THE BAND
AARON BROWN
// Vocals
Aaron (Aza) Brown is The WonderWhys’ enigmatic frontman - beginning his musical journey as a choirboy at the age of 10, the understanding of music and experience which he gleaned from singing in some of The World’s best-known Cathedrals has been invaluable. Transitioning to Rock and Roll in his teens, he then sung in Progressive Chesterfield 90’s band - The Dazy Age, with part of their sound being incredible 3-part harmonies which they perfected into their live shows. In 2000 he graduated in Music Industry Management from Bucks University and became a promoter of both live music and dance music for many years, as well as winning The Derbyshire Times Band of the Year with Garage Rock Darlings - The Chasers - in 2002. He then took a step back from music, moved to Leeds, learned the Indonesian language and became a Fair Trade Art Curator specialising in Balinese Paintings, and furthermore went on to be an English Teacher for many years. Returning to Music (and Chesterfield) in 2012, he immediately found his stride with prominent Indie/Party Band - Crackin’ Right Foot. The WonderWhys have seen Aaron’s late blossoming into a versatile, more soulful singer - capable of entertaining the most intimate of audiences right through to arenas like the Ally Pally, Cruises and supporting the Happy Mondays. Aaron recently released a solo album of original material which has attracted a celebrity fan in Robert Carlyle
JAMES PALFREYMAN
// Keyboard
Jim is the keyboard player for the band. He’s been playing all his life and owns a music school and music shop in Chesterfield. He likes partying, going on holidays, and gin and tonic (if you’re passing the bar.)
He played along side Harry Connick Jnr in the film ‘Memphis Belle’ and toured with Michael Jackson’s Guitarist, Greg Wright, when he came to England.
Please don’t offer him crisps or nuts as he can’t resist and he’s constantly on a diet.
SIMON HALL
// Bass
Simon Hall was born and raised in Chesterfield Derbyshire, where he picked up the bass at the age of fourteen and began to play covers with friends at school.
Initially self taught his interest in jazz, fusion and prog rock was sparked by his bass teacher at the time who introduced him to Brand X, Weather Report, Jaco Pastorious and Stanley Clarke.
At home on four, five, six string fretted and fretless basses Simon has performed and recorded in a variety of genres, covers and original bands over the years. Simon is also a member of Hitiro, a jazz rock instrumental trio, M3 a Prog rock trio and has also contributed bass on Lisa Hall’s debut album, John Hackett and Nick Fletchers album Beyond the Stars and various other recording projects.
As well as composing and performing on various projects Simon also keeps a busy schedule as a bass, guitar and music theory instructor.
PAUL SAY
// Guitar
Guitarist Paul Say started off on the trombone and his first actual gig was with Leeds Brass Band until he heard the likes of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath and Floyd. “Oh Goodness Me! I just had to play guitar!”. He’s influenced by Jimi, Gilmore, Vai, Zeppelin, Steely Dan, Gomez, Gorillaz, Girls Aloud! You get the picture - he loves music - oh, and did we forget to mention Funk?? Parliament, early Incubus and Chili Peppers, Earth Wind & Fire and much more (although he doesn’t sound like any of them! Paul’s been lucky enough with some very talented people in his time - very lucky, actually and “none more so than The WonderWhys” he laughs! “It’s a joy to play and have fun onstage, bringing the audience into it as much as possible., The attention to detail is exceptional, and to cover all the genres we do is an achievement which is often commented on in hugely positive terms”. Paul is from - and lives - half the time in Leeds and half in Chesterfield and yes - he’s a massive Leeds United Fan, so if he’s not playing guitar, he’ll be watching footie - sometimes at the same time! Who said we can’t multitask? Paul’s choice of weapons when playing are a Suhr S2 and Suhr Classic Antique, a bunch of pedals (which the lads will tell you - is a constantly changing animal) and a Friedman Runt 20 Amp. Add Paul into the mix and there’s enough gear there to cover just about anything. Paul paints epic soundscapes to accompany the rhythm section and keys, which breathes a unique, personal beauty into everything The WonderWhys play
WAYNE BOLLAND
// Drums
Playing drums has been Wayne’s life since the age of 12. Influenced by the likes of Stuart Copeland, John Bonham and all the greats.
Starting on the club circuit from the age of 16, he then moved onto Theatre performances with a Pink Floyd tribute band, several local Chesterfield bands, and even shared the stage with Beverley Knight and played with Steve Beighton from Paul Carrack’s band. Wayne treasures his collection of DW drum kits, his favourite being the Broken Glass finish DW kit with Zildjian cymbals. Plus he’s highly regarded by his bandmates as having the rehearsal room, the PA and most importantly - the van!