BrainSalad was formed in late
2002 with the intention of performing the early works of the classic progressive
rock band – Emerson, Lake and Palmer.
Although the members of BrainSalad
are not professional musicians they do aspire to the highest possible musical
standards.
BrainSalad played their debut
gig at the Limelight Club in Crewe in September 2003 and were asked back
for a second gig in February 2004. Following the positive feedback gained
from these gigs BrainSalad are now ready to start gigging further afield.
The lineup of BrainSalad is:
Graham Sherwood – Organ,
Synth and Piano
Graham started his musical
career at the age of 9 playing guitar, with the culimination of his hard
practice being able to pick the tune "Little Donkey" !! A change of instrument
was required and arrival of an organ at home filled the bill nicely. At
the tender age of 16 he was fortunate enough to catch ELP at the Hardrock
in Manchester on their Trilogy tour, and from then on his musical direction
was cast. He has since studied classical, jazz and boogie piano styles
and cites his heroes apart from Keith Emerson as Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum,
Pinetop Smith, Schubert and Peetie Wheatstraw.
Jonathan Ajderian – Drums
and Percussion
Under his fathers influence
Jonathan spent his early years listening to swing and bebop jazz and later
expanded his tastes into progressive rock especially Genesis, Yes and ELP.
Jonathan took up the drums in his early teens and an early influence on
his playing was going to see Buddy Rich play. Later influences included
Phil Collins, Bill Bruford, Stewart Copeland and of course Carl Palmer
though he still enjoys the power of John Bonham and Dave Grohl. Jonathan
enjoys nothing better than deafening the other members of the band with
his Chinese cymbal.
Ian Sherwood – Vocals, Bass,
Lead and Acoustic Guitars
As a child Ian's elder siblings
had already chosen the fun instruments so he was left with the bass - something
for which he was thankful later on as bands always seem to be short of
bass players. Since then he has had a go at picking up most instruments,
but usually tries to stick to the ones that are not too heavy (with the
exception of the church organ!!). Apart from the bass, guitar and keyboards
he enjoys playing Irish traditional fiddle music and has recorded a number
of CD's. Ian's influences are diverse and include John Martyn, Donal Lunny,
Greg Lake, JS Bach and Delia Derbyshire.
BrainSalad are based in Cheshire
and the three members have played together in various rock/pop/folk bands
for many years.