ARIEL

ARIEL: Malvern’s Dynamic New Band Formed by guitarist and Saxophonist Dave Pitt, ARIEL emerged from his long past experience in the Birmingham music scene. After moving to Malvern in 2018, Dave joined a local band, but the pandemic brought live music to a halt, leading to the bands demise. Determined to create something new, he began assembling ARIEL in early 2022. After several lineup changes, the band solidified in the spring of 2024 and has been gigging regularly ever since. Run on democratic principles, each member of the band brings their own influences in the choice of songs, leading to a diverse set-list, all bound with the overriding principles that the songs must be universally liked, fun to play, and enjoyable for the listener, whether that be in ‘concert’ or to dance to. A typical set-list may include covers of the Manic Street Preachers, Cream, Green Day, The Police, Queen, The Beatles, Crowded House, Oasis, Blur, Fleetwood Mac, The Levellers, Tom Petty, Blondie, Kaiser Chiefs, The Who, The Eagles, Elvis Presley, REM, The Zutons, The Clash, to name but a few, plus some originals penned by former semi-professional drummer and multi-instrumentalist Martin Worster, and arranged by the band. Martin, who was previously seen locally with West Malvern band Ya-Ya-Logic, also takes lead vocal on some songs. The rhythm section is underpinned by highly competent bassist Andy Prior, who also provides harmonic backing vocals. Andy’s background includes early experience on the club circuit, cabaret, theatre and recording work before focussing on rock music including local bands ‘Scandal’ and ‘Nightshift.’ Guitar duties are shared between Dave Pitt and Matthew Collis-Long who switch between lead and rhythm. Matthew recently returned to playing in a band after a long break. Some numbers the band perform feature Dave on alto or tenor Saxophone. The majority of vocals are sung by Jane Kelly, who has a lifelong singing career. Starting in musical theatre, Jane performed on the wider cabaret circuit for over twenty years, and has sung with bands crossing several genres. Her vocal range, experience, personality, and infectious stage presence delight the audience. ARIEL have a number of gigs during 2025 and hope to acquire more across a wider area, always hoping to project professionalism, quality, with a sense of fun. They are open for bookings!