Phil Harris

Phil Harris

For the last fifteen years, Phil has worked as a full time professional musician and a teacher for the county music service. His fascination for guitar started at an early age and by the time he was thirteen he was studying classical guitar at the Spanish Guitar Centre. He was greatly influenced by the music of Bert Jansch and John Remborn, both regular visitors to the Bristol Folk scene of which Phil was a member. Later it would be the music of Jimi Hendrix that became the dominant influence in bands that he formed, although Jazz and the music of Django Reinhardt also became a deep interest.

During the 80's Phil worked as a lead guitarist for various show bands and pop groups touring social and working men's clubs, and even doing a spell at holiday camps! Phil went on to form the folk band 'Club of No Regrets' for which he wrote their debut album 'So Long' and there latest album' New Day' Phil also plays in the R and B Rock band 'Short Elbow' which still gig at summer festivals and occasional local events by popular demand.

Phil has played over 3000 gigs during his career, from London to Los Angeles, in the styles of Hendrix to Reinhardt, he would describe himself as a seasoned pro.

 Matt Hopkins

Matt Hopkins

Matt began his guitar studies at the age of twelve and took lessons with Phil for several years. After leaving school he went on to study at Londons Guitar Institute and it was there that his passion for Jazz music developed after being introduced to the work of Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell and John Scofield.

After Graduating from music college Matt moved back to Gloucestershire and began to work with various local projects including vocal groups, small combos and big bands.

Matt currently works for the county music service as a guitar teacher and divides his time between this and live work with Minor Swing and other groups on the county and national Jazz scenes.