Xsentrick Gemini Orchestra

The ‘Xsentrick Gemini Orchestra’ (XGO) originally formed in late 2005 by teacher by Music day - Carlton Headley. Originally called ESP Collective the band decided to change the name at the end of 2007. XGO is essentially an ‘original’ organic band. It has two primary aims: one is to entertain an open minded and fun loving audience. The music encompasses all genres and there are elements of Rock, Folk, Dance etc but primarily Pop, jazz and Funk are the most prevalent idioms; the other is to support the music with meaningful lyrics, from the bands experience, that inform and that are thought provoking but do not moralise. ....

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The band is comprised of some of the most talented session players in the UK and other members starting out in the music business. At this moment in time the majority of our repertoire is written by Carlton although all members have an equal opportunity to input their own ideas; For this reason it would not make sense to put down a list of the people who influenced the bands mission statement, goal or purpose as they can vary to a large degree as musicians join and they are replaced. For those of you who are curious enough to see the musicians as the individuals that they are please refer to their individual influences. The band direction and information was correct at the time of going to press. ....

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Carlton Headley: Songwriter, Lyricist, Composer, Arranger, Band Leader, Saxophonist and Flautist; ....

born in London in the late 20 th Century. He was introduced to classical piano music at the age of 13 by his chemistry teacher who would give him lessons on the piano. On leaving secondary education he studied Jazz piano and Saxophone at the Weekend Arts College (WAC) under the direction of Ian Carr a flugal horn and trumpet playing composer. Through Ian Carr, Carlton was introduced to ‘Jazz-rock fusion’ studying legends such as ‘Herbie Hancock’, ‘Weather Report’, ‘Chick Corea ’ and of course Ian Carr himself. In 2005 he completed a BA in Jazz degree at Middlesex University and in 2006 he became a qualified teacher of music.

Among other artistic endeavours Carlton has performed with the Carol Straker Dance Foundation Company - dancing and performing saxophone simultaneously; performed with Noel Mckoy ; supported Jamiroquai on his ‘Return of the Space Cowboy’ UK tour with the band Son of the Original; he was a founder member of The Akwaaba People; performed in the musical Simply Heavenly at the young Vic in 2004, and most recently formed the ESP collective in 2005.

The key musical influences in his life are: J S Bach, Telemann, Franz Liszt, Chopin, Mozart, Branford Marsalis, Sidney Bechet, Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Bob Dillon, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Sting/The Police, James Brown, David Bowie, Brand New Heavies, Rachelle Farrell, Stax, Mowtown, Michael Jackson, The Eurthmics. ....

Siam Hurlock: Lead Vocals; ....

was born and raised in London, her musical influences stem from her gospel roots.
Her Father’s love of Jazz and Reggae and her Mother’s love of Mowtown, Blues and Soul. Through the Church she fell in love with the spirit filled songs and inspirational music of the heart, and sang in the praise and worship team for many years, and still does.
Shy by nature, at school, she wrote songs and poems in her books; singing them with her friends in class and in the play ground, but would not let any one else hear.Since then work as a mentor and youth leader, helped her confidence grow and her shyness and fear of and audience slowly started to diminish.
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Siam has toured with Martha Reeves; as Diana Ross in the West End Hit Dancing in the Street for two and a half years; sung backing vocals for Lisa Stansfield, Dubia, Alexander O..'Neil and appeared on the BBC One and Only show.
”I love music that moves and touches my inner spirit”...
Artist..'s that have influenced her are Billie Holiday, Bob Marley, Rachelle Farrell, Janet Kay, Karen Clarke and the clarke family, Tremaine Hawkins, Diana Ross, Minnie Rippington, Patrice rushen, Teena Marie and many more.

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Mazen: Lead Vocals; ....

Formerly of Akwaaba People (Funk 4 the People by the People) who supported such Funk Masters as Bootsy Collins and Tower of Power. For a more in-depth profile you can visit his website at. www.myspace.com/warhouseproject

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Al Scott: Piano and Keyboards; ....

has been playing the piano for over 10 years, and first became influenced by the music of Michael Jackson. It must have been the Quincy Jones element that influenced him. Although his main passion is for jazz music, Al has done session work for various producers, and featured live alongside DJs in the dance music scene. Back in Manchester he had a Trio, which played various venues including Matt and Phred’s, a well-known Jazz club up north. Currently been living in London for the past 4 years, and has completed a Degree in Jazz music from .. Middlesex.University. He is involved with various other groups which play in and around London. Plans for this year involve recording a Trio/Quartet album. His Influences are wide and varied from artists such as: Bill Evans Trios, Herbie Hancock, John Taylor, Kenny Wheeler, Victor Feldman, Freddie Hubbard, Miles & Coltrane, Tomasz Stanko, Roy Ayers & Patrice Rushen too name a few. Bill Evans is his true idol, he has been listening to him with his various trios, & he still finds his music sounds fresh & vibrant.

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Dave Toule: Guitar; ....

born in the West Midlands in 1988 and raised in Hertfordshire, Dave took up the guitar at 15 after hearing players like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and B.B. King. A couple of years in, after a chance meeting with Michael Berk (a great London based instrumental acoustic player and owner of Angels ..'Round Midnight Jazz and Blues Bar), his interests shifted to the acoustic playing of guys like Michael Hedges and Chet Atkins. It was at this point that he also started taking an interest in jazz after meeting Bert Schilperoort and hearing guitarists like George Benson and Wes Montgomery. Dave is currently studying for a BA in Jazz at Middlesex, sharing his time between the course, and playing in a number of projects, including Xsentrick Gemini Orchestra and Steph Brown...'
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Henry Gilbert: Bass guitar; ....

born in South East London in 1987. He began playing bass around age seventeen after developing an interest in various rock, funk and pop acts such as Jimi Hendrix, Larry Graham and Michael Jackson. Soon after he became interested in the music of Jazz Fusion bassists Jaco Pastorius and Stanley Clarke, directing him towards Jazz music. He went on to study Jazz at Middlesex University, where he was able to develop and build contacts. He graduated from Middlesex in 2009 and is now interested in playing in as many different musical styles and situations as possible.

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Tom Fyfe: Drums; ....

started playing drums around the age of 15. He first started to play rock music and then got into playing Jazz. He has just completed a degree in Jazz at Middlesex University and has enrolled in a MMUS in jazz performance course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Influences on the drums range from Max Roach to Dave Lombardo in the Jazz genre and. my main influences are Clyde Stubblefield, Bernard Purdie, Stanton Moore and John Robinson (to name a few) in the Funk and Pop genre. His past teachers include Andrew Bain, Dave Ohm and Tom Meadows.