Click on a band member for more info: Kostas Bechlos Drums Toby Nowell Trumpet & Other Horns Graham Silcock Vocals & Guitars Mike Seal Double Bass Blue Soup was formed when songwriters Graham & Mike recruited Greek Jazz drummer Kostas with a view to creating a band with a uniquely new jazzy sound. The right trumpet player proved difficult to find, but finally with Toby standing in unprepared at a packed benefit gig and amazing all there with a startlingly virtuoso performance - the band's line-up was complete. There followed a busy year of writing, recording and gigging on the London circuit every few days. Blue Soup quickly established an excellent live reputation with their musicianship and their energetic and entertaining performances, and secured a number of residencies around the capital. Early last year, their endeavours were recognised when they landed a headline slot at London's world-famous Jazz Cafe in Camden. Around the same time, the band went into the studio to begin work on their first album, to be released through the Raison d'Etre International Music Lovers' Collective. Building up some serious momentum and a loyal following, there was no let-up in the hectic gigging schedule. In September, Blue Soup appeared alongside Acid Jazz’s founder, BBC Radio 6’s Eddie Piller at the launch of the Live Bar nightclub in central London. When the band played at the esteemed Canterbury International Festival in October, they sold out their Festival Club venue and were reviewed as ‘one of the capital’s finest exports’ in the local press. The release of their debut album 'Occupied' brought acclaim from fans and those in the Music Business alike. With praise for the style and wit of their songs from several Industry figures, Blue Soup has received offers to place their music in film and TV. With the success of their first album and growing global sales, the band is now attracting national and international attention. Blue Soup is in demand - this summer they appeared at the prestigious Cheltenham Jazz Festival, at the Twinz Arts Festival in Paris and at the North Devon Festival in June. Graham, Toby, Mike & Kostas continue to wow audiences with their unique Blue Soup sound - their songs, their musicianship, their spirit, energy and passion. Yet, they've still found time to write new material - several new songs are already established as favourites in the live set and with several more nearing completion, a new album is planned for the end of the year... Band photos by Tom Nowell & Alexandra Davy