Jenni Taylor
Hello! My name's Jenni Taylor, also known as Jen2. I'm the youngest of the group,
although I won't let slip any of their ages! I'm a lively, bubbly, cheeky young lady
who has a tendency of talking too much and spending too much money on CDs.
I'm the lead singer in the band who sometimes gets a bit of backing from Matt, Pete, and Darren. Matt also does a couple of songs himself. I also have an air guitar that occasionally sees the light of day during one of Pete's cracking solos. I'm afraid you won't see me shaking any tambourines though.
I'm also a flautist (can play the flute) but funnily enough there isn't much need for a flute in a rock/pop covers band, thank god!
In the boring world of work, I'm an administration officer for the Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council... that's a fancy name for someone that sits at a desk all day organising meetings and handling the paper work for scientific research.
I currently live in Marlborough with my parents (still!) but have plans to move out at some point with a friend to Swindon. I was one of the lucky (!) ones to be born at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Swindon and have never lived anywhere but Wiltshire.
Many people say that I'm actually from the planet Ghenje, but it's all nonsense.... I'm actually from Venus.
I joined the band around January/February 2005. I did my first gig on 18th February at the Liden Arms, Swindon, and loved every second of it (even if I did look petrified through the entire first set).
Ever since I can remember I've loved singing. From what I can remember I was singing before I was talking! But knowing my memory that's probably not true.
Throughout school I continued with Music as a subject right into my GCSE's, and then went on to do Music Technology at college. I got some great experience from those two years as I had the use of a recording studio, sequencing equipment (for creating samples and dance/backing tracks) and a lot of talented teenagers! I spent a lot of my time at college in the studio singing on my own and other students coursework, which in turn improved my vocals greatly.
Unfortunately after college I went into full time work and had no outlet for my singing (except for singing along to the radio in my car) until 6 months later my sister told me her friend (Strummer Matt) was looking for a new singer for their band.
I went along for a small audition with the band, and although it was a close call between me and another girl, I luckily got it!
Favourite song - Sweet Child of Mine - Guns n' Roses.
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Chris Plaister
Hi, I'm Chris Plaister, properly the oldest member of the Band but definitely as
the youngest mentality. I love Music, Football and my lady.
I started playing bass in the early 80's. Most success was with a band called Secret troop. I called it a day when they toured Europe and I started my own Garage Business. I made the right decision. After that I didn't play for 15 years until I formed a three piece band called Lightning Strike which included the original drummer of ECHO, Andy. I met Pete, Matt and Emma for one practice and ECHO was formed. Emma has since left the band, and Jenni has replaced her. I love the music we play especially as we change the set as often as possible to keep things moving!
Born in Swindon a long time ago. I have lived here all my life. I have two children and two failed marriages (Thats rock and roll). I own my own Garage Business.
Equipment:
Bass Guitars - Musicman Stingray, Musicman Sub, Fender Precision (Mexico), Tanglewood 4k
(for practice at home).
Amps - Trace Elliot 280 (300 watts), Ashdown EVO (250 watts), Fender Rumble
(100 watts Combo) for practice, Peavey Micro Bass (25 watts) for in doors.
Speakers - Trace Elliot 4*10, Ashdown 2*10, Ashdown 1*15.
Effects - None (all Natural).
Matthew Peck
Hi, I'm Matt, one of the guitarists and backing vocalists in Echo. Otherwise known as Strummer.
On the odd song you'll also find me taking up lead vocals but not too often! Ive been in Echo since day
one back in January 2004. Ive also been in a few other bands on and off over the years.
Ive been playing guitar since my early twenties (now 34). My first band was a five piece in 1994 with Pete (the other guitarist) on bass and me on vocals!!! Yep, afraid so. From memory this band disbanded in about 1996 when I got asked to join The Rolling Stones!!! As if!!!! I played in another band after this, one of those bands that never did a single gig. Rubbish! After this I took a huge break from live music. I kept a couple of guitars etc but apart from bashing out drunken songs on my acoustic, (Johnny Cash will be turning in his grave) I had nothing to do with bands. This was until I joined an originals band in October 2002. I played guitar with this band (Arniva) until December 2003. I really enjoyed getting back into playing live again and without having to do vocals it was much more relaxed.
I lost touch with Pete (above) for five or six years but bumped into him sometime in 2002/3. He was keen to start a band again and I guess this is where Echo started. I knew Echos first singer (Emma) and we then found Chris and Andy to fill bass and drums. Echo was formed!! As with most bands, line ups change. Emma decided to leave in November 2004 and did her last gig in January 2005. Fortunately this gave us time to find Jenni without even missing a gig! This was in February 2005 and since then we haven't looked back apart from Darren taking up the sticks mid 2006. Long may it last.
Matts Gear:
I tend to change my gear depending on the weather and what's going on ebay!!! Im currently
playing a PRS McCarty through various Boss and MXR pedals into a
recently aquired Mesa Boogie Lonestar. I frequently use a Marshall DSL50 head and
cab and a Marshall Blues Breaker 2 x 12 combo. In the army of axes I also use Telecasters
, Strats, SGs, Les Pauls and a Rickenbacker.
Matts Shopping List:
PRS Custom 22 with hard tail & toggle switch
Gibson es345
1952 Telecaster (reissue)
Pete Byrne
Hi, I'm Pete, guitar player and backing vocalist with Echo (& the odd lead vocal). I have been playing
guitars, basses and various other instruments since I was young. I have rarely enjoyed playing as much
as I do with Echo!!! Its because we are a friendly crew really and we work very well as a team.
Our mission is to enjoy ourselves as much as possible re-creating rock/pop classics and bang up to date music. We prefer to play anything that is 'punchy ' music ... any suggestions are welcome at our gigs, by the way. If you have ever seen or heard Echo you'll know we have a varied selection of songs.
I was born and raised in Swindon. I have done various jobs, love outdoor sports of many kinds as I find it sort of therapeutic. I have been in various bands including way back with Matt of Echo in a country rock style band.
Guitar Gear:
Currently, I usually play a Gibson Les Paul Standard but I also love Fenders.
I control all my sounds with Boss effects and the amplifier is currently Marshall kit.
Well, I am looking forward to some more gigs in Swindon and all around the place, hope to see you there. Its hard to believe, but since 2004 when we formed, Echo have done well in excess of 150 gigs and plenty more planned. We'll be adding to our set list all the time...we don't have much trouble in Echo selecting new songs. I am totally looking forward to more of the same!!
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Darren Kent
Hi, I'm Darren - nearly the youngest in the group. I've never really been musical which is why I play the
drums! I joined ECHO in july 2006 and have clocked a good number of gigs since then. I started playing
the drums when I left school. I took the advice of a friends dad who was a drummer. He told me to just
watch other people play. I learned the basic skills sat in pubs such as the Swiss Chalet, on a Saturday
evening and from there developed my own "style" of drumming. So after making a noise at home for a
few years I joined a friends covers band and then went on to play in an originals band called Sometimes.
This was quite good fun and we even played at the Sound Republic in Leicester Square, London,
a couple of times.
I moved around a bit and even played in a Foo Fighters tribute for a While. I stopped playing for a few years due to work commitments but got restless and following a chance meeting at a Blues Jam at Riffs Bar, I joined a blues group. This did wonders for my playing as it was very "off the cuff!" and that brings me right up to the point where I joined Echo and the rest as they say is history!
Away from the Band I am a lorry driver for a local firm moving Porta Cabins and machinery. I love watching live music and enjoy pretty much anything from folk to metal. My Favourite Bands are Pink Floyd and Rush. Neil Peart is god! Anyway thats about all you need to know I think.
My Gear:
A recently purchased 6 piece Mapex birch Kit. A Black Panther maple snare and
a mixture of Sabian and Paiste cymbals, not to mention various cowbells, Rototoms
and anything else I can hit that makes a noise. My kit varies in size depending on venue size and my
mood. I sometimes use a Roland Digital effects pad for extra bits and pieces too!