Nick Tann and The Whole Family

Back in 2019, Andy Davey turned down my offer of a place in the Nick Tann Trio with the words “Sorry, but what I really want is a nice, tight, funky little band.” Although disappointed, I realised that this was what I wanted too, so this is the direction that the Whole Family has been growing ever since. First with Guy Siviour on drums — my one-time bass student and long-time percussionist with whom I love to play and have shared many adventures — and Jez Austin, a funky nerd I knew from Southampton’s least reputable jam nights, on keys. Trombone soloist Chris Ricketts, a well renowned local jazzer, was the icing on the cake. Recently we secured bass player Ben Williams, the nicest man on the planet and force of nature in the lower register, who I played with back in the ’90s with funk outfit People. He and Guy make the most joyful and dynamic rhythm section I have known. Finally, the family was made whole when prodigal son Andy Davey joined us on lead guitar, lending his nimble yet muscular guitar to our sonic attack We have two forms of performance. There is the big stage, festival funking and dancing set and the more intimate "garage" sit down toned down low fi groovy version reminiscent of the Dirty Pockets YouTube channel. This has been particularly developed for Sofar Sounds venues