Photos of the meeting of Beryl Longuet with Barbara and Barry Gibb after many years.
2013, copyright David Longuet.
The Mythology Band
After a very successful first part of the Mythology Tour in Australia and New Zealand Barry is now almost ready to start the second part of this tour which will bring him and his band to the UK and Ireland. High time to introduce you to all bandmembers!!
Doug Emery
-Musical Director, Keyboards-
Doug Emery has been a fixture of the Miami music scene for over 20 years having recorded with artists raging from Julio Iglesias and Barbra Streisand to Kelly Clarkson and Madonna. His work as a programmer and keyboardist has made him a sought after arranger for record producers like famed Latin songwriter/producer Rudy Perez, songwriter/producer Desmond Child and many others. Doug is a native of Miami and did his music education at the University of Miami where he studied music engineering and jazz piano. After leaving the university and spending a few years honing his craft in town, he quickly became recognized as one of the top musical directors for many of the touring artists who also call Miami home including Barry. In addition to his work with Barry, he has most recently been on tour with Sony Latin recording artist Chayanne as musical director and continues his work as one of the top session players in Miami.
Ben Stivers
-Keyboards-
Ben Stivers grew up in Las Vegas where both parents worked as musicians. He earned a degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Miami, and started his career in South Florida. Through his work in the Miami studio scene, and on the recommendation of his friend and classmate, John merchant, Ben had the good fortune of Meeting Barry and his brothers in the early 90ties, working on a re-mix of ‘You Should Be Dancing’. Through the following years, he worked extensively in their studio, making demos of the songs they were writing. He has had the honor of recording with The Bee Gees on ‘One Night Only’ and “This Is Where I Came In”, as well as numerous concerts, TV appearances, and awards presentations, including VH1 Storytellers and their induction to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Now living in New York Ben has worked with a wide range of artists, including Ricky Martin, Matchbox Twenty, Laura Branigan, as well as his own projects.
Tim Cansfield
– Guitar-
Born in Trinidad 1951, educated and lives in the UK, self taught musician.
ARTISTS LIVE & STUDIO
Barry Gibb, The Bee Gees, Steve Winwood, Elton John, Annie Lennox, Al Green, Ray Charles, Heaven 17, Swing Out Sister, Terence Trent Darby, Billy Preston, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Donna Summer, Shaggy, All Saints, Will Young, Millie Jackson, Whitney Houston, Seal, Dexys.
CURRENTLY
Barry Gibb, Swing Out Singer, Dexys and various outfits in and around my capital city London, protect the Beat, Knee Deep a new project with Molly Duncan from Average White band and Arden Hart from Massive Attack and my own band called Bu$$_Up_$hutt my own concoction of West Indian machinations with a strong oral tradition…. oh yeah..!
Dan Warner
– Guitar-
Dan Warner is producer, writer and studio guitarist hailing from Miami, Florida. As a session musician his credits include Barry Gibb, Nelly Furtado, Madonna, Pink, Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Kelly Clarkson, Damien “Jr. Gong” Marley, Ziggy Marley, Gloria Estefan, Lara Fabian, Elaine Paige, Keith Urban, Michael Bolton, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Clay Aiken, Meat Loaf, Cher, Timbaland, Pussy Cat Dolls, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Hudson, One Republic, Chris Cornell and The Hives. He has performed live with many artists including Julio Iglesias, Willie Nelson, Olivia Newton John, Robin Gibb, Andrea Bocelli, Backstreet Boys and Sarah Brightman. As a producer/engineer he has won four Latin Grammys and one Grammy for his work with artists such as Calle 13, Alejandro Sanz and Amaury Gutierrez. He has produced Grammy nominated and critically acclaimed projects for artists such as Ricardo Arjona, Luis Fonsi, Franco DeVita, Ednita Nazario, Tommy Torres and Gaby Moreno. As a songwriter he has worked with artists including Enrique Iglesias, Lil Wayne and co-wrote the 2007 international hit “Grace Kelly” by Mika.
In 2008 Dan won an Emmy for co-writing the comedy song “I’m F***ing Matt Damon” by Sarah Silverman
Julio Hernandez
– Bass Guitar-
Julio is one of the top bass players in the United States. He has played on more than 600 albums in both the American and Latin Markets and has toured the world with some of today’s top selling artists. He is equally at home as musical director (Chayanne World Tour 2007-2009) or as a side man and is comfortable playing all styles from Latin to Country to Rock, R & B, Gospel and Jazz. Julio is an excellent arranger and highly accomplished at sequencing. Julio is currently living and working in Miami, Florida, playing on recordings, performing, arranging and producing.
Lee Levin
-Drums-
Billboard Magazine’s focus on the South Florida Recording scene referred to Lee Levin as “the city’s most in demand drummer”. Since graduating the University of Miami in 1989 Lee has played on more than 1000 recordings for a variety of artists throughout the world including barbra Streisand, backstreet boys, kelyy clarkson, pink, Nelly Furtado, Christina Aquilera, Ricardo Arjona, Alejandro Sanz, Juan Luis Guerra, Enrique Inglesias, Julio Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Shakira and many others. Although mostly known as a studio player, he has toured/performed with many artists including Ricky martin, Julio Iglesias and barry Gibb. A natural transition toward production has landed Levin with 5 latin Grammy/Grammy Awards and nine Nominations. Lee’s endorsements include Pearl Drums & Percussion, Promark Drumsticks, Paiste Cymbals, Remo Drumheads.More info can be found at: www.LeeLevin.com
Richard Bravo
-Percussion-
No one embodies the true spirit of artistic passion the way Venezuelan-born Percussionist Richard Bravo does as evident from his ardent performances and numerous recordings. Aware that education was the foundation for his future Richard upon graduating from high school enrolled at the distinguished FULL SAIL Academy in Orlando, Florida and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Engineering. His impeccable and precise musicianship has awarded him a body of work that encompasses over 1000 recordings and 26 Grammy Award Achievement Certificates. From recording and appearing on International Superstar Ricky Martin’s MTV “Unplugged” release, to creating the incredible rhythms of the Multi-Platinum “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira, he also recorded the
“Duets” C/D by Michael Bolton and Herbie Hancock’s critically and Grammy nominated “Duets”. Richard was especially honored to appear and record the Barry Gibb/Barbara Streisand C/D release which reunited these two musical giants and continues to record and tour with Barry on his first ever “One Man Solo” tour which is entitled “MYTHOLOGY” that just completed an Australian and New Zealand run to stellar reviews and sellout crowds in all venues in which he appeared. Richard has just returned to the road with International Superstar JUANES on his current Tour which is entitled “UNPLUGGED and LOUD” to fulfill additional dates which poured in after JUANES won an additional American Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album on his MTV “Unplugged” project. Richard will be looking forward to ending the touring year back with BARRY GIBB as the “MYTHOLOGY -THE TOUR- 2013” concludes with a highly anticipated return to Barry’s beloved UNITED KINGDOM.
Leesa Richards
-Vocals-
Singer-Songwriter Leesa Richards grew up in music-rich Detroit and started showing an inclination towards the arts at a very early age. “My parents listened to a lot of jazz and I would record myself over and over singing along to Nancy Wilson records,” she says. But when she saw Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, she knew she wanted to be a dancer. She graduated from University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a degree in dance and began her career on stage performing with a variety of dance companies. She began honing her vocal chops with soul greats Gerald Austin and Peabo Bryson and contemporary soul maverick Dionne Farris. Her first world tour was as a dancer with legendary singer Whitney Houston after which she combined her love for music and dance to earn the role of Mary Magdalene in the national tour of the Broadway musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, earning critical acclaim which led to featured performances throughout the US and Europe. Richards has since performed with a slate of powerhouse artists including Faith Hill, The Bee gees, Kelly Clarkson, Gloria Estefan and Carole King and recorded with Barbra Streisand and Lenny Kravitz amongst other artists. Her debut solo album Mother’s Child a rich blend of soulful ballads, rock and R&B showcases her gifts as a songwriter. it is a universal story of love and loss. She is thrilled to continue her musical journey as a member of the Barry Gibb Mythology Tour.
Charlotte Mckinnon
-Vocals-
Charlotte McKinnon is from Miami, Florida and is the voice of the 1987 No. 1 Dance hit “FASCINATED”. She has been performing worldwide for nearly three decades. Charlotte has also appeared on countless Television shows, commercials and one major motion picture. She has also toured with Company B and as backup singer for Jennifer Lopez, Ky-Mani Marley and KC and the Sunshine Band. Ms. McKinnon is currently touring as backing vocalist for the legendary Barry Gibb. Follow Charlotte on Twitter and instagram @sugahip and on Facebook @CharMcKinnon. Her music is available on itunes.
Beth Cohen
-Vocals-
A native New Yorker, Beth has been playing music since she was a little girl. She began as a flute player, later moved on to piano, and was ALWAYS singing. She graduated from The University of Miami and began touring with the latin artist Jon Secada. From there she sang backgrounds for Julio Iglesias, Kelly Clarkson, Gloria Estefan, and Queen Latifah, amongst others. You can also find her on recordings for Pink, Alejandro Sanz, and Barbra Streisand (produced by Barry Gibb, which is how he met Beth!) As a writer (she co-wrote the hit song “These Walls” for Teddy Geiger) she is thrilled and honored to be working along with such a legendary artist like Barry Gibb. You can find her at www.dangerousbetty.com and follow her on Twitter “@dangerousbetty”.
Samantha Gibb
-Artist-
If Gibb’s last name rings a bell it’s because she is the daughter of late Bee Gees singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Maurice Gibb. He mentored Samantha’s entry into the music business, producing her early recordings with her brother Adam Gibb, and guitarist and writing partner, Lazaro Rodriguez, under the name Luna Park in the late ’90s. Eventually, Adam left the group, and Lazaro and Samantha continued to write and record together with Maurice. They suffered a huge loss when Maurice passed away in 2003, and they released their first recordings together under the name M.E.G. (for Maurice Ernest Gibb). By 2006, feeling limited by the Miami Beach music scene, Samantha and her band decided to move to Nashville, TN. Though there’s not much twang in her sound, she found much more than country in Music City.
“There’s obviously country every place you turn there, but there’s just so much alternative music” says Samantha. “It was exactly what we wanted to be around. We felt so at home. Three years down the line, what happened was what we wanted to happen. We were learning from amazing talent around there”. Upon her arrival in Nashville, in 2007, Samantha decided to make a documentary called “A Nashville State of Mind”. The film was inspired by her and her band’s move to Nashville and the incredible musicians and talent they encountered there. The film got into over 15 film festivals and won best international music doc in 2008 at the LA/NY film and music festival. In 2009 Samantha and her band wrote and recorded their third LP Temptation under the name Samantha Gibb and The Cartel. To promote the album, in June of 2010 , she and her band crossed the pond for their first U.K. tour, hitting everyplace from London to Edinburgh. Once back in the states they continued on to the East Coast of the US for an acoustic tour later that year. In 2011, after almost five years in Nashville, Samantha and her band decided to move back to their roots with a new outlook on music. Starting the new year off, in February 2012, Samantha sang at Hard Rock Live in Ft. Lauderdale with her Uncle, Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees for his first solo concert in the US. She will also be joining him on his Mythology tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Outside of performing with her uncle, Samantha and her band continue to write and tour.
www.facebook.com/sgandthecartel
A Nashville State of Mind, documentary/interview: www.youtube.com/1 www.youtube.com/2
Steve Gibb
-Artist-
Born December 1st. 1973, London, England.
Is a singer, songwriter and guitar and bass player who also happens to be the first son of Barry and Linda Gibb. He has built his career as a side man to some of the greats in the Rock and metal genres. Such as Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue), Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society/Ozzy), Kirk Windstein (Crowbar), & Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed/Jasta/Kingdom of Sorrow). He is currently writing songs with his father as well as touring as a member of Barry’s band. When not working with dad he continues to write and record songs as a solo artist and hopes to finally release his first collection of songs in 2013 as a full length record. “Given where I come from and what I’ve experienced both musically and personally, I think people are going to be genuinely intrigued by what I can contribute to the musical landscape” says Stephen. He recently just returned from touring Germany & Switzerland with Jasta (the band). Featuring Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed. One of the highlights being an intense set at The Summer Breeze Festival. He is beyond excited to go to Australia with his father in early 2013 for a handful of what promises to be an epic series of live performances. See you on the road.
Barry about his son Steve
Over the past decade I watched and listened in the hopes that the musical genealogy in my family would emerge in another way through my children. Suddenly, with little warning the passion began to show in my eldest son Stephen. Without too much influence by me and a whole lot of influence by the heroes he’s admired. People like : Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and the Allman Brothers as well as some of the Titans of heavy metal like : Led Zeppelin Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, and Deep Purple. The majesty of pure rock ‘n roll began to vibrate through the house. Without question Stephen has a unique and brilliant instinct for lead guitar as well as an impressive almost primeval singing voice. Which is something to behold. Born in St. Johns Wood London on December 1, 1973 Stephen our eldest child from his earliest moments was surrounded by music. All kinds of music. Criteria Studios (aka The Hit Factory) Was in fact his bedroom often beneath the kiss pinball machine during our late hours while his mother Linda set up camp in the lobby. I believe this had an enormous creative impact on him as a child. As an adult he has become a sensitive, insightful, and spiritual person who is loved by all who meet him. He is very much an important and exciting aspect of this show. Stevie, your star is on the ascent ! Let the sparks fly and enjoy the ride ! it’s just the beginning… Dad, Christmas 2012