The Entourage
Anyone familiar with Pete Frame’s fabled ‘Rock Family Trees’ will know that tying down a line-up is a never-ending task. Couple that with Geoff’s ability to muster, co-erce and extort fellow musicians into playing with him and you can appreciate how many pints of research it took just to get this far.
Geoff Garbow
The mobilising force behind the band. It’s difficult to summarise the sheer force of energy that makes up Geoff Garbow.
Music-Lover, Bandsman, Oarsman, Samba Dancer, Distance Runner, Tideway Steersman, Arborist, Expert Groundsman, Environmental Campaigner, Lover and Singer (ok he insisted on those last two going in there).
Geoff started out in the burgeoning folk scene at The Troubadour on the Brompton Road, occasionally working as MC and often playing in the breaks. At that time he was rubbing shoulders with future legends that included Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Danny Thompson, Wizz Jones and a young Rory Gallagher.
Folk music got him as far as a tour of Russia with an Irish band but it was his budding gardening business that paid for the music. Many a musician came through the rock and roll gardening business as a menas of extra cash. Some bookings were made just on the basis of seeing who might turn up to mow the lawn or trim the beech hedges.
His eclectic style took him to the London School of Samba where he played percussion and cavaquinho. There he teamed up with the two best percussionists and Maurizio on bass.
When Christian joined they were The Band with no name. They became the Geoff Garbow Band in 2012.
Times have changed since his early days as an MC. The band have put a veto on him telling jokes on set – especially his viagra joke.
Christian Parker
Christian is the powerhouse lead guitarist of the Geoff Garbow Band, known for delivering electrifying performances steeped in blues, rock, and country influences. With a style shaped by legends like Eric Clapton, BB King, Peter Green, Ricky Medlocke, Albert Lee, and Robert Johnson, Christian brings both soul and edge to the band’s eclectic blues sound.
From an early age, Christian was immersed in the world of professional music—cutting his teeth as a teenager alongside Simon Bishop (Good Old Boys) and members of iconic bands such as Deep Purple, The Strawbs, Renaissance, Smoking Joe Gunn, and The Birds. These formative experiences laid the foundation for a seasoned musician with both chops and depth.
A regular presence at renowned events like the Ealing Blues Festival and Swanage Blues Festival, Christian also plays frequently at the historic Crawdaddy and Ealing Blues Clubs. His collaborations include performances with Tim Staffell (of Smile) and Paul Stewart (The Others), further cementing his reputation in the blues rock scene.
With the Geoff Garbow Band, Christian’s mission is to bring their unique blend of blues-based sound—with a fearless, eclectic twist—to wider audiences through both studio recordings and dynamic live shows. Their EP Blues Coming Stroing is available on Spotify and other major streaming platforms.
Described by Blues Matters Magazine as ‘a compelling act in today’s blues scene’, the Geoff Garbow Band connects with blues rock fans of all ages—delivering a sound that’s as timeless as it is fresh.
Maurizio Della Pietra
The rhythm section is smoothly driven on by Maurizio – @mojoman64
The time spent with the London School of Samba means that Maurizio is just as good on drums and lead as he is on bass – a truly solid performer. He has been with the band since its inception.
He is either a man of few words or less bothered about bolstering his bio via ChatGPT – you decide.
Paul Gordon-White
Paul holds a doctorate in Mesozoic taxidermy, specialising in Pterodactyls. He has a keen interest in toast and his favorite preserve is apricot. Why is edam different from other cheeses I hear you ask? Well, that’s because its made backwards. Paul’s other interest include egregious badgers, onomatopoeia and cross-stitch.
Arnold Lane
Schooled in the Blues, R’n’B and 70s Rock, with some adventures into World Music, Prog and Improv along the way. All of which have led to a groove that nails down the beat without hammering it to death, and adds some local colour when necessary.
One time punk with The Bazoomis, glamrocker with Girl (Phil Lewis of L.A. Guns’ band), Tony Engle’s Crazy Hearts and art rockers Bucket.
Can now be seen with Walking Wounded (‘a whole world party on their own’ – Folk Roots), Tim Holehouse and the Escape Ghosts, and top blues harpist Joff Watkins. “Bongos?? No, they’re congas mate!”
Terry Marshall
Despite turning professional at 16 Terry Marshall left it until 2024 to release his debut album, Living the Blues, on his own Marshall Records label.
Terry regularly lends the band some depth with his blues saxophone presence.
Geoff Peel
The two Geoffs both row out of the Quintin Boat Club. When he’s not training with the World Champion SuperVets Geoff Peel is a supremely accomplished guitar player. He is also wise enough to know to avoid any outing our own Geoff is coxing the morning after a gig.
Geoff has been Lead Guitar with West London blues scene stalwarts the David Sinclair 4 since 2015.
Stacey Woods
Stacey is a talented finger style guitarist and guitar tapper. She also takes fabulous photos of the West London music scene and festivals.
Her presence is always welcome at a GGB gig, not only for the vibe she brings on stage but the fact that Geoff is barred from telling his Ronnie Corbett-esque jokes.
James Parker
For his day job James’ band somethingorother are taking the metal world by storm. He also tours with Laurie Wright. Their latest song is scapegoat.
As Christian’s son, James occasionally gets roped in to help the old timers out on drums.
Photo by Stacey Woods
Pete Rees
Pete is a well-respected bassist, who has worked with many well-known musicians and has toured throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. In 1998, Pete was playing at a private party, when Gary Moore personally selected him to work alongside him.
These days he fronts The Connection, a collaboration of some of the UK’s best-known blues & soul artists.
Ian McHugh
Art dealer and blues guitar player Ian is increasingly renowned for his fascinating Blues is Truth podcast – a weekly two hour show that focuses on traditional electric blues.
Spy Austin
Spy Austin – Bass guitar. He has played and recorded with Desmond Dekker, George Clinton, The Style Council, Tim Hain, Sam Kelly’s Station House and many others.
Steve Kemp King
Ex pro, studied music at University of the Highlands and Islands up in Perth, wrote the Bass tutor book Head to Head, Aerobics for Electric Bass in 1990, updated 2010, played for ten years with Robert Hokum in Guvnors and Great West Groove.
Photo by Wendy Auld
Geoff Coxon
Geoff nailed down the rhythm section for the band for a number of years and still pops up occasionally.
Described by Geoff Garbow as a metronome. With Geoff G’s somewhat casual attitude to timekeeping and the beat I believe it was meant as a compliment.
The rest of the band really need to do something about all these Geoffs.