Artist Name
The Gift

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The Gift are a symphonic progressive rock band based in London. They formed in 2003 when Mike Morton (writer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist) hooked up with Leroy James (guitarist, writer and producer). They had both been working throughout the 80s and 90s in mainstream rock projects, but discovered a shared love for prog (which they had supressed due to its supposed stigma). The Gift started as a duo, with the two partners sharing all instrumental and vocal duties. Their goal was simply to record a 45 minute epic called 'Awake And Dreaming', which Mike had written in response to the then current invasion of Iraq.

The music grew and grew, so Mike and Leroy brought in other musicians to realise its scope. They recruited session musicians Jim Thomas and Rod Haverhill on bass and keyboards respectively, and eventually appointed David Storey (The Enid) on drums, much to their delight. (In fact, the album was finally mastered at Robert John Godfrey's studio in Northampton. For Mike particularly this was a thrill. Godfrey had been a teenage hero of his). The Gift was now a fully-fledged five piece.

With a quiet but persistent buzz building, 2007 looked set to be their time.

Alas, it was not to be. Although the best of friends, Mike and Leroy had different ambitions. Mike wanted to tour the whole of 'Awake And Dreaming'. Leroy did not. Mike had a vision for a stage show which would make full use of multi-media resources, and present the 2 tales in a theatrical fashion not seen since the 70's. Leroy loved what they had created but wanted to stop at the recorded product. He was motivated to earn a solid living out of music and was not convinced that prog was the way to do so. Added to this, the other musicians had been session players whose commitments elsewhere drew them away from the band. So The Gift remained an enigma, and a one man one at that. The debut may have raised expectations but it was never consummated live. In fact, The Gift weren't even seen in photos!

'The Latest Chapter'

The Gift is now a 6 piece. First, after 10 years away from the project, original co-composer of ‘Awake & Dreaming’ Leroy James has returned to the band. He brings with him an impeccable guitar style, both melodic and aggressive. It complements David Lloyd’s warm, vintage tone and thoughtful playing perfectly. But above all, this cements the ‘soul’ of the group, as Mike had missed him a lot!

Another fine musician has also joined their ranks. Gabriele Baldocci, a world renowned classical pianist who also teaches at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire, is The Gift’s new keyboard player. With technical skills to rival Jordan Rudess, plus a composer’s tasteful approach to writing and soloing, he has added an element of true sophistication to the sound. He is also a very funny, warm and committed man.

Stef Dickers has been with the band for three years now. He is an exceptional bass player: rock-solid, creative and tasteful. He's also a warm hearted and funny man. His humour and optimism lifts the band's spirits, whilst his playing continues to drive the music to new levels of attack and power. He's great at puncturing pomposity, too, making sure they avoid too much 'proggy pretension', as he puts it.

Finally, a real powerhouse drummer (with Peart-like tendencies) with the arrival of Neil Hayman. Neil also plays in Konchordat, another BEM band, and he is a strong, creative player. Not only that, but his humour and humility make him a top bloke as well.

We are now a ‘band of brothers’. We love each other, and the music we make. Live, we intend to blow everyone away, so look out!

Lastly, Graham Harris was so enamoured with our stuff that he joined as our seventh member. Whilst not a player, he is to The Gift what Richard MacPhail was to early Genesis: Sound man, stage manager, tour manager, webmaster, head of PR, organiser and all round ally, sage and counsellor! This multi talented, supportive and tireless man also happens to be the kindest chap on the planet.
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Last Edit by essjayuk
04th Mar 2017

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