ABOUT US
Paul McArthur’s Kings of Cool is a high-quality, eleven-piece band playing a mix of jazz, funk, disco and acid jazz - but with a cool twist.
Our 11-piece band blends experienced professional musicians with hot new talent from across the country, and consists of a full rhythm section (2 Keyboard players, Guitar, Bass, Drums, and Percussion), with the addition of 3 powerful horns (Trumpet, Trombone, Tenor/Baritone Sax), 2 lead vocalists, and 2 further backing vocals, allowing for 4 part harmony! This potent mix of musicians creates a big fulfilling sound, flexible enough to span all sorts of styles and moods.
Our playlist includes classic hits, hidden gems, and cool, unusual covers, incorporating jazz, soul, funk, and disco elements, and including artists such as Jamiroquai, Kamasi Washington, Marvin Gaye, US3, Michael Jackson, Corinne Bailey Rae, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, and many more!
You may hear us at cool music festival events, laying down chilled tunes in an afternoon slot; or exclusive jazz venues, creating that night-time vibe that keeps you wishing for just one more song. You might even see us in party mode, rockin’ out some funky 70s grooves and disco grinds for a great celebration event.
What's more, our sound is proving to be a big hit: our launch event sold out in two days - by word of mouth alone!
So if you’re looking for a high-quality, professional band for your event, be that a festival, jazz gig, wedding, or corporate affair, then look for Paul McArthur’s Kings of Cool. You’ll enjoy our professional approach, our high-quality playing, and our ‘different-from-the-usual' playlist. It'll be a memorable and fun night!
BAND MEMBERS
PAUL MCARTHUR
Band Leader/Guitars/Backing Vox/Arrangements
Paul is the driving force behind the project, responsible for maintaining our high standards, both musically and otherwise. An experienced musician who has learnt to turn his hand to many disciplines, when Paul isn't rocking out on guitar or penning a new chart for us, he's often playing for theatre productions and big bands, and teaching guitar, bass, and piano in schools and colleges across the north of England.
CAMERON MCARTHUR
Co-leader/Keyboards/Guitar/Backing Vox/Arrangements
A multi-talented musician: when he isn't crafting new arrangements for the band, or playing keys and guitar with us, Cameron can be found at jazz jams around York, in particular the Vanbrugh Jazz Jam, which he runs every Monday, or beavering away at his latest idea as a postgraduate composer at the University of York. Check out his website for more about Cameron's various projects!
PAUL WALKER
Drum Set
Where would a groove-based project like ours be without its drummer? The Kings of Cool just wouldn't be the same without Paul. A vastly experienced drummer and percussionist, his great touch and feel is crucial to the Kings of Cool sound. In the daytime, Paul is a Music Teacher in a secondary school, and in the evenings he's in demand as a theatre musician around the north-east, and playing in numerous ensembles from 60s/70s function bands, to jazz duos.
BETH ROWLANDS
Percussion
Percussion guru Beth has been teaching and performing for 10 years and has performed in, and been a part of, many music projects in the north east including the amazing Stockton International Riverside Festival. She has performed with the Middlesbrough Football Club band, and has played at venues across the north-east including the fabulous Sage in Gateshead.
MATTHEW ALLEN
Keyboard
Matthew is an experienced Musical Director leading on the music for numerous shows, from Sweet Charity and Cabaret to Godspell and Chicago. He is also an accomplished singer who has performed with several choirs including having been a member of the RSCM Northern Cathedral Singers. A keen composer, Matthew’s most unusual project was producing a dramatic musical score to accompany a Border Reivers exhibition at Tullie House Museum in Carlisle, which is heard and enjoyed by visitors to this day.
MIKE SUMNER
Bass Guitar
Another young talent within the Kings of Cool, Mike honed his skills playing in numerous youth ensembles as part of Lincolnshire Music Service. He was the ‘go to’ bass player in a wide variety of groups whilst at university, including the University of York Big Band, Sherbet Flies (a noise-rock/punk group), and a
handful of jazz combos including the house band for the campus jazz jam. He is the cool dude laying down groovy bass lines at the heart of the Kings of Cool.
ELLIE 'SILV' PYBUS
Vocals
An amazing singing talent, Ellie is at home in stage musicals, gospel choirs, choral groups, and jazz ensembles. Her unique and incredible voice perfectly complements the groovy, jazzy, funky sounds of the Kings of Cool. With initial training at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, Ellie recently graduated with first class honours degree from the University of York. Ellie is now co-MD of the ‘Real Voices Choir’, a chain of choirs based around south London.
SAM GILLIATT
Vocals
Hailing from Broadbottom, Sam has just graduated with a BA in Music from the University of York, specializing in voice. His exceptional vocal talent and smooth, velvety tones mean Sam has been in high demand in jazz, soul and function bands. He is also an amazing performer of opera, musical theatre and choral music and has been selected from applicants across the country to be a member of this year's National Youth Choir of Great Britain Fellowship Octet.
GORDON MARSHALL
Trumpet
Gordon is vastly experienced having been playing for over 35 years. He is a regular in north-east big bands and function bands, as well as being in demand in theatre pit orchestras throughout the region. Like Sue, Gordon is a senior member of the 'Strictly Smokin' Big Band' in Newcastle.
DAN CHIRNSIDE
Trombone
Dan’s ability to play in a variety of styles means he’s constantly in demand. He’s been Solo Trombone player for Lockwood brass band, playing at the national brass band championship in three consecutive years, and winning the prestigious ‘Best Trombone Player Award’ in the northern areas. He’s also toured extensively with Tees Valley Youth Orchestra in countries including the Czech Republic, Italy and Germany. But you might also hear him rockin’ it out with soul band ‘The Rhythm Co.’, or find him in a pit orchestra supporting a theatre musical.
SUE FERRIS
Saxophones
Sue is a stalwart of the north-east jazz and blues scene, playing with Musicians Unlimited, Jason Isaacs Big Band, Strictly Smokin' Big band, and Gerry Richardson's Big Idea (sometimes with Sting!). Sue also leads her own Jazz Quintet, and plays with Skaboom UK, and Alive and Kicking. In January 2018 Sue played Will Todd's 'Mass in Blue' at Durham Cathedral. You might also see Sue in theatre orchestras across the north-east.