Bryan Orwell – Piano / Keyboards

An inspiring Music teacher taught me to use perfect pitch and analyse song structures on-the-spot. I put aside sheet music almost completely at the age of 14 and started to improvise at the battered House piano in interminable boarding school free time with bandmates (when not playing sport or up to no good).

Now, as well as a regularly gigging semi-pro musician, I am a Music teacher myself. Hopefully an inspiring one in my own fashion.

Piano influences include Ian Stewart (Rolling Stones), Leon Russell and Elton John. There are many other keyboard players with a full-Blues or part-Blues feel. In truth, I try to mix in a bit of many styles over every style. Keith Jarrett is my (unattainable) piano God.

I am not a genre snob by any means. I love many types of music and will make an attempt to play in most styles. I refuse to accept absolute barriers in music and am equally at home with Saint-Saens or Abba. It’s all a question of my current mood.

I have played in many bands in various styles in South Yorkshire and in Kent over the years. In February 2010, I was invited to join British Blues legends NINE BELOW ZERO onstage to play a number of tracks live with the band on piano. A wonderful moment. At home, I continue to write my own material and record it from time to time.

I’ve been playing with Andy and the guys on and off since 2008, and long may this continue.