In 1996 a group of musicians were assembled to form a supergroup. Musicians involved in this project were numerous and included many household names. Players such as Peter Frampton, Graham Broad ,Gary Brooker, Geraint Watkins ,Andy Fairweather-Low, Mike Sanchez, Georgie Fame, Frank Mead  ,Martin Taylor, Nick Payn , Albert lee and Chris Stainton. The one female addition was Beverley Skeete.

Thus the Rhythm Kings were born.

    Over the years the line-up changed and special guests included Dennis Locorriere ( the voice of Dr Hook) Eddie Floyd, Mary Wilson, and Gary U.S Bonds. Even soul legends like Solomon Burke, Ben. E. King, Percy Sledge and Sam Moore were party to the 'Rhythm Kings' Magic.

 

  After many years of touring members went their separate ways .but with the success of Beverley's solo project she managed to convince some of the original key players to join her in reforming a smaller version of the band in order to resume touring again. After a few sold out shows it was evident that there is still a market for excellence such as the Rhythm Kings.

Beverley  Skeete started her professional life recording and releasing singles on a small label called Elite Records. Her soulful voice created a stir at a time when most Soul singers came from America. Djs such as Robbie Vincent and Tony Blackburn supported her and played her records gaining her a reputation as a singer to be reckoned with. She  also gained  a die hard following.

In 1992 Beverley would finally have her first hit as featured vocalist on the Gat Decor single "Passion" performing on Top of the Pops as an artist in her own right.

   Since then Beverley has worked with artists such as Chaka Khan,  Dave Gilmore, Will Young, The Eurythmics and Annie Lennox's solo tours. Her  vocals can be heard on the albums of artist such Elton John and Tina Turner.

Geraint Watkins  left Art College in the early 70’s to pursue his musical interests becoming a member of noted British bands, Juice on the Loose and Red Beans & Rice. Session work followed, recording and playing live with Dave Edmunds and including the memorable T.V special with Carl Perkins, and on many others from Dr. Feelgood, Rory Gallagher, and John Wesley Harding to Tom Jones and John Martyn, not to mention the hits of Shakin' Stevens. Later he worked with Van Morrison, Nick Low, Paul McCartney, Mark Knopfler and Peter Green. Geraint has released many solo albums including, ’Geraint Watkins And The Dominators’, . ‘Dial W for Watkins', 'Watkins - In A Bad Mood' and 'Moustique'

Terry Taylor  was a member of ‘The End’ and later ‘Tucky Buzzard’ both produced by Bill Wyman. He has also performed with Muddy waters, Buddy Guy, Junior Well’s, Eddie Floyd, Mary Wilson, Gary US Bonds, Robin Gibb, Maria Muldaur, Ben E King, Dennis Locorriere, Eric Clapton, Mick Hucknell, Andy Fairweather Low, and many more.  

At the tender age of just 16, Graham  Broad started his career touring with The Drifters.

His career started to go from strength to strength, and he went on to work with many more Soul Acts such as, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Sam Moore, The Fifth Dimension, Solomon Burke, to name but a few.

After many years of touring, Graham decided to become a session musician to allow him to work on all genres of music. This gave him the ability to learn more styles and techniques and grow as a drummer. With this he has been able to work with an array of diverse acts such as, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Procol Harum, Eric Clapton, George Michael, Bryan Adams, Jeff Beck, The SL5 Geezers, and Bill Wyman.

Since the early 80s Graham has toured and recorded with RogerWaters and is still playing with Roger today.

 

 Nick Payn's career includes concert tours, radio and TV broadcasts, arranging and session work. He was a member of the Q Tips (featuring Paul Young) and Gary Moore’s Midnight Blues Band.  He was also a long-time member of Lonnie Donegans skiffle group. His many session credits include work for The Kinks and Paul McCartney. In addition he performs with his own saxophone quartet at many venues in and around London.

 

Frank  Mead has had a successful career as a sideman, session musician and sometimes solo artist. Over the years he has worked with many international names including Gary Moore, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Michael McDonald, Albert King, Lowell Fulsom, BB King, Albert Collins, Squeeze, Leo Sayer, Al Green, Eric Clapton, Go West, Marius Muller Westernhagen and long-time friend and colleague Beverley Craven. He is also part of former Jethro Tull guitarist, Martin Barre’s ‘New Day’ venture. Frank’s love of Irish Traditional music continues unabated and he recently added concertina to his growing arsenal of instruments!!

 

Sara-Jane Skeete is a well respected vocalist within the industry . She has earned her reputation by working with artistes such as  Cliff Richard (with whom she dueted on his tour) Kylie Minogue,  James Morrison, Scissor Sisters ,Annie lennox and Robbie Williams .

Greg Harewood is the new member of The Rhythm Kings and his versatility as a bass player keeps him in regular demand. His session and live work include - James Brown, Michael Bolton, Barry White, Van Morrison,  Steve Earle, Phil Manzenera, Mariah Carey, Kirsty McColl, Eddie Reader, Brian Kennedy, Ronan Keating, Roachford, Soul to Soul, Boo Hewerdine, Cornel Abrahams, Dina Carroll, Alexander O’Neil, Eddie Grant,  Freddie McGregor,  David Lindley, Darden Smith, Mora Blanan, Adam F, Kid Creole , Mica Paris, Go West, and Martin Barre to name but a few.

 

 

For More info Go To : www.therhythmkingsuk.com

Contact : Enquiries

 
Terry Taylor Music
344 Kings Road
London
SW3 5UR
terrytextaylor@hotmail.com

 

John Hessenthaler

(OEPLive)
Original Entertainment Productions Ltd,
20 Green Willows,
Lavenham,
Suffolk,
CO10 9SP
01256 416384
"text for call back" 07795 387108
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