Samtana/Players

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Dave Strudwick is the vocalist with SAMTANA. Dave has performed in various live projects for well over 20 years; ballads like ‘Taboo’ and ‘Primavera’ reflect the singer's lyrical interpretation qualities, whilst numbers such as 'She’s Not There', 'Them Changes' and 'Hope You're Feeling Better' allow him to embellish his outstanding rock voice. Dave also plays Sax and Jazz is his other musical passion. He studied saxophone with the London College of Music and has a Diploma in Jazz improvisation.

Ken Carroll, the founder of SAMTANA, provides the fiery vintage sound in songs such as 'Hope You're Feeling Better' and 'Oye Como Va' with his magnificent Hammond B3. SAMTANA are the only UK Santana Tribute using a Hammond and fans of Santana will appreciate the difference which is plain to hear. Ken has performed and toured with Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, Jo Jo Gunne and Kenny Jones (Small Faces). He was also once in a band called Deep Purple with vocalist Mike Wheeler. The band split and Mike met Richie Blackmore. They eventually went their separate ways but Richie liked the name and stuck with it. The rest, as they say, is history.

“Matt Dean is a young, energetic drummer who combines fiery chops with a sensitive musical ear. A versatile player who is a complete musician.” Mike Sturgis – Asia, Ah-Ha, Wishbone Ash.

Born in 1980, Matt was instantly exposed to performance with parents who were both musicians and street performers. He was brought up on a diverse range of music. He is an experienced drummer, percussionist, keyboard player, composer and teacher, Matt’s playing is one of the most important aspects of his life and something that he is totally dedicated to. His music has included work all over the country and Europe from village halls, pubs, clubs, universities, arena’s, festivals, theatres (including London Palladium, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Theatre Royal-Drury lane), boats and countless recording sessions.

Danny Boothman is Samtana's bassist. Danny has played guitar from the age of 14 and later turned to bass. He has played in funk, soul rock and blues bands in the UK and Europe. Danny has a solid dependable bass style that when combined with the pulsating and infectious drum and percussion rhythms provide a rock solid platform for the rest of the band members to embellish. The result is vintage Latin Rock Santana style.

Simon Teague has played percussion for over fifteen years. He started his musical interests playing drums and has been a crucial part in bands for many years. Simon has been exposed to various styles of music but listening to early Santana albums inspired him to take up congas and other percussion. He is an all round player and is capable of doubling on timbale and congas. He has played in projects worldwide. From South America and the Caribbean to South Africa, where in Ghana he was described as a "Native brother in foreign skin."

Joe Becket is an explosive timbale player whose fills and polyrhythmic variations provide the fire that adds the Latin icing to the SAMTANA cake.

Joe has played percussion for 27 years. He was inspired by Santana's Abraxas album and has never turned back. Joe has played and toured with some of the top names in the music industry including Paul Weller and Spandau Ballet.

John Hole is SAMTANA'S very own Carlos. He recreates the sights and sounds of Carlos Santana, and his ability to perform almost note for note the superb energetic playing of Carlos Santana is remarkable. John has played guitar from an early age and spent most off his life in music, playing professionally during the eighties and managing bands in the 90's. He successfully managed Echo and the Bunnymen and toured the USA during his time with them. John's first love is still the Guitar and he was greatly influenced by Carlos Santana.