Crawford, Gilkes and Smiles

Crawford, Gilkes and Smiles is a talemnted trio serving up a musical gumbo of blues, Louisiana funk and jazz. It’s members are Jim Crawford on guitar, Sophie Smiles on keyboards and bass, and Tom Gilkes on drums.

Sophie Smiles is a talented pianist and bassist who lives in Westward Ho! She learnt to play from listening to the great New Orleans piano master Dr John and often gigs around Appledore. She plays honky tonk and Southern funk and blues, always looking like she loves to play more than anything else. Her warmth and enthusiasm is catching.

Jim Crawford is one of the best-known musicians in the Appledore area. Originally from Lancashire, he now resides in the heart of Appledore. Despite his great skill on the guitar, he is a humble man who loves fishing with his dog for company. He has toured much of Europe and the States captivating audiences with his intimate folk/blues style.

Tom Gilkes has been playing drums since the age of 12. He studied at The British and Irish Institute of Modern Music (BIMM) in Bristol and turned professional when he was 20. He’s toured all over the UK and Europe with artists such as Marc Ford (The Black Crowes) and recorded in the studio with Brian Banks (Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album) and Clint Murphy (Manic Street Preachers). In addition to being a fully qualified Yamaha drum teacher, Tom has studied with world reknowned drummers such as Dave Weckl (Chick Corea, BB King), Aaron Comess (Spin Doctors) and Dave Dicenso (Berklee College Head of drums, USA), and has worked for both Rhythm magazine and Drummer magazine.