band

HilaryAshe-Roy flute, composer, co-founder
With his mixed Middle Eastern, Scottish and Irish background, Hilary has always had a natural interest in traditional celtic and world music. He studied briefly with James Galway, and has played with musician's as diverse as Mick Jagger, Fairport Convention, John Critchinson and Tony Levin. His desire to experiment with world music and jazz forms led to the creation of Natural Signs, and he continues to research traditional forms of music, which he aims to develop through his compositions and improvisational work. Hilary currently lives in Dunkeld, Scotland.

Alan Corbet piano/keyboards, composer, co-founder
Having started his classical training at the age of six, Alan turned to jazz at 19, studying first with the late great Scottish pianist, Alex Shaw, and later with award-winning pianist Franco d'Andrea in Milan, Italy. Since he first discovered jazz, he has been passionate about improvised music, as can be seen from his energetic style on stage. Cites his major influences as Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Lyle Mays, but within the wide-reaching music of Natural Signs, he has very much been able to find his own voice. Now lives part of the year in Perth, Australia.

Phil Bond piano/keyboards, accordion
One of the characterising features of Natural Signs is the presence of two keyboards, as well as the additional colourings of the accordion. Phil is outstanding on both instruments. His Irish background gives him a natural feel for the accordion, and his extensive experience of club and jazz circuits in the UK and overseas have helped him to forge a pianistic style which is as impressive as it is distinctive. Phil is based in the Birmingham, England where is also involved in musical education.

Paul Brook drums, percs., vocals, composer, co-founder
Paul is an exceptional creative talent: drummer, percussionist, composer, arranger, programmer and writer or co-writer/arranger on more than half of the tracks on the album. Equally at home in any one of these roles, he also regularly adapts his playing to encompass jazz, rock, fusion, dance and folk music. In recent years he has been closely linked to the success of dance artists ColdCut, who have been at the forefront of the dance revolution since the early nineties. Paul is based in Leamington Spa, England.

Andy Thomson production, sound, arrangement, composer
The excellent sound quality which is evident on the album is largely down to Andy's meticulous approach to the recording process, and exceptional ears. Formerly a guitar player, he now devotes his time to recording artists from all areas of music, as well as working with new up and coming artists. He is co-owner of Gighouse studios in Harbury, Warwickshire where the album was recorded and mixed. Composer of the album track "James Rydell".

Kevin Dempsey guest artist: guitar, co-composer
Kevin is a regular player on the folk circuit in the UK, was a featured guest soloist on the Thomson penned track "James Rydell", which has strong Irish overtones, and is also co-composer of the opening track on the album "Dragon Dance" with Paul Brook.