The Band
Geoff Randall - piano, backing vocals, cello
Geoff began his love affair with music early on in life and at the tender age of five, he discovered the cello. By the age of thirteen he'd already passed his grade 8. As a cellist, he joined the Brighton Youth Orchestra in 1980 which toured Europe and culminated in a sold out performance at "The Royal Albert Hall" in 1987.
At the age of ten, he taught himself the piano and five years later, started teaching himself guitar and it was these skills that led him to playing with several bands in the late 80's and early 90's.
Rich and Geoff's paths crossed in early 2004 and a friendship developed through a love of the same style of music.
Alex Hall - acoustic, electric guitars, backing vocals
Hampshire born Alex was trained in Popular Music and Jazz under the guidance of Terry Keyworth in Bournemouth. He then choose to take his studies further in 2003 where he began a Bachelor's degree in Jazz, Popular and Commercial Music at the University of Newcastle.
Alex developed his skills under the tutelage of Dr. James Birkett, Gerry Richardson and Rod Sinclair. Alex's extraordinary improvisation skills were developed through private one on ones with Claude Werner who also taught Alex comprehensive skills in composition.
He regularly performed in the North East of England as a solo artist; with The Modern Guitar Duo (Tom Dibb) and various other ensembles for all kinds of events from Jam sessions to corporate events to weddings. He also became an established solo artist (Singer/Songwriter) on the original music circuit supporting Ben Watson, James Newman and Alan Hyslop at performances across the region.
After obtaining his degree, Alex relocated to the South East to pursue his music career. He auditioned for the gig as Rich’s guitarist and it was fairly obvious to all present that Alex was the right man for the job. Having added his own touch, feel and style of guitar playing along with some very strong backing vocals, Alex has brought a unique freshness and subtlety to the band which is valued by all in The Rich Somers project.
Otto Metaxas - bass guitar
Otto was born in and grew up in the city of Piraeus, Greece. While at school he started learning the acoustic guitar with his school mate as they both wanted to form a band. After the two of them managed to get free classes on a weekly basis for about three months, a third band member was recruited and the local three-piece rock band was formed. Otto found him self playing bass for the band after he realized that bass was his true love. Since then he has focused on teaching himself this instrument. The band was successful and did quite a few gigs for couple of years. Unfortunately the band split up when the band members started moving away.
Otto came to Brighton in 1998 to take a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Brighton University. He joined a couple of local bands and did a few gigs in the Brighton area.
After years of playing and learning his craft in different bands, he met Rich Somers at a recording session. Three years later, the opportunity arose for Otto and Rich to work together with the rest of the Rich Somers band and he very quickly fitted into a great groove.
Otto has been influenced by rock style bands but also funky tunes and acoustic sounds. Inspirations include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dire Straits, Keziah Jones, Queen and also acoustic styles like Jesse Cook, Ottmar Liebert.
Alex Flokkas - drums
In Alex's short but profound drumming career he has managed to fit in a huge amount at such a young age. He has been playing drums from his early years and has become known in local circles as the prodigy.
Having joined BIMM (the Brighton Institute of Modern Music) in 2006, he gained two diplomas for modern music passing with a distinction and a merit.
He has furthered his experience with sessions of one to one tuition with Mark Richardson (Feeder), Bruce Dickinson and Kevin Nixon (BIMM Directors).
His eclectic and very individual drumming style has seen him play some top venues on the south coast with both original and function bands...performing his first gig at just 12 years of age.
Alex joined the Rich Somers band in late 2008 and thanks to an incredible ability to lock in with bassist Otto has slotted into place with ridiculous ease and is already an invaluable member of the band.