Meet The Band

Rich Hughes is a highly respected keyboard player based in the Midlands, known for his warm, expressive sound and deep musical sensitivity. Equally at home on acoustic piano, Rhodes, and a wide range of synths, Rich brings a distinctive blend of groove, harmonic depth, and creative flair to every performance. His playing effortlessly spans genres—from modern jazz and soul to funk, gospel, and pop—making him a sought-after presence both on stage and in the studio.

Over the years, Rich has worked with an impressive roster of artists, including Tony Kofi, Dennis Rollins, Byron Wallen, Alan Barnes, Tina May, and Simon Spillett. His adaptability and musical intuition have made him a trusted collaborator for a wide variety of ensembles, from intimate trios to large-scale big bands. He is a regular performer at jazz festivals and venues across the UK and has appeared on numerous recordings and broadcasts.

Simon Smith is an upright and electric bass player with over 30 years of professional experience. He grew up in the Midlands and is primarily a self-taught musician. After buying a bass to use on homemade 4-track recordings he gradually began to play with a wide variety of bands and singers on the local scene.

Since then, he has worked extensively as a freelance musician throughout the UK, Europe and the US, including a five year stint based in Los Angeles. Simon’s recording credits include Stevie Nicks, Sarah McLachlan, Wilson Phillips, Glen Ballard and Dave Stewart. He has worked in the live touring bands of artists as diverse as Idina Menzel, Linda Perry, Carl Barât and Carina Round performing at venues and events including Lincoln Center (New York), Ambassadors Theatre, Glastonbury Festival, South by Southwest and La Bâtie Festival (Geneva) amongst many others.

As well as being busily active in the Midlands musician community and beyond, Simon composes and produces music and has worked with arts organisations drawing on his experience to create original pieces to fulfil their requirements. He currently plays with a number of bands at venues and festivals throughout the UK and Europe.

At the age of ten Steve joined his local town brass band, then through his teenage years performed in school bands progressing to the county orchestra and brass band. It was during these years that his father introduced Steve to big band music, this led to a life long love of jazz.

Steve studied in London inspired by the teaching of Francis Seriau and Jim Chapin and the drumming of Gene Krupa, Roy Haynes, Buddy Rich and Elvin Jones who he opened for at Ronnie Scott’s. He joined the Jubilee Jazzmen, a Birmingham based mainstream/Dixieland band. This brought him into contact with international and UK based musicians visiting the area, he began touring in Europe and recorded for the London jazz label Black Lion and UK’s Next Step label (along with Mike Green in GTS).

As a freelance musician Steve has had the opportunity to play in many diverse musical situations, from TV/radio award ceremonies, educational workshops and concerts for the CBSO, working in Germany and the UK with Kenny Ball and his jazzmen to jazz tap dancer Will Gaines. Steve has appeared on many recording plus radio and television broadcasts.

Besides working with Ralph, Steve is a respected drum teacher in the Birmingham area. Steve’s currently playing drums with The Fugue & Groove Trio, Soul Perfection, Sally Minchin and Andy Bole's Fret and Fiddle, Ralph Allin, The Brian Newton Big Band And Slide by Slide.

RICH HUGHES

SIMON SMITH

STEVE STREET

© www.fugueandgroove.co.uk 2025