Based in South Bucks, The Climb was formed about 18 months ago and, from the start, the plan was to avoid the usual repertoire of ‘covers’ that many bands on the circuit rely on. Our vision (!), shaped from our garage studio in Coleshill, is to play really good, melodic songs that, whilst not necessary being front of mind, are still (largely) well known, no matter what era they’re from. Country, rock, jazz, blues and soul - artists ranging from Etta James, the Eagles, Nora Jones, Van Morrison and the Stereophonics to Neil Young, George Ezra, Fleetwood Mac and the Travelling Wilburys. We also include some originals written by singer Hayley. All are given the Climb treatment…..making some more instantly
recognisable than others!
The Climb’s inaugural gig was in spring 2022 at the Harte & Magpies, Coleshill (thanks to Steve and Simon for taking a punt on us) and we returned to a sold out Mags in July and again in March 2023. Since then gigs have included festivals in Penn and Winchmore Hill, a two-hour slot in the Memorial Gardens as part of Amersham’s 'Music In The Park', as well as dates at pubs, clubs and private functions around Amersham, Chesham, the Chalfonts and High Wycombe.
In terms of line up, we have the versatile combination of singers Hayley Carlyon and Andrew Mayne out front. Hayley's roots are in country and bluegrass music, and she performed extensively as a solo artist on the London bluegrass circuit before moving to Buckinghamshire to start a family. Piano/keyboard player Andrew, who is also a proficient saxophonist, is a ‘jazzer’ at heart, having played the club and cabaret scene for many years. Confusingly, the band has two further Andrews – drummer Andy Bunker, and Andrew Aylett on bass guitar – what we hope is a tight (musically...they do occasionally buy drinks) rock and blues based rhythm section which also adds to the band’s vocal harmonies. Our only non-local member is guitar player Glyn Wright who hales from Surrey. Glyn has played the club and pub scene all around the country and is comfortable with any musical genre, which is very handy given our varied and somewhat eclectic set!
Click here for our full set list