As well as possessing a wealth of performance experience, all Boogie Down members are professionally trained musicians.
Steve Morton
Vocals / Piano
Having been heavily influenced by the likes of B.B. King and Otis Redding, Steve's powerful vocals and big range mean he's equally at home with the soul and funk favourites as with more popular and contemporary styles.
Also with years of performing both as a frontman and solo pianist/vocalist behind him, Steve has played at most of Scotland's top venues for wedddings, parties and live music, including Jools Holland's "Jam House" in Edinburgh, as well as many in the North East of England. And having played for organisations such as Edinburgh's Forth Radio and the Royal Air force.
Marc Joliffe
Keyboards / Piano
Marc has been performing at weddings, corporate events, rock festivals and with musicals, including 'Oliver', for a number of years. Consequently he has appeared at venues across Europe, the UK and particularly in the North East, including The Baltic and Newcastle Assembly Rooms.
Having developed his playing style through the study of Oscar Peterson, Ray Charles and other blues pianists, Marc has found his musical niche within Boogie Down's soulful repertoire. As well as playing Piano, Marc uses two keyboards to enlarge Boogie Down's sound with authentic brass, string, organ and synthesizer sounds.
Chris Blair
Bass / Vocals
As someone who counts the legendary Motown bass player James Jamerson as his main influence, it's no wonder Chris is the man who makes Boogie Down groove! And with experience of playing with Jim Mullen (Average White Band) and David Laudat (vocal coach to the Spice Girls and East 17), Chris is at home in any musical genre.
Chris has performed at a variety of weddings, parties and events over a number of years at venues such as Tynemouth Priory (North East) and Airth Castle (Scotland) and is also Boogie Down's DJ. With huge experience of doing this, Chris is sure to have you on the dance floor whether he's DJing or funkin' it up on bass.
Matt Forster
Saxes / Percussion / Vocals
Having long left his days behind as a cast member on Byker Grove, Matt is now more likely to be found in the Byker Groove! As the band's Mr Versatile, Matt is the man for rasping sax solos, driving percussion and high vocal harmonies.
As primarily a sax player, Matt is influenced by some of the greats from 1950s jazz such as John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk. This has led to performances with various small jazz ensembles which have seen him play at venues such as The Sage, Gateshead. Furthermore, Matt's ability to play clarinet and flute has enabled him to play for a number of musical productions.
James Palser
Drums / Percussion
With experience of playing at The Sage Gateshead, St. James' Park (Newcastle United's stadium) and The Gala Theatre in Durham, James has covered most genres of music performance: from jazz trios, to experimental pop, to professional musicals including "West Side Story", "Grease" and "Fiddler on the Roof".
James has also played with the Mastersingers, renowned opera singer Sir Thomas Allen and studied under Tom Meadows (Duffy, Girls Aloud). And just to mix things up, James teaches samba and African drumming! So no matter the style, whether some like it fast, or some like it slow, James will ensure you get your Boogie Down!
Colin Glen
Guitar
Colin has been aspiring to the sounds of soul guitar legend Steve Cropper since he first started playing in soul/funk bands a decade ago. While developing his style over this period he has amassed much experience in band pits for musicals including the recent London hit, "We Will Rock You".
Performing also as a solo guitarist allows Colin to further his interests in improvisation and the study of genres such as "Gypsy Jazz". And having played at venues such as "The Spiegeltent" (Edinburgh Festival) and the Glasgow Concert Hall with his crisp, classic Fender Strat.
