JASON BOYD
Jason has been playing the electric bass for nearly nine years, after switching from piano as a child. He is currently on the final year of his degree at Tech Music School studying Popular Music Practice under Andrew McKinney and Rob Statham. He played in many different bands and ensembles whilst growing up in Dorset and then in September 2010 he moved to London to further his music career. Since then, he has played stages such as Shepherds Bush Empire and 02 Academy Islington as well as touring most of Western Europe from Finland down to Mallorca! He is a diverse musician, trained in all genres of music from soul, funk, jazz, reggae, hip-hop and, of course, samba. Jason's diverse musical background gives him his unique playing style and he is a great inspiration to the band.
KAYLEIGH SHARP
Kayleigh has recently graduated from London College of Music with a first class honours. It was there she studied flute with Katie Bedford and saxophone with Jim Hastings. She is a freelance musician who has experience working in both London and Glasgow for a wide range of theatre productions. She is one half of ‘The Folia Duo’, who are a flute and guitar ensemble that give recitals around London and are regularly booked for private events. In 2010, Kayleigh toured France with the biggest travelling circus in Europe, playing flute and saxophone as part of the band. She now also works as an educator, teaching woodwind in schools for local music services in west London. It was whilst playing with Bloco LCM that Kayleigh became interested in Brazilian music, and after making strong friendships with the other members of ‘Estrangeiros’ she hasn’t looked back!
KENNETH BROWN
Ken Brown has been playing the trumpet for 12 years is currently a trumpet student at London College of Music studying under Tony Cross. Having decided to play the trumpet at the age of 6 he played in many different orchestras, bands and ensembles whilst growing up, including Buckinghamshire Youth Orchestra for three years. Since arriving at the London College of Music he has played in many different groups of very diverse styles, from classical orchestra to ska and of course samba! Having listened to a very wide range of music styles since an early age, the energy, vibrancy and syncopated rhythms of samba music always stuck out as something to be a part of!
LUKE BEIRNE
Luke Beirne is a London based guitarist and has over a decade of experience under his belt. He currently studies at Tech Music Schools, learning from highly acclaimed guitarists such as John Wheatcroft and Mike Outram. From screaming rock guitar, to chilled melodic jazz, Luke has a varied repertoire of musical styles, which has been greatly improved thanks to Estrangeiros helping him to explore Brazilian music in far more depth. Whilst growing up in Birmingham Luke was involved in many musical groups, all of which helped to shape his unique sound and led him to play such stages as the Somerset House festival, Shepherds Bush Empire and Birmingham Symphony Hall. Brazilian music has become one of Luke’s favourite styles to play, the energy and vibrancy of it are like no other genre, come and see a live show to check it out!