I consider myself very lucky to have had a career that has been challenging, eclectic and diverse. After 25 year’s experience, arranging and producing bands and gigging at events all around the world, my USP has to be the black book of quality musicians, performers and singers that make up the Damien Flood Band.
DFB boasts the highest calibre of talent the UK has to offer, so whatever you require from a solo piano, a trio to an 32 piece big band, I can absolutely guarantee a stellar line up of band members who have worked with the likes of George Michael, Chaka khan, Robbie Williams, Beverley Knight, Roachford, Joss Stone, Carlene Anderson, Omar, Incognito, Amy Winehouse, Craig David and Tom Jones to name but a few! These are long term personal friends of mine who love nothing more than playing together and creating the perfect atmosphere and they love to tell a story or two ..
Check the band members bio’s below.
Meet the band
Damien Flood
My passion for music started at a very early age and took me through to graduate with a BA(Hons) degree in Music and Performing Arts at Middlesex University.
I’ve been lucky enough to have had a very varied and successful career to date. After the life changing experience of being cast in the lead role of Roger in the Tony Award winning musical Rent in London’s West End, it was an honour to be part of Sir Tom Jones band and work with such a legend.
I’ve appeared on various TV shows including; Later with Jules Holland and The Jules Holland Show, Strictly Come Dancing, Jonathan Ross Show, Graham Norton, Good morning TV, MTV live, and Radio one Live Lounge at Maida Vale studios.
Gigs have taken me around the globe. USA, Russia, Europe, Bermuda, Quatar, Monte Carlo from solo piano launching the QE2 Hotel in Dubai to curating a 21 piece band at a billioniare’s wedding in Puglia Italy.
DFB has various residencies at London’s elite venues which include Scarfes Bar at The Rosewood, The Savoy, The Groucho club, 606 club, Ronnie Scotts and various other private members clubs
“I’ve played amazing venues like the Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Palace for the Royal Family but my career highlight was singing one of the songs ‘Change’ from my new album at London’s Cadogon Hall in front of a 32 piece band, which was a breath taking arrangement by my very talented friend Simon Niblock.”
I’m currently finishing my second album which of course includes the same amazing musicians that I use for my events.
I started playing music at the age of seven my dad helped me to play music, as he was a musician & Pastor himself.
As I grew up I was given an opportunity to play in church and at age of 13, I joined the main church band by the time I was 17 I had the opportunity to experience my first tour with the inspirational choir.
In the 1980’s I attended college I met up and coming musicians such as Roachford who played a regular gig with his uncle and he invited me to sit in. We formed a band together and eventually got signed to CBS Records as the Band Roachford performing semi rock/blues music. The first album produced went GOLD.
Seven years later I started to play acoustic guitar my first acoustic session was with the artist Gabriel in 1994.
In 1995 I began working on a Play in the West End called “Mama I Want To Sing” which featured Chaka Khan (who needs no introduction) & Basil Meade of the London Community Gospel Choir. Did a few gigs with her playing her music, Which involved a few live performances in England
A studio recording followed this in 1995 to 1996 with Damage on the Album Love to love. I also worked with Michelle Gayle in 1996 – 1997 on various TV shows & live performances & Tony Debart through out 1997 to 1998. Also worked with prominent Gospel artists such as Mark Beswick Power Praise volume one & two, Donnie McClurkin Live in London round about the same time. Also involved in the band that featured on Songs Of Praise 1997.
Also in 1997 to 1998 I began to work with Tom Brown ‘funking For Jamaica” and done a mini tour of the UK.
And have previously been the resident guitarist for a music
program called MTV Bass which used to feature artist’s from all over the world during the late 1999/ 2002
I began working with George Michael in 2003 to the present day. This involved events such as live recordings on his album patience which featured the hit song Amazing and also appeared on the Opera winfrey show in 2004 to perform a live recording and also played at the world Music Awards performing the hit song “Amazing”.
I also went on tour in 2004 with the Classical Group Bond on their Asia Tour in the spring & the autumn.
The 25 Live tour began with George Michael in 2006 to 2010 within this time span the tour would last between 3 – 5 months at a time. Performing in stadiums and arena’s, as the first live band to play the new Wembley Stadium, playing through out Europe, playing at Russia’s biggest indoor venue holding 150.000 people a night. In America at Madison Square Gardens & other main venues in the states. Performed in Australia at main Stadiums.
2009 /2010 I began working with Leona Lewis playing the Capital Radio road show at the Emirates stadium also went on to play her first ever Live gig at the Hackney Empire. Also went to America & performed on the Jimmy Kibble Show Heroes, also performed on the Helen DeGeneres & the David Letterman Show.
May 2010 played Hyde Park with Marcella Detroit other half of the Shakespeare Sister.
Other Artists:
Over the years worked with Mica Paris B.B wynans Nu Colours Joslin Brown Malcolm McDonald to name but a few. Also worked with Reggae artists such as The Mighty Diamonds 1999 /2000.
Artist such as Terry walker - Sam and Dave in 2000
In 2002/2003 involved with celebration of our sisters an event run by Carol Thomson that featured various reggae and soul performers from all over the world. I also played in her band for a short time. I have also played with calypso artist Louise Belford from Trinidad
OTHER&ARTIST&IVE&WORKRD&WITH& &
MATT&REDMAND&&
NILE&ROGERS&&
MARCELLA&DETROITE&& TYO&HENDERIX&&(JIM&HENDRIX&DAUGHTER&)&& BB&WYNANS&
THOMAS&&WITFIELD&&
PEABO&BRYSON&&
FREDDA&PAYNE&& SIR&CLIFF&RICHARDS&& NOAL&RICHARDS&&
ORPRA&WINFRY&&&
LENARD&JONES&&
Marcus Malone & James Cotton Maceo Parker
RONNY WOOD ( ROLING STONES ) JULES HOLLAND
DR JOHN ( BLUES GUY ) PAUL EWING
CARLEEN ANDISON MICA PARIS DENESE WILLIAMS BOND ROACHFORD CHAKN KARN
TOM BROWN
SAM AND DAVE
LEONA LEWIS
PATRICE (GERMAN ARTIST )
YOLANDA ADAMS GOSPEL ARTIST
QUENCY JONES
TTO JACKSON (Michael Jackson brother ) 2016
EVERY ONE ON THIS LIST IVE RECORD WITH DONE TV WITH OR GIG AND TOUR WITH.
Mike Brown
Without a doubt, Leo Richardson is widely recognised to be one of London's leading Jazz Tenor Saxophonists, best known for his honest, straight-ahead, contemporary hard-bop style. His most significant influences include John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Dexter Gordon, Horace Silver and Art Blakey.
In 2009, Leo was awarded a scholarship to study Jazz at the prestigious Trinity College of Music. Whilst at Trinity, Leo studied with world-class saxophonists including Jean Toussaint, Julian Siegel, Martin Speake, Mark Lockheart and Mick Foster. In 2012, Leo was awarded the Trinity College of Music Jazz Achievement Award and in 2013 graduated with a 1st class degree with honours in Jazz Performance. He was also a Worshipful Company of Musicians Young Jazz Musician of the Year finalist in 2016.
Since graduating, Leo has been making a name for himself on the London Jazz scene. He has become an in demand side man and has collaborated with many well known musicians at acclaimed venues such as Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, The Royal Albert Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, o2 Arena, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Cadogan Hall, The Vortex Jazz Club and Glastonbury Music Festival. In 2015, Leo was nominated in the London Music Awards for Rising Star in the Jazz category. He regularly hosts the Late Late Show at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club with his own quartet.
Some of Leo’s notable performance, touring and recording credits include: Kylie Minogue, Jamie Cullum, Gregory Porter, TLC, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Imelda May, Ronnie Wood, Gary Barlow, Wet Wet Wet, Heritage Orchestra, Candi Staton, David Foster, Beverley Knight, John Newman, Ella Eyre, Jessie Ware, Julian Marley, Freddie Mcgreggor, Maxi Priest, The BBC Proms, Ronnie Scott's Allstars, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra, Ben Sidran, U.K. Apache, General Levy, Submotion Orchestra, Outlook Orchestra, Ronan Keating, Blue, Peter Andre, Mulatu Astatke, Mica Paris, Brian McKnight, Tom Chaplin (Keane), Anne-Marie, Clare Teal, Sheridan Smith, The Vamps, Il Divo, The Heliocentrics, Elaine Delmar, Alan Skidmore, Eric Alexander, Joe Sanders, Willie Jones III, Dan Nimmer, Gary Husband, Dick Pearce, Norma Winstone and Jim Mullen.
Leo’s quartet consists of killer artists who are all standouts in their own right. Rick Simpson, winner of the Yamaha Scholarship Prize for Outstanding Jazz Musicians, resides on piano. Tim Thornton, one of the most sought-after young musicians of his generation, drives a hugely vibrant, powerful double bass. And, in keeping with the talent in this line-up, the exceedingly diverse Ed Richardson rounds things off on drums.
In 2017, The Leo Richardson Quartet toured the UK in November-December, in support of their debut album, The Chase, on Ubuntu Music. The album was selected by The Times newspaper as one of the Top 10 Jazz Albums of 2017 and one of the Top 100 Albums of all music genres. The Chase was the first album to receive 5* from The Sunday Guardian/Observer. The success of the album and the tour led to the Quartet’s debut performance at the 2018 Love Supreme Jazz Festival. The Leo Richardson Quartet released their second album Move in 2019 to critical acclaim, receiving 5* in BBC Music Magazine.
Leo Richardson
Beverley 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 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 1994 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 toured with artists such as Chaka Khan, Dave Gilmore, Will Young, The Eurythmics and Annie Lennox's solo tours and many more. Her vocals can be heard on many albums such Elton John’s, Tina Turner and a host of other well known artists. Films such as Evita, starring Madonna, The Beloved which starred Oprah Winfrey, The life of David Gale starring Kevin Spacey and Kate Winslet, and The Hit man’s Bodyguard with Samuel Jackson and Ryan Reynolds where her recognizable sound is evident.
Beverley Skeete
Dave is such a pleasure to work with. His musicianship and knowledge allow me to go anywhere I like knowing he’ll produce the goods” (Jay Reynolds, producer: Paloma Faith, Pixie Lott).
Dave is an exciting and versatile bassist who performs, records and tours internationally with highly respected artists and bands in a variety of different genres.
Dave moved to London to begin his studies at BassTech (now BIMM) and after achieving the ‘Best Bass Player’ Award, has gone on to work with many top pop acts and producers including The Spice Girls 2019 Tour, Beverley Knight, John Newman, Leo Sayer, Professor Green, Sister Sledge, Melanie C, Lulu, Shoshana Bean, The Elvis Presley On Stage Tour, The Overtones and Tony Christie.
Starting out on the piano at the age of nine, Dave spent hours practising Beethoven Sonatas, however all of this was set to change when he discovered the monsters of rock, Metallica! Dave soon began playing the bass guitar, discovering a love for a diverse range of styles ranging from pop and jazz to latin and folk.
Dave’s experience so far has placed him with the elite few of truly reliable and solid musicians on the London scene, having worked in the studio and on TV with Dido, Josh Groban, Sheridan Smith, Michael Buble, Tori Kelly, Tulisa, Donna Summer, Rebecca Ferguson, Andrea Bocelli, Tiffany Page, Nitin Sawhney, The James Taylor Quartet,
Charlotte Church, The Noisettes, Sarah Harding (Girls Aloud), MKS (Sugababes), Vanessa Mae, Nadine Coyle, Jamelia, Alice Russell and Peter Andre.
Dave is a proud endorsee of Aguilar Amps and Stenback Basses.
Dave Troke
David Temple is a London based multi-instrumentalist, (Saxophone, Vocals, Guitar, Keys, Clarinet). As a session musician, he has toured with the likes of Amy Winehosue, Busted, and Emeli Sande, as well as being a member of Caro Emerald’s band since 2014. He is also a songwriter and producer in his own right, with a debut EP slated for release in 2020.
David Temple
Over the last 30 years Frank Tontoh has established himself as a drummer of considerable accomplishment, playing in a wide variety of high profile settings that have cemented his enviable reputation as one of the finest players around. He first toured in 1982 with his father, Mac Tontoh's, band Osibisa before returning to London in 1986 where, along with Courtney Pine he formed the iconic Jazz Warriors. After moving on to his own highly regarded band, Desperately Seeking Fusion, he was soon first call for numerous high profile artists and since then has established himself as a major player. His cv is immense, including the work with the likes of Craig David, Aztec Camera, Jack Bruce, Matt Bianco, Al Green, Level 42, George Michael and Gary Barlow as well as recording and touring with the late Amy Winehouse (“Back to Black” tour). An old friend of the Club it’s with great pleasure that we welcome him tonight for the fifth year of celebrating his birthday with us, (we’re not saying how old he is…but Google never lies). The musicians supporting Frank tonight, as you would expect are simply outstanding, including noted soul singer and multi-instrumentalist Lex Cameron (Roachford, Leon Ware & Music Director for Omar) and guitarist Tony Remy (Courtney Pine, Pee Wee Ellis). To add even more glitter – if there wasn’t enough! - Frank has also lined up a host of serious Special Guest singers and if Frank’s previous gigs here are anything to go by, you can expect plenty of amazing Surprise Guests as well. This promises to be another brilliant evening of powerful soul and funk grooves - booking strongly advised!
Frank Tontoh
Based in West London, and originally from Colombia, South America. I started playing guitar and bass guitar from a young age, listening to all kinds of music ranging from The Beatles and Red Hot Chili Peppers to Rubén Blades and Silvio Rodríguez. I moved to London in 2009 and went to London College of Music (University Of West London/BIMM) where I got a Bachelor on Popular Music Performance with First Class Honours. I've been living and working in London since then.
My professional career so far covers all aspects of popular music including Touring, Writing, Recording, Television and Theatre work, where I've been lucky enough to work alongside some of the best musicians and artists in the industry like Dionne Warwick, Michael Bublé, James Arthur, All Saints, Beverley Knight, Lulu, Lauv, Marina And The Diamonds, Ella Henderson, Rumer, Duke Dumont and Nathan Sykes, among others.
Diego Rodríguez
Alex MontaQue started playing the piano at the age of 6, when he was mainly classically trained but also in some jazz & gospel. He has since developed a love and passion for music and honed his skills to maturity. In 2006 he went on to study at the BRIT School for Performing Arts & Technology, receiving distinctions for 2 years for Music Practice and 1 year for Arts Management. He then went back to studying piano grades under ABRSM and completed his Grade 8 in December 2010.
From age 16 Alex has had the pleasure of working in the music industry, having gigged in London, around the country and worldwide, with artists across a range of genres. Artists he has worked with include Kiesza, Rihanna, Limahl (Kajagoogoo), Smokey Robinson, Jaz Ellington, Conor Maynard, Adam Lambert, Tinchy Stryder, to name a few, and played festivals & venues such as Glastonbury, V Festival, T In The Park, Rock am Ring, The O2 Arena, Hammersmith Apollo, Royal Albert Hall and Jazz Cafe. Alex’s work includes TV/Radio sessions across all the major UK networks and his session career has seen him endorsed by companies such as Roland, Quik Lok, Protection Racket, Novation and Flex Pedal. He also sits on the Musician’s Union’s Recording & Broadcasting Committee.
Aside from his mainstream work he has worked collaboratively with choirs on a regular basis, such as ACM Gospel Choir (featured on the BBC series Last Choir Standing), Hackney Gospel Choir and Urban Voices Collective (choir for the London 2012 Olympics), as well as church choirs and the charity-based Ignito Project. Alex works frequently in private/corporate events and musically directs a function band. He also worked in the music department as a primary school Teaching Assistant for a year.
Alex grew up playing drums and saxophone during secondary school and is currently learning the guitar, all of which have contributed significantly to his ability to arrange shows and direct bands. He is currently Musical Director for up and coming artists like Kenzie May, Violet Skies, as well as providing consultancy for acts such as producer-duo, Ill Blu. Singing at school and drama performances when he was younger helped Alex to sing backing vocals professionally, starting with his original project, Abimaro & The Free, and progressing on to working with the Virgin signing, Josh Record. With this artist, Alex quickly became somewhat of a one-man-band, juggling floor tom, electronic pads, keyboards and backing vocals.
Alex has also composed from a young age and started producing at age 12. His music has received airplay on Capital Xtra, Jazz FM & Premier Radio, and his biggest achievement to date is producing the 'He Must Increase' EP Project by UK rapper Husky, which at its highest point went to No. 10 in the iTunes Rap/Hip-Hop charts, and to No. 3 in the iTunes UK Rap Artist chart. Alex is currently involved in several writing & production projects and is based at Brownhouse Studios in South London.
Alex MontaQue
Matt Holland has been performing all around the world for the Last 20 years with the likes of Van Morrison, Lisa Stansfield, Wet Wet Wet, The Hoosiers & Burt Bacharach. He has also performed on Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing on Ice & The X-Factor Final with Robbie Williams.
He toured extensively with Van Morrison from 1994 - 2006 performing over 1000 gigs and recording 8 albums & from 2003 – 2006
acted as his Musical director.
Beside his own music being featured on Jazz FM, he has also recorded Grammy Award Winning Albums with singers as diverse as Ray Charles & Daniel Bedingfield
His journey has also taken him into London's West End, and he's recorded tracks for films, TV shows
and adverts - too many to mention.
Matt has been an active member of The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars performed with Leo Sayer, Lulu, Shakin’ Stevens, Robin Gibb, Ollie Murs and has recently MD’d a big band project with Paul Young a UK tour with Ben E King as well as a tribute to Bobby Blue Bland At The Royal Albert Hall featuring Van Morrison Paul Carrack & Mick Hucknall.
Recent work has included album recordings with Roger Daltry, Aretha Franklin & Tanita Tikaram as well as gigs with The Brand New Heavies, Katrina & The Waves, Seasick Steve, Steve Winwood &Jazz Legend Roy Ayers. Matt also made an appearance in the Hollywood Movie “My Week With Marilyn”& has recently worked with Little Steven from Bruce Springsteens band and tours with Shakin Stevens, Wet Wet Wet and various radio 2 broadcasts with Friday Night Is Music Night and an BBC Album with Andrew Lloyd Weber to celebrate his 70th birthday.
Matt Holland
I am a UK based freelance drummer and percussionist whose career has entailed a
wide variety of jazz, pop and theatre gigs all over the world. Having gained a BA Hons music degree from the University of York in 2000 I have enjoyed a varied musical journey as a
performer which has incorporated tours and residencies in Europe, America, the Middle East and Far East as well as the whole of the UK. Recent highlights include residencies in Singapore, Macau and Rio de Janeiro with the show “Thriller Live” and a series of gigs in cities such as Lisbon, Istanbul and Delhi playing in the house band for the World Travel Award ceremonies. Recent London work has included concerts at the Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall and Ronnie Scott’s, as well as longstanding residencies at the Rosewood and Savoy hotels with the Damien Flood Band and extensive West End theatre pit work on shows such as Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Thriller Live. Artists I have worked with include Goldie, Marcella Detroit, Lee Ryan and Geri Halliwell. Studio work includes sessions for the BBC, Virgin records and Good Lookin` Records as well as numerous film and advert recordings. My versatility, musicality, excellent sight-reading, meticulous time-keeping (with or without click-track), punctuality and easy-going nature allow me to slot fluently into any ensemble from jazz trios to full orchestras, and I pride myself in being proficient in any musical situation I encounter.
Jamie Trowell
What DFB do?
I have been working with clients for numerous years providing bespoke high-end entertainment. These events often indicate a special time in life and it’s very personal to the organiser, so getting it right is absolutely paramount to me. I enjoy spending time with the client and curating the event from beginning to end, building the atmosphere and tension using different set ups to add flavour to the vibe. I can build from piano /vocal, duelling piano’s which are really fun for a hen or stag or house party for example, right up to a 32 piece or add a DJ to an 18 piece band for example to give it that festival club vibe. We can arrange lighting, staging, sound, DJ’s and with many connections to entertainment industry we can plug into any type of professional performer or act. DFB has been affectionately known as a one stop shop and with world class musicians.
What People Are Saying
“When you book the Damien Flood Band not only do you get value for money, you are getting the best in the business today.”
— Christopher Savill, London
“I’ve always been a massive George Michael fan and I couldn’t believe his drummer and guitarist actually played our wedding!”
— Katie Stibbs, Brighton
“Don’t just take my word for it – read the musicians credits in the biog section of this website .. you’ll want to ask every band member what it was like to work with ….. I know I still do!”
— Damien Flood
