Ember Groove

Ember Groove is a high-end party band performing soulful covers of popular hits from the 50s to the present. Expect styles such as soul, funk, jazz, and Latin twists on your favourites! Formed by some of Bristol's most illustrious, internationally touring musicians with a combined experience of well over 100 years, the group delivers unmatched musical prowess. Fronted by Luisa Santiago on vocals and keys, the band performs as a collective, with package options for clients to extend the ensemble to a band of up to 12 players if the occasion demands it. Performing at weddings, corporate functions, private parties, and ski resorts, Ember Groove can accommodate intimate lounge settings, as well as larger celebrations. Frontwoman Luisa Santiago brings an irresistible, vibrant energy to the stage. Born in Colombia and bred in London, she honed her sweet vocals and pianistic command at the prestigious BRIT School, seamlessly blending her roots in salsa and traditional folklore with contemporary UK soul and electronic music. The rhythm section's sophisticated edge relies heavily on guitarist and vocalist Reece Bluck. A versatile Bristol-based multi-instrumentalist, Bluck expertly blends R&B-influenced melodies with low-slung grooves and an indie aesthetic. He is also the co-founder of the city's Rhythm Section for Hire collective, which routinely brings top-tier session musicians together to recreate dense, classic studio records. Holding down the low end is bassist Sebastian Scholfield, an alumnus of BIMM University whose heavy groove and technical fluidity were forged in Bristol’s vibrant, late-night jazz, funk, and soul landscape. A masterful improviser, Scholfield first crossed paths with masterful session drummer Finn Fraser-King in the trenches of Bristol's legendary jam scene. Trading complex rhythms and locks on late-night stages, the pair developed an immediate, symbiotic musical connection that now serves as Ember Groove’s tight, unstoppable engine. Scholfield’s versatility extends from smoky jazz hubs to massive festival stages across the UK. As the long-time bassist for the acclaimed synth-pop outfit Pocket Sun and a collaborator with high-energy festival acts like Mad Apple Circus, he has commanded main-stage crowds at major summer gatherings including Boomtown Fair and Shambala Festival. This extensive outdoor touring experience gives him a commanding, high-energy live presence that anchors the band's vast repertoire with foundational power. Ember Groove’s live sound is elevated to premium heights by its stellar brass section. Veteran saxophonist Dave Colebourn is celebrated as one of the UK’s most sought-after function players. Hooked on funk since age 14, Colebourn’s 15-year career includes a performance at the Royal Albert Hall and high-profile collaborations with DJ Brandon Block. Alongside him is brilliant multi-instrumentalist and trumpet player Lyle Anderton. Operating under the moniker LYLE!, Anderton is a prominent producer and songwriter in Bristol's queer music scene. Having honed his voice at legendary jazz hubs like The Gallimaufry, he synthesises old-school jazz-funk hooks with modern alt-pop sensibilities. Together, this world-class collective transforms any event into an unforgettable, soul-infused celebration.