3 Bean Salad - The Biography
3 Bean Salad have developed a reputation as being one of the most exciting and imaginative funk-latin-jazz bands on the music scene today. They are in constant demand and have appeared at many venues including Saddlers Wells, Notting Hill Arts Club, Ealing jazz festival and Sound (Leicester Square).

3BS are Gareth Stapleton (Guitar), Scott Stapleton (Drums) and Bill Hill (Bass).

Formed in 1994 in the London suburb town of Hampton, Middlesex - by twin brothers Gareth & Scott Stapleton, and life long friend Grahame Hill.

After searching far and wide, the trio put together a line up that consisted of guitar, bass, drums, percussion, three rappers, backing vocals and a didgeridoo. Needless to say their fusion of space rock, funk and hip-hop quickly earned them a reputation for being the most original and energetic bands.

The name was decided upon after all traditional methods of looking for a name failed (i.e. using a clever reference from a book / song title, etc.). Whilst looking through a cookbook (after a late rehearsal), Bill shouted "3 Bean Salad". There was a nod of agreement, and the decision was made. They have been told on numerous occasions to change their name, and for them, that was a good enough reason to keep it!

Over the next two years 3BS released three EPs (Rising, Salad Dodger and Caught in the Cross fire) and gigged extensively throughout England. In 1996, they collectively agreed to disband and go in their own musical directions.

After a chance meeting in 2002, Gareth, Scott and Bill decided to re-form 3BS with a different musical emphasis. They wanted to retain the originality, energy and creativity of the former 3BS, but wanted to reach out further musically and technically than the former format allowed.

By deciding to mix in elements of jazz improvisation, latin, disco and film soundtrack to their creative funk sound - the seeds of the new 3BS were sewn.

After getting some valuable advice and support (and a proper roasting) from UK trumpeter Martin Shaw (Jamiroquai) and jazz producer Derek Nash (Jamie Cullum), 3BS went into the "woodshed" and rehearsed extensively to develop their original compositions and musical technique.

After 6 months of intense work, 3BS took the most significant departure from their original format - they decided to work with different session musicians on each gig, rather than stick with a limited fixed line up. This flexible format enabled 3BS to work with some of the finest musicians in the UK, and ensured that each gig was unique and highly creative. To name but a few, 3BS have worked with:
Sax
Pete Wareham (Acoustic Ladyland, Polar Bear)
Paul Booth (Roberta Pla, River Dance)
Derek Nash (Jools Holland, Sax Appeal)
Gary Plumley (Terry Callier, Snowboy & the Latin Section)
Trumpet
Martin Shaw (Jamiroquai)
Duncan Mackay (Incognito, Primal Scream, Richard Ashcroft)
Trombone
Winston Rollins (James Brown, Jools Holland)
Keyboard
Gwylim Simcock (Dave Holland, Bill Bruford, Acoustic Triangle)
Simon Colam (Theo Travis, Ty)
Andrew McCormack (Denys Baptiste, Jean Toussaint)
Alex Wilson (Alex Wilson Sextet, Alex Wilson's Salsa)
Tim Lapthorn (Tim Lapthorn Trio)
Percussion
Oli Savill (Da Lata, Airto, Basement Jaxx)
Adriano Pinto (Antonio Forcione)
Vocals
Victoria Newton (Strike, Ronny Jordan)

The success of 3BS can be judged by looking at their audience (not to mention the calibre of their regular band), who encompass all ages and walks of life. The beauty is that you can take what you want from the music, whether it is to listen,dance or simply sit back and enjoy the good vibes.

The recent release of their EP "Free thinking Funk", heralds the beginnings of what will undoubtedly be the continuation of their amazing musical journey.