Colin

Songwriter and Frontman

Born and bred in Newcastle upon Tyne, Colin's journey into music began at 14 with his father’s acoustic guitar. His experience in Manchester’s vibrant 90s music scene, playing alongside bands like The Fall and Oasis, has deeply influenced his songwriting. Colin's lyrics often explore rich social and political themes, delivered with a passion for storytelling and melody. He balances his musical career with family life and a love for Great Danes (not the Viking type!).

Sharon

Recorder and backing vocals

Sharon’s musical journey began at school playing descant and treble recorders. Self-taught in guitar and piano, she later learned violin. She was offered a Wells Cathedral School scholarship and an invitation to join the soprano section of London’s Bach Choir. Sharon loves being part of JTB with its complex and unique mix of instruments and sound. She’s now learning to play a recently purchased flute!

Burt

Guitar and backing vocals

Playing since he was 14 with different covers bands, and still learning, Burt says he’s never played in a band with energy and dynamics like The Jamestown Brothers.  Outside the band he’s been avoiding a proper job since leaving engineering in 1996, and is now a rope technician and rigger for the film, TV and production industry . Burt loves a bit of cycling, sailing and caving - and will never say ‘no’ to a crazy plan!

Simon

Bass Guitar

Mr Reilly has been musical from a very young age! At 5, his parents sent him to piano lessons which unfortunately didn’t satisfy his appetite for noise and a bit of dramatics. Guitar made an appearance for a while, but at 13 he discovered Bass. After an amazing summer in Italy with a Jazz band he never looked back ... 20 years on he's still rocking and apparently having the most fun he's ever known in a band, bringing the thunder with Del our drummer and keeping us all in time.

thAndy

Trumpet and Horn Section

An experienced trumpeter and arranger, Andy has played with numerous bands including Louis & the Iguanas, Area 52, Skatoons, The Little Big Band, Soujouko, The Dean Big Band and others. Andy started as a singer in London and has performed and recorded with some big names in the classical and pop-rock world, including Harry Nilsson, Rick Wakeman and Perry Como. Having been retired from the world of hard work in 2017 Andy fills his days with motorcycles, scuba diving and dog walking and so much more!

John & Ness

Fiddler and Mandonlin

With Thirty two and a half years’ experience as a primary schoolteacher playing music mostly for children, John says he’s just about got the experience needed for The Jamestown Brothers.  Ness joined the band recently. Having spent much of her life travelling, she learnt most of her folk music around an open fire. Both play scaldingly hot fiddle.

Del

Drummer

At 49 Del has played for 34 years in all kinds of bands, likes moonshine , drives a van, and loves folk rock dance music, vegan food, partying, and gigging. He’s passionate about railway history, steam power, and old-type power sources from steam engines, steam rollers, steam trains, steam lorries, and anything that isn’t electric.  Favourites: Drums by Tama, Cymbals by Zildjian , Sticks Vic Firth 5b or 7a, and Skins by Evans. World peace is definitely Del’s motto in life.

Richard

Keyboard player

Richard has played in bands since he was teenager. Classically trained, with mostly Country and Folk-Rock influences, he is also a composer.   Richard has recently ditched his Nord keyboards for live work, and currently plays a MacBook Pro
using an Arturia Keylab MkII 88. Shocking!!

Joanna

Tenor Sax & Backing Singer

Joanna is a seasoned musician and educator with a rich background in both performance and teaching. Beginning her musical journey at age 8 on the flute, she expanded to include piano, voice, clarinet, and saxophone. Joanna has performed across the UK with orchestras, ensembles, choirs, and as a soloist, including appearances for the BBC. A versatile artist, she has explored jazz, folk, classical, and musical theatre. Currently, Joanna plays tenor sax with The Jamestown Brothers, bringing her dynamic energy to the band’s vibrant sound.