Danny Clifford Blog

What have the following artists got in common?

Steve Winwood, Jack Bruce, Paul Carrack, Madeline Bell, Beverly Knight, Mica Paris, Imelda May, Roachie, Steve Overland, Vanessa Haynes, Joss Stone, Kiki Dee, Lulu, PP Arnold, Sam Brown, Louise Marshall & Gerry Beckley..  

Well, the answer is that they have all performed with the incredible STAKS BAND.  

STAKS are fast becoming a little bit legendary as everyone wants to play with them. I hasten to add that people are referred to as Legend's or Legendary all too often these days. Yes, it's is over used and doesn't have the gravitas that it once had. But, this band, who I am sure most of you out there have not seen or ever heard of, are very special indeed. Bob Dylan had a time when he had 'The Band' behind him. Yes, Rick Dank, Levon Helms, Robbie Robertson etc. The band were quite unique back in the day! So fast forwarding a decade or two and here we are with STAKS.  They are without doubt, world class! I have worked with so many bands and artists over the years and this band are about as good as it gets.  It's also refreshing to hear some of their influences coming through; one of which is the amazing Joe Cocker's 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen' era. They are the band that everyone seems to want to perform with and if you see them, I think you will understand why!

Here are some shots of STAKS over the past couple of days rehearsing and some live shots as well. The actual gig was a rather superb private party. Lead vocals by the incredible Steve Overland and sensational Vanessa Haynes.