Ricky Cool and the In Crowd play an explosive mix of original and classic rhythm and blues grooves from the 1950s and 60s, guaranteed to have your feet itching to dance. The atmosphere they create is reminiscent of the ‘heady’ nights at the legendary Flamingo Club, in London’s West End, hosted by Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames, the hottest band in town.
The bands music is rooted in the traditions of New Orleans, Texas, Chicago and the emerging Jamaican scene of the period. It is delivered with style and passion by some of the Midlands top musicians, fronted by the charismatic Ricky Cool, long regarded as one of the most entertaining front men in the business. RICKY COOL – LEAD VOCALS, HARMONICA AND SAXOPHONES The name Ricky Cool first burst onto the scene in the 1970’s, when Ricky Cool and the Icebergs became one of the first bands in the country to play swing style rhythm and blues, The name soon became established and Ricky’s reputation for delivering great, danceable music in a highly entertaining way began.
Since then he has fronted and played with a number of bands presenting authentic American and Jamaican music. He co-founded The Big Town Playboys, the band that nurtured the talent of Mike Sanchez. Ricky Cool and the Rialtos became the nucleus of Robert Plant’s first Honeydrippers line up. In Top Rankin, he worked alongside some of Birmingham’s finest Reggae musicians and Kingston legend George Nightingale. DAVID PARRY – GUITAR AND VOCALS One of the most highly regarded guitarists on the Birmingham scene, David’s influences come from Jamaican music and an early passion for jazz rock guitar. He toured the UK, Europe and America with Steel Pulse founder member Basil Gabidon before settling down to session work with various bands and artists. His superb rhythm and highly original lead playing help give the In Crowd their unique sound. JOHN ROY POTTER – BASS AND BACKING VOCALS John has played with a number of notable bands from the Birmingham area going back to The Wide Boys and Special Clinic. Before joining the In Crowd, John worked with The Toy Hearts, recording 2 albums with them and touring in the UK, Ireland and Europe. He has also worked with King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys and the great piano boogie player Big Man Clayton. HARRY WESTON-COTTRELL – DRUMS Taught by the same man who taught the legendary John Bonham, experienced with the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, Harry has to be on of the best – and most spectacular – young drummers around! NIGEL DARVILL – KEYBOARDS Nigel’s impeccable musical pedigree dates back to his early days as a backing musician for the likes of Duane Eddy, Johnny Tillotson and Edwin Starr. He later toured with The Fine Young Cannibals, Ruby Turner and Ranking Roger from The Beat. His wide ranging knowledge of keyboard styles interacts brilliantly with David’s guitar work. TED BUNTING – SAXOPHONE AND BACKING VOCALS Originally a London based musician Ted worked with Alexis Korner, Paul Kossof (Free), Arthur Brown and many others. He spent some years as a record producer working with the likes of Polystyrene and X Ray Spex. In more recent times Ted has returned to the stage, playing alongside artists such as Robert Plant and Mike Sanchez. Ted and Ricky have worked together since the early 1990’s.