Profiles

Besides running One Jump Ahead, Kit has also played with Frankie Ford, Screaming Lord Sutch, Ray Davies, Otis Grand, the Giants of Jive, Barb Jungr, Wolfie Witcher, The Guvnors, Dr JJ’s blues Band, Doc Cox (aka Ivor Biggun), Wee Willie Harris, Heinz, Billie

The band’s latest recruit, Steve’s many-faceted talents have been previously harnessed by the Jazz Dynamos, Seymour’s Jump, Soul Commotion, Tracy Young, The Big Easy, Jeepers Creepers, the Jazzomaniacs and Gabriel Keen. Although he normally eschews showbiz parties he was once persuaded to sing Mustang Sally with Jeremy Irons. On another occasion he shared a dressing room with Danny La Rue and Britt Ekland (but never did work out which was which). Although he went to school with Dev out of

Kenrick’s easy swing, technical expertise and quiet professionalism have made him one of the most sought after jazz drummers in the UK. He was seen (very briefly) in the recent “Jazz Britannia” series on BBC TV and before that on “Jazz 606” with Firepeople. A random trawl of his CV reveals Art Farmer, Courtney Pine, Jean Toussaint, Andy Sheppard and the Jazz Jamaica All Stars among his grateful employers. Despite jetting off to Japan and other exotic locations to tour massive venues with various

Like many pianists, Perry had classical training (is that good for Latin numbers?) but not enough to hurt his playing! His skills have taken him to top venues including Ronnie Scott’s and the Jazz Cafe. Bobby Wellins, Tony Coe and Harry Beckett are just a few of the established jazz stars that Perry has accompanied. After being a dependable “sideman” for many years he has recently completed a solo recording project (which involves a couple of other One Jump Ahead band members, too). His enjoyment of music is

A thorough musical education took Tracey through the London College, the Royal Academy and the Guidhall School of Music. Her jazz skills were honed by Jimmy Hastings, Eddie Harvey, Bobby Wellins, Olaf Vas and Kathy Stobart. She has played alongside Harry “Sweets” Edison, Kenny Ball and Martin Shaw as well as in reggae, soul, salsa and orchestral outfits. Crazy For You was Tracey’s West End theatre debut and she has also

recorded with the Blues Brothers Band. Like Perry, she has recently recorded her debut solo album but has yet to promote it in a big way. Her enjoyment onstage is apparent to all and she takes the Essex girl jokes with good grace!

Inspired by Bluegrass on the radio, Olly started playing Blues and R&B on bass guitar at school before switching to Double Bass in the 70s. Freelancing on the London Jazz scene saw him work with Evan Parker, Maggie Nicols, Jim Dvorak, Brian Abrahams, Steve Lodder, Mike Cooper and many others. For 7 years he toured Britain and Ireland with singer Melanie Harrold. More recently he has worked with Theo Travis, Lol Coxhill, Harry Beckett, Mingus Moves (Chris Biscoe, Henry Lowther), and Blues band the Spikedrivers. Also plays currently with Tom Pilling and eclectic trio, Acoustica.

Originally from the Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra, Simon twice won awards in regional Musicians Union competitions before moving on to the world famous National Youth Jazz Orchestra. He has played with many of the country’s leading jazz names including Digby Fairweather, Jean Toussaint, Kenny Wheeler, Jason Rebello, Pete King and John Dankworth. Trumpet is a notoriously difficult instrument to play. If you don’t believe us - just listen to Simon!

WHO ELSE HAS PLAYED WITH ONE JUMP AHEAD?

Well, since you ask, our ex-members include....

Ken Austen, Brian Bull, Hilary Cameron, Glynn Evans, Paul Francis, Jon Goble, Pat Higgs, Billy Jenkins, Lindsey Lee, Richard Lee, Ike Leo, Tony McLarty, Dave Mayne, Rob Miller, Nigel Price, Bulman Reed, Tim Richards, Russell Roberts, Chris Rodel, Alan Savage, Barbara Snow, Mike Summerland, Kubryk Townsend, Julie Walkington.....

And the following have helped out (some still do!) on an ad hoc basis....

Frank Mead, Mark Lockheart, Julian Greaves, Mick Foster, Lee Badau, Jim Howard, Ned Bennett, Karen Sharp, Jo Fooks, Gemma Moore, Jerry Underwood, Dave Priseman, Mark Seymour, Raoul D’Olivera, Gabriel Garrick, Steve Dawson, Steve Jones, Henry Armburg Jennings, Don Lang, Richard Busiakiewicz, Phil Mead, Dave Ramm, Roj Lewis, Dave Cash, Paul Eldridge, Nigel Fox, Richard Simmons, Neil Casey, James Cheetham, Mel Wright, Sam Kelly, Martin France, Mike Pickering, Chris Welch, Paul Robinson, Steve Washington, Gideon Marcus, Andy Trim, Brent Keefe, Jasper Morrissey, Derek Gayle, Richard Price, Pete Kershaw, Steve Kershaw, Tom Mark, Pete Ringrose, Keith Jenkins, Tonna Punn, Terry Pack, Zoltan Dekany, Dorian Lockett, Les Miller, Thad Kelly.....(apologies to anyone we missed out - let us know and we’ll include you on the next update!)