Pod Malkin, lead guitarist extrordinaire and long time friend and fellow musician. Still not fully reconciled to playing without a Marshall 100 watt head and two 4x12 cabs Pod is never happier than when he can let rip full tilt and full blast into a searing solo. Famously oblivious to his surroundings when soloing his facial expressions speak volumes about his feel for the music he plays. Our early collaborations were with local blues & rock bands but both Pod and myself spent some time playing with more Jazz/rock oriented bands notably led by Andy Richards (now a well known producer and session musician).

A long time collaborator with Pod and (intermittently) with Fred in various bands, the Vice Bishops has undoubtedly proved to be the most rewarding of the bands I have played with over the years. Writing and performing original material is what the band is mostly about for me and it has been very gratifying to hear the results on CD being critically acclaimed. My playing style is somewhat complementary to Pod's energetic and raw style with perhaps more jazz influences, although it has to be said that over time we have each assimilated a little of the other's playing styles. In addition to stints with Andy Richards and others both Pod and I worked for some time with ex Climax Blues Band rhythm section of Derek Holt and John Cufley. I have also worked with the Climax Blues Band front man Colin Cooper on a number of acoustic blues gigs and also the excellent Chris Newman.

Dave was a new acquaintance when we first formed the band , having collaborated with Fred in R Cajun and the Zydeco Brothers and other projects. A multi-talented all-round musician Dave has gradually found a groove with the band which is second to none. Dave also excels on piano and accordion (and half a dozen other instruments given half a chance!) and has also worked with me on a number of acoustic blues gigs under the 'Blues Routes' banner. Both Dave and Fred have long time interests in Folk and other roots music and hold regular 'Vice Bishops' acoustic nights at local venues. Dave is undoubtedly the most musically versatile (and knowledgeable) member of the band - but we won't hold that against him!

It's hard to know where to start with Fred. Another multi instrumentalist - harmonica, whistle, trombone and percussion of all types - you never quite know what he'll pull out of his bag next! But suffice it to say he is a drummer of exceptional talents. With credits on albums by the Sutherland Brothers and a long term collaboration with Dave Blant in R Cajun and the Zydeco Brothers Fred has had a varied musical career and it has been a great pleasure and privilege to renew our musical association in the Vice Bishops. A tireless promoter of the band and of his other multiplicity of musical activities Fred is our main connection with the sordid world of the music business. Fred is one of those musicians who can adapt to almost any musical genre and as if his talents as a drummer were not enough his whistle playing is similarly exceptional - check out the Acoustic Sessions if you get the chance!