About the Band
Deke McGee
At age twelve and on hearing Clifford Scott play 'Honky Tonk', Mark 'Deke' McGee began studying the sounds and styling’s of all the great Rhythm n' Blues Tenor men. This led him to play at Blues and Jazz festivals all over Europe and North America, opening up and sharing the stage with artists such as Ray Charles, Buddy Guy, Big Joe Turner and Chuck Berry’s piano man Johnnie Johnson. With his new band 'The RhumBoogie Orchestra' he has found musicians who play great, have fun and keep the sound of authentic Rhythm n' Blues very much alive.
Ted McKenna
Best known for his work with The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Rory Gallagher, Michael Schenker, Tear Gas, Ian Gillan, Greg Lake, Gary Moore,Womack and Womack and many others, Ted is excited about working with this new line-up. "The RhumBoogie Orchestra is about great music, dancing and having fun, what else is a good night out for?"
Violet Leighton
'During her blues and jazz career Violet has worked with some of the country’s top musicians including Nigel Clark, Ewen Vernal and Brian Kelloch. She has gained a substantial following and has received numerous plaudits from the press. Violet has performed on TV and Radio and at many Scottish Blues & Jazz Festivals. After recording her Jazz album, 'Speak Low' in 1997, Violet moved to London but 10 years later decided 'there really is no place like home' and so came back to Scotland and 'the blues' she loves. The RhumBoogie Orchestra combines the virtuosity of a group of inspired musicians with the unique vocal talent of Violet Leighton.'
Al Brown
"I'm afraid I don't go in for the whole bio thing! If you could just put that I'm good on guitar I would be happy with that". Always the quiet man Alan Brown has been one of the leading Blues guitarists in the country for the last decade. Touring and recording with 'Rev Doc and the Congregation' has let audiences hear him at all the major Blues and Jazz festivals worldwide. Mr. Brown brings to the band a style that echoes all the guitar greats such as Kenny Burrell, T-Bone Walker, Charlie Christian and Ronnie Earl. To say Alan's "good on guitar" is a serious understatement.
Jack Webb
Jack Webb's playing brings more than twenty years gigging, recording and session experience to the band. Equally at home on piano or Hammond organ and a successful arranger, Jack adapts easily to every style of music. He has toured most of Europe, had his own Jazz Trio and even co-ran a successful Showband for 5yrs. Jack says "I'm absolutely loving the new challenges that The RhumBoogie Orchestra demands."
Alan Thomson
Alan started playing around Glasgow in 1977 with "The Arthur Trout Band" as a guitarist but shifted to bass when the opportunity arose to play bass for John Martyn's band. This became his main gig and he continued to work with John until 2009. Over the years Alan has worked with Rick Wakeman, Andy Summers, John Jorgenson Electric Band, Amos Garrett, Brent Mason, Hank Marvin, The Hellecasters, Pentangle, Julia Fordham, Dick Gaughin, Frank O'Hagan Band, Long John Baldry, Robert Palmer, Roger Hodgson(Supertramp), Rev Doc and The Congregation and Then Came The Wheel.
Al Douglas
After a scholarship to the Lake Placid trumpet seminar, New York, Al began working with orchestras throughout Scotland and Northern Ireland. He spent a season with the Cyprus Chamber Orchestra and has toured Spain and Portugal with various bands. Al loves playing in a wide range of styles including Blues, Funk and Soul and performs regularly in the theatres throughout Scotland.
