantly drawn to play the ‘other guy’s’ guitar. And it’s now so obvious that’s where he belonged.
A big influence on his early playing was his time with “Big Fish” – a really popular band in the area during the late 80’s. Pumping out some rockin’ blues, and allowing G to play to his true musical style of Blues Rock.
When not with The Jacquie Young Band, Graham also plays with “CPR” and “Hen House Rock”. All of us knowing each other and friends through music.
Check out our “Gigs” page to see where you can next hear Graham and The Jacquie Young Band playing live, and for a true example of when “G” is on fire playing guitar, have a listen to “Moth to a Flame” on our album “It’s About Time”. You’ll find access to all our music on “The Music” page of this site.
Jez Butler
Let me Introduce you – to Jeremy (Jez) Butler – Our Excellent Acoustic Guitarist!
Both Graham and I have known Jez for a fair few years now, but initially just as a personal friend. However, in 2024 Jez joined the band to head out on the road with us.
He arrived with oodles of experience having played with multiple Soul bands over the last 3 decades, including 10 piece soul band, “The Rhythm Method” (love that name!), “Soul Sisters”, and “Souled Out”. Along with this he has also played in “Dynamite Baby” where he flexed his Rock Music muscles!
Jez is such a pleasure to work alongside, positive, patient and a great player. I know you’ll enjoy what he does!
Come check out his ‘moves’ (and his new guitar) at our next show detailed on the “Gigs” page of this site.
Chris Topple
Let me introduce you – to Chris Topple – Our Superlative Rhythm Man!
We first met Chris when we went to hear him rocking it up at a music venue near to home. We were looking for musicians to work on our album, and wanted to check out the skills of some local players. When I heard Chris, I thought, yep, he’s the man for us.
I’ve been so thankful for that decision. Chris was an integral part of the recording of our album “It’s About Time”. Always enthusiastic about what we’re working on, always encouraging me to keep moving forward to achieve what I want for the band, and always a great person to be around. He also, just happens to be, a really excellent drummer as well!!
Chris has played with multiple line-ups going right back to where he started, in London function bands. More recently he’s played with “The Jackals”, “The Railroad Band”, “The Danny Lee Band” and “The Usual Suspects”. When he’s not playing with us, you will find him teaching keen drummers of all ages and abilities.
Check out our “Gigs” page to see when Chris will be doing his thing with The Jacquie Young Band, and hear him play on our album “It’s About Time” on all good music platforms. Links at the bottom of this page.
Tony Willcox
Let me Introduce you – to Tony Willcox – Bass Player Extraordinaire!
Tony has been a part of my musical life since I first moved to the south coast of England back in 1949 – okay, I lie 2001. We joined forces in a band called “Missing in Acton”, and it was a truly happy time for us all.
Tony has had so much experience over the years. Playing with a band in Germany called “The High Spirits” back in the 60’s. They recorded songs that he wrote, and performed, which can be heard on Apple Music and YouTube. He also helped pave the way for the band to join the Jimi Hendrix tour in Germany!
Later joining me in the first incarnation of The Jacquie Young Band, we co-wrote songs which we recorded back in 2006. These too can be found languishing on most music platforms if you check out our music streaming pages.
More recently Tony was gigging his little butt off, with a band called “Tangent”. This all sadly came to an end when Covid struck, as it did for so many bands. Now he works with me again.
Seemingly we are rather inseparable! He is my rock within the craziness of the music business, and I’m so glad to call him a very dear friend.
Catch Tony doing his thing, with us, live, by checking out the “Gigs” page of this site.