Laughing Jacks are all experienced professional musicians. We profile them individually below - any questions, or for more details please ring Richard Rutherford on 0774 3817 177.
Richard Rutherford - Bass
For the last 8 years Richard has worked as band leader of Laughing Jacks. He is also regularly employed as a music consultant by a variety of corporate and private clients, supplying all kinds of live music for events large and small. Richard has performed with a wide variety of bands. He is currently playing with local singer/songwriter Aaron Bayley and has also worked in numerous Cabaret, Theatre and TV situations. Between October 2000 and June 2005 Richard lectured in Music Theory, Music History and Instrumental Studies at Middlesbrough College, before leaving to concentrate on promoting and running Laughing Jacks. Richard has recently delivered developmental workshops for organisations such as Northumberland Music Services, Enterprise In Education and Newcastle Performance Academy.
Andrea Pattison - Vocals
Andrea is a vastly experienced and versatile singer. As well as working with many high profile function and cabaret bands, she fronted her own jazz trio for three years.
Andrea continues to work as a freelance vocalist performing solo, as a band member and on numerous studio sessions, and now has a myspace page, featuring a couple of her own compositions.
Jon Black - Vocals and guitar
Jon is a singer of considerable power and confidence, and highly experienced as a solo performer and band member. To hear examples of his recent recordings with Laughing Jacks go to the music downloads page.
John has recently formed his own band, The John Black Band, playing a selection of classic and contemporary R'n'B and rock tracks.
Graham Wood - Piano/Keyboards
Graham is an highly experienced musical director and arranger. He has worked extensively in musical theatre and cabaret. As a valued member of the team Graham plays with both of the Laughing Jacks bands. He regularly accompanies Andrea on duo bookings and also performs numerous solo piano engagements.
Steve Wall - Drums
As well as being a regular member of Laughing Jacks, Steve is also in demand throughout the North East as a player and tutor, having worked extensively in theatre, cabaret, swing and rock/pop bands.
David Lourie - Sax, percussion, drums and vocals
As well as being one of the resident tutors at Newcastle Drum Centre, Dave teaches on behalf of Northumberland Music Services. He is proving a huge asset to Laughing Jacks, both as a saxophonist, singer and percussionist. His playing career to this point has included every conceivable musical situation, including many years as band leader of top showband The Flying Emperors.
Other musicians who make regular appearances with Laughing Jacks include the following:
Dave Dunston - Saxophone
Dave is a hugely experienced and versatile player. As well as working with Lorrraine Crosby, Status Quo, Bill Wyman, Mojo Pep and Laughing Jacks, Dave regulaly appears with The Richard Kain Band and The Crosby Brothers. Dave is currently head of music at Harton Technology College.
Richard Naisbett - Piano/Keyboards
Richard is a well established player in both jazz and rock circles, having worked with The Voice of North Jazz Orchestra, The Dave Connelly Big Band, Tommy Smith and the John Warren Octet. Richard also provides solo piano at many restaurant and function engagements, and teaches at Newcastle College, South Tyneside College and various schools around the region.
Graeme Hare - Drums
Graeme is one of the North East's most talented and in demand drummers. He has recently worked with Martin Fletcher in M-FUS, Archie Brown, Little Mo, Deacon Jones and the Sinners, Wanted, The Gerry Richardson Trio, The Richard Kain Band, The Watts 'n' Whiffin Big Band, Morgan Le Fay and Chameleon. Graeme is the resident drum tutor at Newcastle Drum Centre and numerous schools across the North East. As well as giving extensive private lessons, he has recently launched his own website, Beat-of-drum, where you can find free drum lessons online.
Deon Krishnan - Bass, backing vocals
Deon is currently the first call bassist for The Aaron Bayley Band and The Crosby Brothers. He also makes regular appearances with The Richard Kain Band and The Anna Reay Band.
Paul Smith - Drums
Paul is one of the most highly regarded musicians in the North of England. Paul guests with Laughing Jacks several times a year when bookings are further afield. He can currently be seen all over the country in Tony Christie's band. His past credits include Martin Stephenson, Sting, Jimmy Nail and Prefab Sprout.
