Matt Graduated from Dartington College Of Arts in 2001 and has become one of the first call drummers for Soul artists in the uk. He has been the engine room and backing singer for the ‘fat man of soul’ Jimmy James and the Vagabonds since 2003, and also been band leader for the 60’s American girl group ‘The Flirtations’. “Soul music has always been a big part of my life, so to share a stage each night with the likes of Jimmy, Clem and the Flirtation girls is very special, I’ve learnt so much from working with them, and to sing with them, well that is a real honour! “ As well as his soul work Matt has also been lucky enough to: • Perform at an ‘Audience with Michael Jackson’ • Headline Party in the Park • Tour theatres around the UK with the Soul review show ‘Soul Explosion’ backing acts like ‘Clem Curtis and The Foundations’. • Tour Sweden with the Kursaal Flyers • Appear on Jimmy James live in concert DVD • Perform at Latitude festival 2009 • Sit in with ‘Illegal Eagles’ theatre tour alongside his bass playing brother Trev. • Tour across Poland with Jake and Elwood and the Black Rhino Band • Perform in Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, & Austria with many other acts. As if that wasn’t enough, Matt is a Percussion Team Leader for Leicestershire Music and teaches drum kit for Loughborough Schools Foundation. Matt is thrilled to join the LDS, and has this to say about his new sticks: “When I am playing for Jimmy, he likes me to just lay it down solid and hard, sticks can take a beating on some gigs, but these sticks seem to take everything I throw at them…..and everything I throw them at”.