The Velvet Dukes
Chris Clark - Bass
Will Barnes - Guitar, Vocals
Dai Robs - Vocals, Guitar
Josh Davies - Drums
Presenting a fiery blend of Jazz, Funk and Roots music
The Velvet Dukes formed in 2006 as an acoustic three-piece consisting of singer songwriter Dave Roberts, jazz guitarist and composer Will Barnes and virtuoso violinist Sarah Smith. With crowd and venue sizes increasing rapidly it wasn’t long until the group decided to augment their sound with the addition of a tight, punchy rhythm section, the first element of which was found in bassist Chris Clark. His funky grooves and keen sense of harmony added a depth that only proved to increase the bands following in 2008.
The ‘Dukes briefly acquired the services of drummer Matt Jones for a string of festival appearances in 2009 which resulted in the recording of the "Ridin" EP with Matt laying down the drum tracks. A final lineup change occurred in 2010 with the arrival of highly sought after rock drummer Josh Davies. His power house grooves and flawless technique added a turbo-charged boost to The Velvet Dukes live performances. With the line-up now complete the band continued to sell-out shows and festivals across the U.K.
To date the Velvet Dukes have recorded and released their self titled debut album, Two EPs and made numerous radio and press appearances as well as gaining a reputation as one of the top acts to come out of Shropshire and the Borders.