The STAKS Band anyone? Well, there is a very good chance that they are the best band that you have never heard of.. Back around 1970 Joe Cocker pulled an incredible band together and went on to record one of my all time favourite albums, Mad Dogs & Englishmen. if you haven't heard that album, treat yourself and go and buy it.. I was warned about this prior to working with The STAKS band, that they are fast becoming the incarnation of Joe Cocker's band. Every single musician involved is absolutely 'Top Draw'. Admittedly, they are pretty much all stars in their own right and extremely well accomplished, brilliant musicians and singers. Almost all of them have contributed their outstanding musicianship to so many songs that we all know and love. There are quite a few people in The STAKS Band. I was working with then this week, I counted about 18 people. This seems to change each time we meet due to various commitments and the band's requirements. They have had some incredible people who have joined them for live shows and recordings. Amongst them are, Steve Winwood, Jack Bruce, Beverly Knight, Madeline Bell, Paul Carrack, Steve Overland, Roachie, Sonja Jones and others. We have been in a recording studio for a few days whilst they are putting a few finishing touches to their first album. I am also off with them this weekend as they are performing at one of Britains most wonderful events, The Cornbury Music Festival. I have photographed them live a few times now and they are incredible.. if you get the chance to see them anywhere they are playing, do yourself a favour and make the effort. If you enjoy live music and real music, it doesn't get better than STAKS....

#Staks #StaksBand

Here are just a few photos of the band during recording sessions..

The incredible Madeline Bell. She has sung on so many big hits and has an incredible voice. In fact she sung backing vocals on the best Beatles cover song. Joe Cockers, 'With A Little Help From My Friends' She is an absolute legend.. #MadelineBell

Astounding genius record producer and good friend (L) Andy Wright. To the right the brilliant vocalist Steve Overland of FM.. #Andywright #SteveOverland #FM

#AndyWright (L) #KevinRobinson (R) #SimplyRed

Bassist, Stefan Redtenbacher. #StefanRedtenbacher #Staks

The amazing Sonja Jones #SonjaJones #LifeofBrian

Recording engineer, Gavin Goldberg (L) Andy Right Standing (middle) Kevin Robison, Standing centre the amazing guitarist, Tony Remy #Staks