Meet the Team
Dave Boston
Stilt Drummer
Dave’s love of drumming started at the tender age of 11 when he began lessons and practicing drumkit for hours in his bedroom. His passion led him to study a BA in performance music, interspersed with several trips to Guinea and Gambia to further his study of djembe, and to Cuba to develop his understanding of Afro-Cuban percussion.
Dave’s professional career has been heavily involved with folk rock band Blackbeard’s Tea Party, playing drums and percussion. This has seen him perform at festivals as diverse as Glastonbury and the Rainforest World Music festival in Borneo alongside numerous tours.
He is a member of The Axis Percussion Trio who studied together in Cuba, and have collaborated and recorded with the London Lukumi Choir and other projects.
Dave also plays in stilt drumming band ‘Stilt Batteristas’, performing 'at height' at festivals and parades using a bespoke, ‘wearable’ kit! and is proud member of the drumming team in Fat Cat Brass.
Since graduating, Dave has continued to lead workshops such as Arts Council funded project ‘Singing for the Orishas’ and as a guest lecturer at York St John University. He also runs weekly djembe and bata groups in Nottingham and York, as well as teaching orchestral percussion and drum kit privately at home and in schools.
Phil Drew
Trombone
Phil began playing the trombone aged 6 and after passing his grade 8, aged 16, found a passion for Jazz and Swing music. He went on to attain a music scholarship during his time at Loughborough University. Over the years Phil has led big bands, toured with theatre shows, gigged and recorded across all genres and now enjoys jazz, swing, ska, pop and funk wherever possible! Phil loves a bit of choreography, what he lacks in playing, he more than makes up in cheesy dance moves, laughter and pure passion for playing the trombone!
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Mitch Oldham
Stilt Drummer and FCB Director
Originally from Nottingham, Mitch now lives in the Derbyshire. He has been a professional Drummer, band leader, Percussionist and World Music educator for over 30 years. Mitch plays Drum Kit and a wide variety of percussion instruments from Brazil, Cuba and the Middle-East. He has performed, toured and recorded with artists like Gerry and the Pacemakers, P.J.Proby and The Platters plus U.S. Country and Western music legends Billie Jo Spears, George Hamilton IV (and V) and Stella Parton. Mitch has gigged all over the world from the Albert Hall to Las Vegas, Hawaii to Australia. He loves all kinds of good music Rock, Jazz, Heavy Metal, Folk, Latin.
Fat Cat Brass is an ideal mix of performance and ability. 'The team that Steve and I have brought together couldn't be a better blend of people.....so along with Steve's legendary arrangements, it's just a dream band!"
Tom Bond
Trumpet
Tom is a graduate of Leeds College of Music (BA Hons in Music, Jazz, 2015) with a diverse career in performance, direction, and teaching. He has performed at renowned venues like the Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and Stade Français in Paris, and worked with companies such as BBC 2, SAGA Ocean Cruises, and England Rugby. As well as being Fat Cat Brass trumpet, Tom is currently Assistant Head of Singing & Voice at Bird College and co-founded the Kristian Thomas Company, where he served as Musical Director for 30+ musicals. With his broad expertise, Tom is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the music industry.....and is a pretty awesome dancer too!
Steve Bland
Trumpet and band Director
I’ve always been drawn to the trumpet, even as a child listening to classical music. Now, I’m a professional trumpeter, touring the UK and Europe with brass bands, samba groups, orchestras, and more. I love what I do!
Working with Mitch has been amazing. His positive energy has shaped Fat Cat Brass into a group of talented, passionate friends who bring excitement and top musicianship to every performance.
Recent highlights include tours with Tom Grennan, Oompah Brass, the Johnny Cash Roadshow, and performances at venues like the Royal Concert Hall and St. David’s Hall. A standout moment was performing Stella Natalis, stepping into classical and piccolo trumpet for the first time.
When I’m not playing, I love hearing my kids play music and enjoy taking my family to live shows—research, right? I’ve seen acts like Mnozil Brass, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Tower of Power.
Bruce Reid
Sousaphone
Bruce has been playing sousaphone, double bass and bass guitar professionally for over 20 years. His work as a low frequency specialist has seen him perform and record with a diverse range of artists that include Bad Manners (ska), Ursula Burns (harpist/ singer/songwriter), Watercress (acoustic alternative indie pop), Basic (electronica/dance) and Gary Boyle (jazz fusion). While working with these artists he toured extensively throughout the UK, Ireland, Europe, Scandinavia, Canada and the US. He has appeared on numerous live TV and radio shows as well a performing at major international festivals including Glastonbury (UK), Witness (Ireland), Roskilde (Denmark), Bergen Blues & Roots (Norway), Midem (France), Dranouter (Belgium), Milwaukee Summerfest and the New York and Boston Fleadhs (USA). He also writes music for TV, film and documentaries. However he needs to work on his woodwork skills as his standard of carpentry is substandard.
