Jenni Taylor
Hi! I'm Jen, and the lead singer in the band. Echo is my first band, and I joined in January 2005 after learning Echo needed a new singer through Matt.
I did my first gig on 18th February at the Liden Arms, Swindon, and although I was petrified, and needed a few shots to find my courage, I loved every second of it and still do!
Ever since I can remember I've loved singing. There's a strong chance that I was singing before I was talking, but I have no evidence to back that up.
I studied Music Technology at college and got some great experience from those two years as I had the use of a recording studio, sequencing equipment and a lot of talented student musicians. I spent a lot of my time at college in the studio singing on my own, and other students, coursework. I also still see a few of my college tutors out and about on the music circuit around Swindon.
I love all kinds of music, from RnB, to Rock, to Dance. I adore hearing a song covered in a completely different style, so will regularly stick a Live Lounge CD on.
By day I work for Smiths News doing some very geeky and boring stuff with spreadsheets and reports. I can already see your eyes glazing over so I'll stop there!
Apart from singing and spreadsheets, I also ride a motorbike. I passed my test in May 2010, and own a Suzuki Gladius (SFV650). I also joined an online forum, the Wiltshire Bikers, who regularly organize meets and rideouts, as well as being the friendliest group of people you can imagine. If you're interested in biking, get yourselves over to the website - www.wiltshirebikers.co.uk Favourite song: Sweet Child of Mine - Guns n' Roses.
Matt Peck
Hi, I'm Matt, one of the guitarists and backing vocalists in Echo.
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 38). My first band (On The Line) was a five piece in 1994 with Pete (the other Echo guitarist) on bass and me on vocals!!! From memory On The Line disbanded in about 1996. In 1997 I had a short stint with a band called Canister. 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 I had nothing to do with bands at all. This was until I joined an originals band in October 2002 (Arniva). I played guitar with this band 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 get in a band again and I guess this is where Echo started. I knew Echo's 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 missing a gig! Darren Kent took up the sticks mid 2006 and stayed with us for 4 years but in the summer of 2010 announced he was leaving to join local Paul Weller tribute band, Wildwood. We were very lucky to find his replacement in the form of Tim Watts.
I can't believe the time has passed so quickly. Since we started Echo I've got married and had two baby boys. Few bands last this long but I'm still enjoying it so long may it last.
Matts Gear: I'm a bit of a gear nut! I won't won't bore you with it but generally you'll find me playing either a Gibson Les Paul or PRS guitar into a Mesa Boogie or Marshall amp. Effects come and go but the Boss GT8 and 10 have been quite consistant over the last few years.
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).
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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
Updated profile to follow but after a year playing with local Jam tribute band (Wildwood) Mr Kent is back on the drums.
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