Doug Sanders - Lead guitar and Vocals

When Doug was 12 or 13, his older brother made a guitar – this was what started his interest in playing music. He taught himself to play listening to blues/rock, such as Eric Clapton and Peter Green, etc. He formed a few bands with friends from school – Lewes Priory. Over a period of about 10 years Lewes Priory produced various musicians who went on to have degrees of success. These included Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello’s drummer), The Pyrannas, Julian Scott (M), Andrew Rankin (The Pogues), to name but a few. Obviously a good training ground at that time.

In his late teens he went to Germany to play the army bases with a band called “Oakenlode”. He continued to play with them for a while until meeting another guitar player - Jez Bird. Oakenlode then became “Shakedown” with Jez, and a single was produced called “FBI”.

Doug and Jez found they could write songs, and so decided to form their own band - this was the start of a “mod band” called “The Lambrettas”. With Paul Wincer and Mark Ellis they soon got themselves a record deal with Elton John’s Rocket Records and made two albums, and a few chart singles – Poison Ivy being the highest in the charts and most well known. It was almost certainly the first silver disc for Pete Waterman, who co-produced the song. After a few years Mark, their bass player moved back to America, and so Doug and Jez went on to form “Rave on Jack”. A good band, but sadly short lived.

Doug then had a break from playing in bands for a while, although he still occasionally did sessions on dance tracks, which were released as “one-offs” for clubs.

Next was the “Poor Brave Things”. They played mostly Doug’s songs and enjoyed a period of gigs before he took another break.

A few years ago Paul Smith asked Doug if he would help out with the band he was with as the guitar player had just left. He was supposed to play a couple of gigs until they found someone else, but he never left! Doug is now a full time member and plays guitar and sings in “Zen House”. He is also a bit of a dab hand at the harmonica!

He is still available for “sessions” if anyone needs a versatile guitar player/singer with some good ideas, and also still writes songs. You can contact Doug on 01273 401817 or 07748 477241.

Corinne Colwell – Lead and backing Vocals

Corinne has been singing with bands since the age of 16. Corinne’s first venture into the world of music was on the other side of the world whilst living in Sydney Australia. Performing with The Ramblers, Corinne appeared on network TV and also included numerous gigs. For a time, Corinne worked on the P & O cruise ship ‘Himalaya’ when singing with the band Saffron.

At the age of 24, Corinne returned to the UK, Corinne left the music arena for a while to marry and have 5 sons, but the call to sing could not hold her back for too long. She is now back to doing what she loves best, (singing that is).

Corinne and Paul Smith have been in various bands together on and off for 24 years.

Corinne uses a Shure Beta B58A mic.

Paul Smith – Rhythm Guitar and Vocals

Paul has been a member of local bands since the early seventies playing pubs and clubs in the south. His first band was called Stag, with fellow band member Corinne, in the mid eighties.

After a 15 year break, he helped reform an earlier band with Jon and Corinne. This band was to be called 20-20. The band has now evolved into the current line up of Zen House, with Mickey and Doug joining in 2003.

Instruments

Rickenbacker 360-12 string Guitar

Ovation Celebrity Electro Acoustic Guitar

All running through - Line 6 Spider 212

Jon Sayers – Bass Guitar and Vocals

Having learnt to play an acoustic guitar at the age of 12, Jon turned his attention to the bass guitar at the age of 14.  With a newly found range (voice having broken), it was an easy migration from singing bass lines in a church choir to playing the rock music of the time that was to be such a major influence in later years.

Jon’s first outing into the music world was playing rhythm guitar with a local Brighton band Gunn, in his late teens, early twenties. The gun never really fired, so a short but interesting musical career appeared to come to a close. Until at 49, Jon, playing bass, was asked to help reform a group that had previously featured Paul and Corinne. The band continued to grow as members changed and with addition of Doug, the band became Zen House. The band, now with Mick on drums, is a very solid unit. Jon has been known to perform lead vocals and is expecting to front the band still on the odd occasion, voice permitting.

Jon’s favourite guitar is his Musicman Stingray 5.

Also hanging on the wall are a Yamaha BBGS5 and Crafter 5 string semi acoustic bass.

All this is powered through an Ashdown ABM C115 300 EVO II and an ABM 210T COMPACT cabinet.

Mickey Redford – Drums and Percussion

Mickey started playing drums at the age of 13. He joined his first band while still at school, playing Punk and Rock music.

After playing for about ten years, he decided that help would be needed to move his playing forward. That help came in the form of lessons with a well respected drummer and teacher, Mr Max Abrams.

Since then he has played in various bands playing a wide range of musical styles.