DAVID WILLIAMS

Hailing from Virginia, David Williams's apprenticeship with the legendary group The Dells was interrupted by a tour of duty in Vietnam. He returned to Los Angels, The Temptations, and a top ten hit with his band Chanson. Since then he has become the most highly regarded rhythm guitarist in the world. His track-record is impeccable - and endless: Michael Jackson, Madonna, Herbie Hancock, Steely Dan and many more. He has written and produced for Earth, Wind & Fire and Boz Scaggs among others. Of his work with Bryan - on 'Bete Noire', 'Taxi' and now 'Mamouna' - he says "it's a groove thing." 

MELVIN LEE DAVIS  

American bassist Melvin Lee Davis began his career playing with the Gospel Choir back in the early'70s. Then came a spell touring with Buddy Miles and time in South Korea with an R 'n' B band. During the 1980's he became extensively involved in session work and began writing and producing prolifically. More recently he has toured with Jennifer Holliday, The Pointer Sisters and Chaka Khan.

CHESTER KAMEN

Chester Kamen is a young English guitarist who first worked with Bryan as long ago as 1985 on the 'Boys And Girls' album and then on stage at Live Aid. Since that time his experimental style has provided a wilder element on records by Seal, Terence Trent D'Arby, PIL, Madonna and others. Meanwhile he has continued to contribute to Bryan's oeuvre, on 'Bete Noire' (which he also co-produced) and now 'Mamouna'.

AUDREY WHEELER

Audrey Wheeler's singing career began, typically, as a member of a local choir in Queen's, New York. For a while her looks supplanted her voice as the secret of her success - she was a finalist in the Miss Black America and Miss Black Universe contests. Returning to her true vocation, she soon gained a reputation as a session vocalist and has worked with numerous artist, including Bruce Springsteen and Billy Ocean.

English keyboard virtuoso Guy Fletcher first worked with Bryan on the Roxy Music 'Avalon' world tour of 1983 and later on the 'Boys and Girls' album. Since then he has recorded and toured extensively with Dire Straits, and recorded with Tina Turner, Randy Newman and Aztec Camera, among others. He has also composed and performed for television and films, including 'Cal', 'Last Exit To Brooklyn', 'On The Big Hill' and 'Tristan Da Cunha'.

GABRIELLE GOODMAN

Born into a family of musicians in Baltimore, Gabrielle Goodman was classically trained at the local Peabody Conservatory. Her immense vocal and stylistic range has led to work across the spectrum, with the Baltimore opera as well as Chaka Khan. Her longest regular gig was as backing vocalist for Roberta Flack, who has in turn championed Gabrielle's solo career. Her own album, 'Travelin' Light', was released earlier this year.

The British guitar-scene's best-kept secret, Neil Hubbard is highly-rated by cognoscenti for his distinctive style-sparse, lyrical and very soulful, his playing is unmistakable. As a teenager he was a member of the original Joe Cocker Grease Band. He went on to form the London proto-funk outfit Kokomo who enjoyed a cult success through the 70's and early 80's. He has been an essential musical element of Ferry and Roxy albums and tours since 1976.

STEVE FERRONE

British-born Steve Ferrone was taught tap-dancing. Drumming he taught himself (with a knife and fork) and did so well he was arrested at twelve years old for playing in a bar underage. Three years studying at the Paris Conservatoire led to a peerless technique since heard on records by Paul Simon, George Benson, Etta James - the list goes on and on. He's best known as drummer with the Average White Band for ten years (1974 - 83) and more recently for his work with Eric Clapton. He also, of course, played on 'Taxi' and 'Mamouna'.