Biography

B-Hut was formed in 1987 by Chris Barnes and Marcel Stranis.

Heavily influenced by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Tower Of Power, and the Rare Groove scene,they formed a 6 piece instrumental band playing horn led funk fusion.

B-Hut played around colleges and clubs in the UK featuring artists such as Trumpeter Damon Brown ,percusionist Karl Van Den Bossche and Sax players Gerry Underwood (RIP), John Miles, Sam Frank and Christian Brewer.

"Funkin'" Duncan Mackellar (Guitar) and D-Influence drummer Pascal Consoli became mainstays of the band.

In 1994 Barnes left to tour Europe and Africa with N'Goi.
On His return he reformed B-Hut as band leader, bringing vocals and rap to the ensemble. A recording spree with Freak Street Records / Warner Chapel and Acid Jazz records ensued, culminating in "The Black CD" featuring guitarist Tony Remy.

This marked the begining of a fruitful collaboration with Jazz Vocalist Rachel Calladine, who has provided a major contribution on all levels. The new "Diet" B-Hut played engagements all around the country as a vocal led quartet (Vocal, keys, Bass, Drums), making the funk fusion accessible to a wider audience.

Stranis departed B-Hut for a time, continuing his work with the likes of Tony Remy and Jean Touissant. This began a sequence of collaborations with different bass players, including Nick Cohen and Carl Holt.
Many fine players have come and gone over the years, much respect and thanks:

Rachael Calladine
Marcel Stranis: Bass
Tony Remy: Guitarist
Duncan Mackellar: Guitarist
John Miles: Saxophonist
Gerry Underwood (RIP): Sax
Sam Frank: Sax
Felix Fast: Sax
Christian Brewer:Sax
Damon Brown: Trumpet
Tony Mason: Drums
Tonna Punn: Drums
Sam Maitland: Percussion
Karl Van Den Bossche Nick Cohen: Bass
Pete Hajof: Bass
Carl Holt: Bass
Roger Batting: Drums