Having formed in 2012, drummer/backing singer, musical director & manager Steve Burkwood bought together the most talented and vibing pro session musicians and vocalists encountered during his 20 years of professional experience, to create THE ULTIMATE FUNCTION BAND – a quick glance at the band’s reviews shows how clients and guests are blown away by the level of talent on display, and the band’s unique selection of awesome songs, EVERY time!

The band have performed at countless high-profile corporate events for many household names companies, at many Premiership football clubs, and at a televised event in front of 8,000 at Twickenham Stadium Rugby 7’s - but are equally at home performing at smaller venues, weddings and private birthday or anniversary parties. Famous clients include Sir Alex Ferguson and movie star James Phelps (Fred Weasley), who’s wedding they performed at was attended by many Harry Potter cast members including Rupert Grint!

As well as being ‘self-contained’ providing a 2800w PA system, mic for announcements, and ‘sound active’ lighting rig suitable for events up to 200 people (hiring additional PA & lighting advised for large corporate events), the band offer many extra bolt-on options in order to be a one-stop-shop catering for all your needs, helping to make your event complete by booking one single entertainment supplier; including a full manned DJ service (catering for requests), additional cocktail pianist and acoustic duo performances and more. Where there are budget restraints or venue limitations such as low threshold sound limiters, the band can be reduced to a smaller 6 piece line up - please see booking options and/or ask when requesting a quote!

With Steve’s 20 years of music event management, whether it’s a huge event or an intimate occasion, you are guaranteed a smooth-running experience from booking the band to when they pack-down after wowing your crowd! Steve’s drumming experience extends beyond 30 years, having performed extensively all over the UK in over 50 bands as well as in Greece, Turkey, Thailand, Cambodia, The Philippines and Indonesia.

A seasoned pro, lead singer Elle-J Walters brings an incredible vocal range and dynamic versatility that sees her flawlessly performing powerhouse soul vocals from the likes of Aretha Franklin & Jocelyn Brown (ALWAYS in the original key!!) alongside dynamic & rhythmic chart r ‘n’ b, blended seamlessly with rapping from the likes of Lauren Hill! A regular at the prestigious Jules Holland-established ‘Jam House’, she has rocked huge UK venues such as the Hammersmith Apollo and Liverpool Arena, as well as touring Australia and New Zealand as lead vocalist in the soul spectacular ‘Lost in Music’ theatre show, and has supported major artists such as Shalamar, The Real Thing, Hot Chocolate and Alexander O'Neal.

World-class bassist Paul Wright is Steve’s ‘right hand man’, anchoring the band’s super-tight rhythm section, and arguably provides much of the band’s sound - guaranteed to make your guests ‘get down’ on the dancefloor! A versatile, skilled bass player he has a deep passion for groove, rhythm, and musical expression, drawing from a rich musical background and many years of live performance experience, injecting tons of energy and feeling into every performance, being a veteran of countless large music festivals across Europe playing to thousands, as well as BBC radio sessions and extensive studio session work.

Guitarist Jim Streets uses a unique ‘no plectrum’ finger style, and old school equipment, to perform dynamic, funky rhythm and lead guitar lines like Nile Rogers himself! Having contributed material to their first album, Max Rafferty of the Kooks described him in an interview as “probably the best guitarist I’ve ever seen”! He’s performed on many BBC radio sessions, and to thousands at countless large festivals in the UK, as well as touring Europe.

Virtuoso jazz pianist Richard Hughes brings crazy co-ordination as he simultaneously uses both hands on separate keyboards to recreate the dynamic piano, clav, organ, synth, strings and samples/effects parts that make the band’s performances sound incredibly close to original records. His career spans decades, with thousands of performances at huge venues, theatres and festivals under his belt, with countless top acts – as well as an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour!