Drummer Gary Woods, who has Parkinsons, suggested we got the old band together to do a charity gig. That was in June 2008 and after a number of calls, we soon had a band together.

Artist Name: The Parkinsons Project

Genre: Soul / Blues / Rock

Covers or Originals: Covers

Website: www.parkinsonspace.co.uk

Who's in the band?

Gary Woods - Drums

Derek Overy - Guitar

Jake Jacobs - Guitar

Lee Jacobs - Bass and vocals

Andy Robinson - Keyboards

Roger James - Vocals

Penny Clark - Vocals

Mark Anthony - Vocals and percussion

John Tuttle - Tenor Sax

Barry Fogg - Tenor Sax

Graham Brown - Alto Sax

Dave Norton - Tenor/Baritone Sax

Paul Cornish - Trumpet

Shaun Byrne - Trombone

When and how did it all start?

It all started when former members of the 60s band Soul Reaction met together in the pub. Drummer Gary Woods, who has Parkinsons, suggested we got the old band together to do a charity gig. That was in June 2008 and after a number of calls, we soon had a band together.

How did your first gig go?

The first gig went brilliantly. It was held at Corton Hut on September 21. The crowd loved it and the band had a ball. It was just great playing together with such a bunch of top musicians. In the last set we had 15 musicians on stage at one time. In total we raised �1,605 for charity.

Who is your biggest influence?

Dave - As there are so many in the band this is a hard one, but for me personally it has to be Stax label artists,

What's your favourite song to perform?

Dave - My personal one is Unchain My Heart - with all the brass it sounds great.

Have you recorded an album?

Yes we've just finished it and it will be on sale at our next gig. It is a really good mix of rock and roll, rock ballad and soul. There's something for everyone. A particular favourite track of mine is our version of All The Young Dudes, with Roger James, from The Buster James Band, on vocals.

When is your next gig?

We are performing next at the Corton Hut on April 26. It starts at 4pm and will include performances from Big Red Boat, El Gatos Men and Steemy Dan. We will be headlining, featuring Roger Hames, Penny Clark and Mark Anthony.

Every penny made on the night and from the CD will go the Parksinsons.

What are your hopes for the future?

We hope to do many more gigs for charity and just enjoy playing together.

Your band summed up in three words: Big, Soulful, Quality.

If you are a local band or singer-songwriter and want to be profiled in Sounds of the East Coast, email richard.wood@archant.co.uk or call 01502 525834.