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GILES

printable biog page 1

GILES is the project of Dutch multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Mark Koehorst. Founded in 2002, GILES are already making a big impression on live music scene, both in the UK and abroad. To date, they have supported Eric Burdon and the Animals, Dr Feelgood, Robert Sherman, The Blockheads and the Blues Band and they have appeared at most of the major blues festivals in the UK.

Apart from Mark's own songs, they bring new life to a whole range of classic songs, from their dark and haunting version of Move, to a very funky Stop Breaking Down. sung and played with great passion and finesse. Mark's own songs include Keep On Dancin', Gets Me Nowhere, She Broke My Heart and So Much Pain.

Their debut CD 'Coming Home' was very well received by fans and critics alike as a worthwhile contribution to the blues. Their second CD 'Blood from a Stone' was released in February 2004 and they are now working on their third. They have just signed a distribution deal with DWM in the States and are getting air play at various American blues stations, such as WRFG Atlanta. Their UK distributor is Proper Music.

GILES have taken the very essence of the blues and transported it into the music of today, taking on board all manner of contemporary influences, from Rage Against the Machine to Missy Elliot. If you thought the blues was about nostalgia for times long gone, think again. It is very much alive and kicking and about to stage a major comeback!

Outstanding musicianship. excellent original songs, and a fresh approach to the blues make GILES a must-see band. Led by awesome guitarist and singer Mark Koehorst. with his son Piet on bass and Terry Shaughnessy on drums, they bring their groove-based blues to a whole new audience. GILES are doing to the blues now what Hendrix did in the 60's.

"Exceilent...a splendid live performance ...." Blues in Britain

"...Sunday afternoon witnessed the surprise package of the weekend when GILES delighted the assembled throng in the Cheshire Barn, the venue for the previous day's acoustic sessions. Mark Koehurst on lead vocals and guitar was in superb form and was magnificently supported by his seventeen year old son, Piet, on bass guitar and the exceptional Terry Shaughnessy on drums. A stream of top class originals was very effectively mingled with a selection of familiar covers, including 'Suzie Q', 'Rollin And Tumblin' and Richie Havens' 'Freedom', all played in a refreshingly innovative style. The band's recently released album was well represented in the set, including its title track. 'Blood From A Stone'. The blues community of the UK is fast becoming acquainted with and appreciative of this impressively talented band. The secret is now well and truly out...

Lionel Ross, Blues in Britain.