Richard Valadez (Vocals)

Richard has been singing since the age of 16, having originally entered the music industry as a keyboards player! 

Always heavily influenced by Soul Music, it wasn't until the age of 18 that he really found his calling, creating a Soul Revue Show which he performed up to seven nights a week to enthusiastic crowds on the Greek Island of Zakynthos. 

You may also have caught him making guest appearances with Essex based disco/funk band Glitterball.

John Field (Lead Guitar and Vocals)  

Well, what can we say about John? 

Not much actually as this highly secretive musician refuses to divulge any information about his musical past!! 

Does this hide some guilty secrets? Is he on the run from the FBI? 

We can't possibly comment.....

Mick Nottage (Bass Guitar)    

Mick took up the Bass guitar in the mid 70's, having played rhythm guitar during the 60's in a variety of different bands. 

Mick has spent some time backing the various TV personalities of the day and also spent some time playing in Amsterdam.

Joining the Soul Detectives in April 1995, Mick lists his main influences as Nathan Watts, Pino Palladino, Mark King and Nathan East.

Paul Francis (Drums)   

One of the founding members of the band, Paul is also the most experienced having been a professional drummer since the age of 14!

Initially working with Tony Jackson, and touring extensively throughout Europe and the UK, Paul then moved into the session market working with the likes of Bill Wyman, Mick Ronson, Chris Spedding, Marion Montgomery, Screaming Lord Sutch, John Walker (of the Walker Brothers), Geno Washington and Gilbert O'Sullivan.

Paul then spent some time touring the USA with the band 'Tranquility' (well received across the Atlantic but less well known in the UK) and also worked with Maggie Bell, voted the best British female singer for four years running, appearing on numerous TV shows and undertaking still more tours of the USA and Europe.

Paul also worked with, and recorded the first album by 'Tucky Buzzard' (produced by Bill Wyman) and played in 'Fuzzy Duck'. Their album, which he co-wrote, has since gone on to become quite a collectors item.

In 1990, Paul joined Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, recording two albums and touring extensively throughout the world.

Since leaving Cockney Rebel, and in addition to playing with The Soul Detectives, Paul runs his own teaching studio in Colchester, instructing students of all ages from beginners to advanced in the art of drumming.

Dave Unwin (Keyboards)  

Dave has over 24 years experience in the music industry, having spent much of his time playing in country bands such as 'The Fabulous Digeroos', 'The Fabulous Poodles' (UK Country Award Winners 1997) and the John Douglas Band.

Like many of the musicians in the Band, Dave has spent some time backing other artists, in this case, Joe Brown, Ricky Valance and Darren Day amongst others.

Despite his musical history, Dave still lists The Doors and The Beatles as his biggest influences and The Blues as his favourite genre. He has been with The Soul Detectives since October 1998.

Darren Parker (Saxes & Electronic Percussion)

Darren has been playing for over 20 years, initially on Clarinet but moving to Tenor Sax almost immediately. In recent years he has also taken up the Alto and Soprano Saxes.

A Jazz musician at heart, listing Sonny Rollins and Andy Sheppard as his biggest influences, Darren began his musical career in the Melvin Beddow Big Band, quickly becoming the lead soloist. Whilst a member of this band, Darren undertook two tours of Berlin, performed a gig with veteran Jazz trumpeter and Radio presenter Humphrey Lyttleton and appeared at numerous prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall. He was also a  member of the Prudential Swing Band, a big band featuring many notable musical talents from the Southend area, until the bands demise in 1986.

Darren was also part of E.L.B.O.W. (The Easy Listening Band Of the World), a nine piece loungecore/acid jazz group specializing in live renditions of cult tv and film themes from the 60's and 70's. In this guise he appeared on the album 'Cult Themes from the 70's Volume Two' in 1999 and made numerous promotional appearances on the London Club circuit.

Tony Hawkins (Trumpet & Vocals)

Tony joined The Soul Detectives on a permanent basis at the end of 2003, having appeared occasionally since 2001. 

Tony is a veteran of cruise ship show bands and in addition to appearing with The Soul Detectives, can also be seen fronting his own Jazz Trio.