Dean Rees

Dean Rees is best known for his Hammond work with classic British rockers Humble Pie, as well as Stray, Del Bromham and the Devils and 17 Black. Before that, dues were paid in the usual list of local groupings, most notably Colour Sargeant and Grand Society with Toby Marriott. As a featured artist at all annual installments of the Small Faces convention in London, Rees has shared the stage with Glen Matlock, Clem Clempson, Chris Farlow and Steve Ellis.

He’s also become known as a “go-to guy” for several other high-profile special venue managed events. One of those was a most memorable stop at London’s historic Royal Albert Hall for the Ronnie Lane memorial concert (featuring Pete Townshend and Ronnie Wood). Dean was also honored to play at the Steve Marriott memorial concert (feat Noel Gallagher, Humble Pie, Kenney Jones, Ian McLagen, Bobby Tench, Johnny Warman, Peter Frampton, et al). His contribution to the ModAid CD and video was added to those of Ronnie Wood, Mark Joseph and many other popular mod-influenced musos.

In 2003 Dean rejoined his good friend and mentor Greg Ridley, bassist, vocalist, and founding member of Humble Pie. First marketed, promoted and billed as Greg Ridley’s Humble Pie, the new five piece was enthusiastically received by fans and critics alike at debut venue managed gigs in London. The US was then targeted and marketed with a club tour of the south & west, but sadly it wasn’t to be as in early November Greg suddenly fell ill and then passed away later that month. Dean soon jumped into two projects that would be fitting and lasting tributes to Greg Ridley. A collaboration with Bad Company guitarist Dave “Bucket” Colwell on an unfinished song, co-written by Greg, yielded a track that was added to the Greg Ridley Anthology (2004 AngelAir Records). “Learn to Live” also featured vocals by Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) and Todd Sucherman (Styx) on drums.

A memorial concert in 2004 saw Dean reform Greg Ridley’s short-lived band from the year before. The Greg Ridley Band played a rollicking, butt-kicking tribute to their fallen friend at “The Party For Greg” in London. The event also featured great performances by Spooky Tooth’s Mike Kellie and Luther Grosvenor (aka Arial Bender of Mott The Hoople), Bucket Colwell (Bad Company, Humble Pie), Paul Geurin (The Quireboys), Mollie Marriott and many others.

In May of 2006 Dean Rees released his first solo CD “Sweet Felicity Arkwright”, an offering that was filled with rock, rhythm and blues and funky  soul. Dean’s ten songs were  co-produced by Dean and by his long-time collaborator, record producer and friend Karl Randall.

Dean was joined on Sweet Felicity Arkwright by DR Band members Karl Randall (drums), Del Bromham (guitars), Stu Uren (bass), Mollie Marriott (vocals) and Lee Devine (vocals). Two of those names will be familiar to classic rock fans as Del Bromham is the founder and frontman of the veteran British rock band Stray and Mollie Marriott is the daughter of the legendary leader of Humble Pie, Steve Marriott. Also featured on Arkwright are special guest artists and friends Bernie Marsden (Whitesnake, etc), Tony Rolfe, Stefan John, Toby Marriott (Steve’s son), James Coello, Ian Page, Clive Hewsen and Stuart Ikin.

Dean’s current lineup is equally impressive in their artistry with brilliant  Nicky Prince on (vocals), Stefan John (guitar), Rob Butterfield (bass) and Mark Wheeler(drums).

Rees has also been making some small appearances in some major promoted and marketed movies. Thus far his appearances include “The Golden Compass,” (New Line Cinemas/Oscar Winner) “National Treasure 2: Book Of Secrets,” (Walt Disney Pictures) and “The Dark Knight.” (Warner Bros.)

Website: http://www.sweetfelicityarkwright.co.uk

My Space: http://www.myspace.com/deanrees