Chris Gale is a drummer, creative force, and the visionary behind The Council of 9 – a dynamic musical collective born from his deep passion for creativity, a flair for collaboration, and an expansive network of world-class artists.

Though long based in London, Chris’s musical journey began across the Atlantic in New York and New Jersey, where he spent his formative years. It was there, in school bands, that he first discovered his love for rhythm and performance.

“The music we grow up with during our school years is undeniably formative. We all remember the soundtrack of our youth – to me, that’s proof of something greater.”

Chris’s drumming spans genres and continents. He regularly performs with Aldevis Tibaldi, the Will Johns Band, high-energy covers band Old Spice, and the Celtic/world music trio Blag. A devoted advocate of unity through diversity, Chris now channels his love for jazz, blues, and world music into The Council of 9, a project that reflects both his eclectic influences and forward-thinking spirit.

“Chris is one of the very few players in the UK that can really swing – though I wouldn’t dare say it for fear of offending the rest.”
— Aldevis Tibaldi

Originally from Trieste, Italy, Aldevis Tibaldi is a London-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger known for his bold voice across the full saxophone family, as well as clarinet, bass clarinet, and flute.

He has recorded and performed with a diverse and distinguished roster of artists, including Jake Vegas, Hot Orange Big Band, Jay Craig, Ian Pierce, Frank Griffith, Guillemots, Paloma Faith, Willie Garnett, Ray Gelato, Mitch Winehouse, Stan Reynolds, Ronnie Wood, and the Denmark Street Big Band. His collaborations also include Ronnie King, Tatiana Okupnik, Krystyna Pronko, Julian Stewart-Lindsay, Roberto Pla, and John Eacott’s Floodtide project, among many others.

Aldevis plays a key role in the new Council of 9 album, composing the horn parts, melodies and two full compositions.

As a bandleader he brings his distinctive voice to his own jazz groups and projects, delivering rich arrangements that blend tradition with experimentation. Two of his albums, TwentySix Three and Special Jazz Blend, were produced with Chris Gale who also took the drum chair. Aldevis continues to be a driving force on the UK jazz and session scenes—fluid, fearless, and always in motion.

James is a founding member and fellow impresario of Council of 9, and a seasoned London-based guitarist active on the local circuit, performing regularly with a variety of covers bands. A versatile vocalist and skilled band arranger, James brings a deep musicality and strong creative vision to every project he joins.

James played a key role in producing The Council of 9’s inaugural release 9 with Chris Gale —recorded and mixed at Peter Gabriel’s legendary Real World Studio. James helped shape the album’s rich, immersive live sound. He also contributes lead guitar and backing vocals on the band’s take on the Grateful Dead classic, as well as backing vocals on Truth.

With a lifelong passion for jazz, blues, and '70s rock, James has brought an invaluable depth and character to this ongoing musical journey.

A prolific and versatile musician, Sid Gauld has lent his signature sound to over 300 album projects across virtually every genre imaginable. From intimate jazz sessions to stadium-sized rock tours, his trumpet has become a defining voice for some of the biggest names in music.

Sid’s remarkable career includes collaborations with legends like Blur, The Stranglers, The Cure, George Michael, Sting, Tom Jones, Ray Charles, and Buddy Guy. He’s performed and recorded with iconic funk, soul, and jazz acts including Incognito, Brand New Heavies, Corduroy, Shakatak, and Loose Tubes, and his horn has powered Latin grooves alongside Snowboy, Roberto Pla, Chucho Valdez, and Patato Valdez.

A first-call session artist and bandleader in his own right, Sid has graced stages and studios alongside Sinead O’Connor, Stereophonics, Bloc Party, Mica Paris, Django Bates, and Stan Tracey, to name just a few.

His distinctive tone, musical intelligence, and cross-genre fluency make him one of the most respected and sought-after horn players on the global scene.

A dynamic force on both acoustic and electric bass, Richard Sadler is a seasoned musician, composer, and sound engineer with a truly global reach. Comfortable in every genre—from jazz, pop, and blues to the occasional country twang—Richard’s versatility has made him a first-call player for studio sessions and live stages alike.

He has worked with legendary artists such as Ray Davies (The Kinks), Paul Weller, and Tom Jones, appearing at major UK venues including Queen Elizabeth Hall, Ronnie Scott’s, and festivals like Glastonbury, The Big Chill, and the London Jazz Festival.

Internationally, Richard has brought his groove to stages across the USA (Rochester Jazz Festival), Canada (Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto), Australia (Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne), New Zealand (Auckland, Queenstown), Thailand, and most of Europe.

His TV and radio credits include appearances on Later with Jools Holland, RTE (Ireland), and regular sessions for BBC Radio 3 and BBC 6 Music (Jazz Line-Up, Tom Robinson Show). He even finds time to give back, teaching bass at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama Summer School.

In 2007, Richard’s contributions to music were recognised with a BBC Jazz Award, a testament to his artistry, creativity, and enduring impact on the scene

With a in depth foundation in classical piano from Dartington College of Arts and the London College of Music, Gabriel Keen bridges tradition and innovation with effortless style. A finalist in the 5th British Contemporary Piano Competition, his sensitivity to modern composition has led to recordings of works by Enid Luff, Julia Usher, and Brian Inglis.

Equally at home on the jazz, soul, and pop circuits, Gabriel has performed with a diverse roster including Jon Owen, The Tiger Lillies, Michele Drees Jazz Tap Project, Errol Kennedy’s Imagination, and Grace Kennedy.

A fearless improviser, he is also a core member of experimental collective A Bigger Mouth, exploring free-form soundscapes and sonic spontaneity.

From refined recital halls to boundary-pushing live shows, Gabriel Keen brings a rare blend of precision, passion, and creative curiosity to every performance.

A powerhouse of British blues, Will Johns fuses raw emotion with refined musicianship to deliver a fresh, electrifying take on classic and contemporary blues rock. With five acclaimed solo albums to his name, including the chart-topping Bluesdaddy (2021) and his latest release Yin & Yang (2023), Will has firmly established himself as a leading voice in modern blues.

His songwriting has earned widespread recognition, with three consecutive nominations for Best Original Blues Song at the British Blues Awards. On stage, his energy is undeniable—whether performing solo or fronting The Cream of Clapton Band, the official legacy project celebrating the music of his legendary uncle Eric Clapton. The show, previously known as The Music of Cream and Sons of Cream, has taken Will across the USA, Canada, and Europe, garnering rave reviews and personal endorsement from Clapton himself.

A magnetic performer and skilled collaborator, Will has shared stages and studios with a who's who of iconic musicians, including Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Steve Winwood, Ronnie Wood, Mick Taylor, Bill Wyman, Nile Rodgers, Robben Ford, Glenn Hughes, Roger Waters, Greg Phillinganes, Steve Gadd, and more.

Will Johns brings not only heritage but heart, delivering blues with soul, grit, and unmistakable style.

Born in Havana and raised by the drum, Randy Lester has been moving hearts and hips since the age of 11. From the age of 15 he spent 6 formative years in the military band Misica. Trained by Cuban legends like Jorge "El Negro," Juan Bauste Granda, and Cerrano, his rhythms are rooted in tradition and charged with soul.

From the streets of Cuba to the world stage with Sur Caribe, Randy’s journey has taken him across Mexico, London, and back—twice. For the last 20 years, he's been electrifying England’s music scene, lighting up festivals and iconic stages like the Jazz Café and Ronnie Scott’s.

His contribution to Council of 9 brings deep-rooted global grooves and pure passion to every beat.

Celebrated for his soulful tone and expressive style, Nick Mills is one of the UK’s most sought-after trombonists, bringing his signature sound to stages and studios around the world. A proud Norwich native, Nick studied jazz at Leeds College of Music, where he won the Brass Award in 2001 and performed with the European Youth Big Band.

Nick’s career spans a rich spectrum of genres—from the golden swing of the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Piccadilly Dance Orchestra, and Glenn Miller UK, to cutting-edge jazz with the Mike Garrick, Pete Hurt, and London Jazz Orchestras. A frequent collaborator on the UK Latin scene, he’s played with icons like Robin Jones' King Salsa, Snowboy, and Roberto Pla.

His versatility has also led to high-profile work in pop and soul, performing alongside artists such as Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Lily Allen, Gregory Porter, Elbow, Lulu, Fatboy Slim, and Australia’s Hilltop Hoods.

Nick leads his own acclaimed projects, The Bluenote Project and the Nick Mills Quintet, both of which have toured extensively and hosted educational workshops across the UK for over two decades—bringing top-tier jazz to new audiences with style and heart.

A master of musical storytelling, Nick Mills makes the trombone sing with unmistakable voice and vision.

Charlie is a Bristolian session guitarist and artist based in London, as well as playing in company with artists such as McKnasty, Charlie has made a name for himself for his ultra precise, groovy and all round silky playing. Charlie and I sat down to discuss what he's been practicing, how he developed his recognisable sound and what's in store for the future. Charlie has an interesting background as to how he got started and the musical journey that has led him to London.

Based in London, UK, Charlie Allen is a session guitarist who has made a name for himself in the jazz scene with his intricate and precise yet detailed style.

Born in Lisbon, Portugal, Oli Savill is a versatile percussionist whose global journey in rhythm began with bongos at age 11. After studying at Drumtech in London and forming strong ties with Brazilian music through mentor Bosco de Oliveira, he went on to tour with legends like Airto Moreira and Dom um Romão. In 1994, Oli joined the Pet Shop Boys on a world tour, later fulfilling a lifelong dream of studying Afro-Cuban percussion in Havana. Back in the UK, he became a sought-after session player and producer, co-creating the project Dalata and his own remix alias Dogbeats. Oli has recorded and toured with artists such as Shakira, Basement Jaxx, Roy Ayers, Annie Lennox, and many more. Since 2004, he’s been the live and studio percussionist for the Grammy-winning Basement Jaxx.

Blurring boundaries and blending genres, Jaiki (aka Jacob Imrie-Gale) is a rising force in the UK music scene. A producer with an ear for rhythm and a heart for global sound, Jaiki crafts tracks that span dance, afrobeat, reggae, funk, and beyond—each one rooted in a love for musical diversity.

As the founder of Qulture, a forward-thinking booking agency and event platform, he’s championing underrepresented talent and building a movement that celebrates sonic variety. Raised in the pulse of a vibrant community of musicians and DJs, Jaiki’s sound is as rich and unpredictable as the scene that shaped him.

With a fast-growing production catalogue and a bold vision for the future, Jaiki is more than a beatmaker—he’s a cultural architect remixing the sound of tomorrow.

Son of renowned CO9 producer James Peake, Vincent has been behind the camera, filming and documenting the recording sessions at Real World Studios. At just 17, Vince’s passion for cinema is evident, having recently completed a successful short film that premiered at London's BFI Cinema, where he also hosted a Q&A. With extensive knowledge of film and an eye for storytelling, Vincent is poised for a bright future in the industry.

Michael Pinsky is a British artist celebrated for his provocative and socially engaged public artworks that question how we inhabit and shape our urban environments. Working across installation, performance, and urban design, his projects often interrogate pressing ecological and political concerns. Works such as Pollution Pods, Making A Stand, and City Speaks have gained international recognition for their imaginative responses to climate change, sustainability, and civic participation.

Parallel to his visual art practice, Pinsky has nurtured a lifelong love of music. He began playing the fiddle at six and, by eleven, was performing in Scottish folk groups alongside musicians who would go on to form influential bands like Capercaillie and Shooglenifty. As a teenager, he had the opportunity to perform with jazz legend Courtney Pine in the Grand Union Orchestra.

Pinsky studied both Visual Art and Music at Brighton University under Scottish composer and pianist Billy Cowie, during which time he also played with the folk band Bodley Head. Today, he continues to explore the meeting points of tradition and improvisation through regular performances with the folk and world music trio Blag.

Professional project manager with a love for music from all cultures. Kirt learned to play drums at age 7 and played the South West England  rock circuit until life took him in other directions - to London and the world. Kirt’s flare for adventure and leadership has seen him operate all over the world - organising a cricket match on Mount Everest, sending a tractor across Antarctica to the South Pole, leading hundreds of people to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro and other high altitude challenges and running award winning global events in London, Adelaide, Dubai, Montenegro, Davos and Cannes. But his love of music has never diminished and he leapt at the opportunity to be involved in this project.

A genre-hopping selector with a crate-digger’s soul, Harry Buchanon is a DJ and audiophile whose sets span everything from rare grooves to warehouse anthems, Brazilian funk to ambient sunrise soundscapes. His musical passport is stamped with scenes from across the globe, each track chosen with purpose and precision.

Behind the decks and in the studio, Harry is the driving force behind the ABM Collective (Anti-Bridge Movement)—a production and re-edit outfit dedicated to unearthing and reimagining forgotten cuts with fresh perspective. Whether he's reworking obscure samples or curating deep, atmospheric journeys, Harry’s philosophy remains the same:
the right tune, at the right time—genre be damned.

Grammy-winning engineer Katie May is the sonic architect behind some of the most striking records of recent years. Since joining Real World Studios in 2020—after a standout internship during her Tonmeister studies—Katie has earned a reputation for technical precision, creative sensitivity, and a warm, professional presence in the studio.

In 2025, she took home the Grammy for Best Engineered Album for her work on Peter Gabriel’s i/o, cementing her place among the industry’s top talents. Promoted to Head Engineer at Real World in 2022, Katie continues to push sonic boundaries across genres.

Her credits include a diverse lineup of artists such as Gabrielle Aplin, Tom Jones, The Breath, Anne-Marie, Wilkinson, John Smith, Headie One, Seafarers, and Clive Deamer, with additional session work for icons and innovators like The 1975, Florence + The Machine, Foals, J Hus, Roger Waters, Maggie Rogers, and The Comet Is Coming.

Whether she's crafting lush acoustics, sculpting genre-defying soundscapes, or engineering intimate live sessions, Katie’s commitment to detail and emotional resonance brings every project to life.

Blending artistic flair with technical precision, Maisy Preece is a rising talent in the world of sound. A graduate of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, Maisy brings a creative eye and a collaborative spirit to her role at Real World Studios.

With a background in visual arts and a passion for people, she’s known for her bright presence—both in personality and wardrobe—and her dedication to making artists feel at home in the studio. From setting the scene to supporting the sonic vision, Maisy ensures every detail is in place behind the glass.

One of Real World's next-generation engineers, Maisy follows in the footsteps of standout assistants like Katie May and Dom Shaw, and is already carving her own unique path in the studio world.

With a career spanning over three decades, Peter Melichar brings a rare fusion of musicality, technical finesse, and industry insight to every project. A classically trained pianist from the age of four, Peter's journey began in Vienna where he co-founded the electronic duo AlienClone in 1988. Relocating to Manchester during the vibrant ‘90s scene, he quickly became immersed in the city's underground electronic and techno movement—laying the groundwork for his future as a producer and mix engineer.

A chance collaboration with D:Ream’s Simon Ellys led Peter into the heart of the UK pop machine, contributing to projects with major acts like East 17 and S Club 7. In 2014, he established Summerhill Music, a boutique mixing and mastering studio just outside London, where he now specializes in jazz, blues, and cross-genre collaborations with independent artists.

Peter’s sonic philosophy is rooted in the tactile traditions of the analog era—vintage gear, real faders, warm tones—combined seamlessly with modern digital workflows. His deep understanding of music, from composition to final master, makes him a trusted partner in the studio and a creative force behind countless projects