Chris White

Saxophones, Flute, Percussion & Vocals

Chris White’s first real break in the music industry came in 1981 when he was asked to play on Nick Heyward’s album “North Of A Miracle’’. Following this success, his reputation continued to build, playing and recording with artists such as Paul McCartney, Aztec Camera, Chris DeBurgh, The The, and Mark Knopfler, the latter leading to what he is best known for – the saxophone sound of Dire Straits.

His work with Dire Straits included the “Brothers in Arms” and “On Every Street” World Tours, the “On Every Street” and “On The Night’’ albums, and the legendary “Live Aid’’ and “Mandela’’ concerts. More recently, Chris has also guested on two of Mark Knopfler’s solo albums. Outside of this association, he has recorded and toured with many artists, including Joe Cocker, Ray Charles, Mick Jagger, Suggs and Robbie Williams.

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Terence Reis

Lead Vocals & Guitars

“The unbelievable Knopfler channelling of guitarist/singer Terence Reis… not only replicates Knopfler’s guitar and singing style in an eerily accurate manner, he performs with such gusto and passion it was easy to forget we weren’t watching the original Dire Straits in its early 1980s prime. From intense, elongated versions of epics like “Telegraph Road” and “Tunnel of Love” to fan favourites like “Walk Of Life” and “Brothers In Arms,” the music hit every target, without a false note of mimicry or nostalgia...”
Barry Davis (The Straits’ European Autumn Tour 2012)

Of English, Portuguese, Welsh, Irish and Australian descent, Terence Reis grew up on the east coast of Africa in the Portuguese capital of Lourenço Marques (now called Maputo) in Mozambique.

It was here that he was first exposed to music and the guitar: the instrument of choice for the rhythmic, finger picking street musicians. This sound, mixing with the European rock ‘n’ roll radio stations of his youth, began a journey of musical inquiry that has taken in Blues, Folk, Rock, African, Celtic, Americana and an ungodly mix of roots music.

After completing an honours degree at the University of Witwatersrand School of Dramatic Arts, Terence embarked on an award-winning career as a professional freelance actor and voice artist. At this time that he was also developing his life-long love of music into a parallel career as a guitarist, singer and songwriter. It has seen him playing, writing, singing for and fronting various bands. However, it was a decision to take a sabbatical that led to a move to Canterbury in the southeast of England. It was here that he formed the band Waterhorse. A decision that would introduce him to The Straits and ultimately The Dire Straits Experience.

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Richard Barrett

Guitars & Vocals

Richard got his first real guitar aged 9, having mimed enthusiastically along with his brother’s record collection for several years. After studying classical guitar at school and then jazz at college, Richard began his career in music as apprentice to a luthier, repairing guitars and tuning harps. As one does…

Now a veteran of both stage and studio, Richard has toured and recorded with artists such as Tony Hadley, Roger Daltrey, ABC, Go West, Gary Barlow, Nik Kershaw and many, many more.

Richard released his own album, “Colours“ in 2021.

When not performing or recording, Richard is a regular contributor to "Total Guitar", "Guitar Techniques" and "Guitarist Magazines" from which his monthly column, "Blues Headlines" features on YouTube, as well the "Guitar World" and "Music Radar" websites.

He has also been a fan of Dire Straits since 1980…

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John Maul

Piano, Organ & Keyboards

Since graduating from the Royal Academy of Music some 35 years ago, John has been a professional musician with a skill set ranging from pianist, keyboard player, musical director to composer, arranger and programmer. He has performed all over the world in all kinds of venues from concert halls, arenas, TV studios, London West End Theatres to jazz clubs, dance halls and even living rooms.

He has worked with over 100 artists from the Rock and Pop world, both as a keyboard player and musical director. Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Nik Kershaw, Howard Jones to name just a few of the ever-growing list. He was Rick Astley’s MD for many years, culminating in Rick’s come-back album "50" which toured in 2016. John’s varied appearances include playing for the BBC Concert Orchestra, playing for the BBC Strictly Come Dancing Band on Live TV and touring with shows such as Brendan Cole’s (BBC Strictly Come Dancing) All Night Long and the Forty Years of Disco tour with original artists such as Rose Royce, Sister Sledge and Tavares.

His music programming skills in recording, sequencing and music notation have also been put to full use in his studio where he has worked on numerous projects for international publishers and artists. He also has had a strong link with musical the instrument manufacturer, Roland and currently works for Yamaha's R&D international team.

- Picture by Jo Sudau Photography

For more information go to www.johnmaul.com

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Michael Bramwell

Piano, Organ & Keyboards

Having studied piano at the London College of Music, Michael Bramwell has performed, recorded and toured internationally as a pianist and keyboard player and musical director. He has performed and/or toured with Uli Jon Roth, Steve Via, Barclay James Harvest, Suzi Quatro, Hot Chocolate, Bobby Kimbell (Toto), Bic Runga, Enrique Iglesias, Andrea Bocelli and many others. In addition he was musical director for Italian singer Patrizio Buanne for many years.

Michael has also worked in theatre as musical director for the Beatles show, Let It Be and as Associate Musical Director for the Queen show, We Will Rock You in London, Cologne, Zürich and Stuttgart.

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Danny Schogger

Piano, Organ & Keyboards

After studying at the Royal Academy of Music, Danny Schogger was quickly in demand as a session keyboard player, recording with Paul Young, Chris De Burgh, Wham and George Michael, to name but a few.

While touring with Gallagher and Lyle, Hot Chocolate and Wham, Danny began to develop a writing career, which has seen him writing songs for artists such as Bananarama, Celine Dion and Heather Small. A growing reputation and demand as a producer led to working with artists as diverse as Nick Heyward, Sam Brown, Breathe, Jimmy Nail and Worlds Apart. Danny remains a very active producer/writer.

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YoYo Buys

Bass Guitars & Vocals

Born and raised in South Africa, YoYo Buys started performing at a very early age. It did not take long for him to build a solid reputation and his ability and professionalism soon earned him a place in numerous bands, doing studio session for commercials, as well as contributing to the recording of numerous albums.

In 2001 YoYo relocated to London where has been an active professional musician ever since.

He has recorded, performed and worked as a session musician with over 200 bands and artists all over the world. Amongst others, Andrew Roachford (Roachford, Mike & the Mechanics), Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), The Christians, Latin Quarter, Lisa Hannigan, Ravid Hang, Limahl (Kajagoogoo), Dana Gillespie, Bastian Baker, Martina Topley Bird (Tricky, Massive Attack), Vusi Mahlasela, eVoid, The Usual and Robin Auld.

He has also contributed to film soundtracks (The Brothers Grimsby and The Infidel) with composer Erran Baron Cohen.

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Andrew Hawkins

Drums

Andrew began playing drums in 1990 at the age of thirteen. Interestingly, the music of Dire Straits played a large part in his early education as he started out playing along to their records on a drum kit he made out of cardboard boxes.

After studying music, Andrew began his professional career by touring extensively in the UK and internationally. This included regular festivals appearances such as Hyde Park, Sonnisphere, V-Festival, the Isle of Wight Festival, Bestival, as well as opening Glastonbury on the Pyramid Stage. In addition to touring and recording with other artists, Andrew remains associated with the Royal Academy of Music with whom he has worked for the past 17 years.

In 1991, Andrew was in the crowd for Dire Straits’ On Every Street world tour concerts and at their Woburn Abbey show in 1992. Twenty-five years later his path crossed with the Dire Straits Experience and he was asked to join the line-up of musicians where he is now loving the opportunity to play live, the songs he knows so well.

He has not been required to use his cardboard box drum kit.

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Luke Naimi

Drums

From South Wales, UK and inspired by a variety of music styles from a young age, Luke picked up the sticks at the age of 10. From Arabesque to Motown to heavy metal, an open mind and passion for playing drums has led to a busy live performance career. It was at The Academy of Contemporary Music where he was invited by tutors of the academy to play in their bands. Through this Luke got his first named artist gig, playing for Limahl of Kajagoogoo.

This opened up more opportunities and he has since performed live with iconic 80’s artists such as Katrina (formerly of The Waves), Altered Images and Roachford, who he has now been the live drummer for since 2017) playing regular European and UK tours as well as festivals such as Isle of Wight, Glastonbury and the 80’s Rewind festivals along with TV appearances and Radio promotional material.

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