About
Emile spent 10 years living and working in New Orleans with some of the top musicians in the world in this line of music. He'd been playing on Bourbon St with his Godfather Harold Dejan and also been working with Fats Domino's side men when they weren't on the road. He often played, and still does, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Then suddenly he found himself back in Europe asking himself "what do I want to do next?"
The answer came on tour while riding to work across a Swiss mountain on a snowcat with trumpeter Paul Bonner whom he'd just met. Paul said he wanted to form a band in London, England playing contemporary New Orleans-style music, Emile went home and thought about the idea and a month later the band was born.
They played in London for a few months but knew something was missing. Then, Emile persuaded his brother Ben to join on vocals and bass. Ben came more from the rhythm 'n' blues side of town and had been working with his own band as a guitarist, pianist and singer both in the U.S and in London. Emile knew if he could get him to write some songs that kept the rhythms of New Orleans and blended them with some fresh melodies and lyrics they'd be onto something. The collective idea, between the three of them, was to stay close to the roots of New Orleans music, both old and new, and combine it with the sounds and experiences of living back in London.
They were playing (as they still do) a selection of tunes from their favourite artists such as Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Elvis and others whilst adding more and more original songs written by Ben or co-written by Ben and pianist Tom Kincaid. But still keeping close to the sounds and flavours of the music they loved. So when you heard, or now hear, their original material, you feel as if you’d heard it before. It’s instantly likeable and kind of familiar at the same time without actually copying. We’re often asked “Who’s that song by? Jerry Lee Lewis, Professor Longhair, Chuck?” “No, it’s one of our own actually”.
So here they are a number of years later, bolder and stronger than ever. They've played all over the place in all kinds of venues, tv, radio shows for the BBC, festivals, parties, clubs, everywhere you can name. Emile even played the Royal Albert Hall on a Friday night and Wembley Stadium the following day!... A great way to make a living. The band, collectively or with other projects, play such events as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, London’s Camden Roundhouse, private functions for the queen, and the list goes on. The band are now based in London but they play all over the world.
"Music from the roots of London & New Orleans,
playing Rhythm & Blues, Jazz and Ska"
Meet the Band
This is the current line up within the Fallen Heroes
Vocals, Songwriter, Bass, Piano
Ben Martyn
Ben is the vocalist and writes the songs, he’s the front man. His driving, exciting vocals & bass lines, along with Emile’s explosive drumming, get the people up on their feet.
He can also sometimes be found on the piano stool in the studio and on gigs.
Ben lived for several years in New Orleans playing rhythm n’ blues, going on to develop an interest in writing his own music for The Fallen Heroes, several album titles later he’s still pumping out new material.
When we play, it’s Ben’s songs that do the most, to quote Mike Clifton in The Music Sentinel “There are a thousand bands out there playing the predictable old tunes, what Ben Martyn’s songs do is turn the band into something different, something that matters and something that is relevant, these guys mean it“.
Drums, MC and Occasional Singer
Emile Martyn
After teaching himself in London he realised the unacceptable racket he was making needed refining so went to live, study music and work in New Orleans where he took lessons with the drummers from Ray Charles’s band, Harry Connick Jnr’s and Professor Longhairs (Ernie Elie, Shannon Powell and Jonny Vidakovich respectively).
Those of you into impressive yet boring lists of the places Emile has made noise in you'll find it all at the end. One of his earliest memories was seeing his Godfather Harold Dejan and ‘Olympia Brass Band’ in the James Bond movie ‘Live and Let Die'. Playing an exciting style of drums Emile drives the band along and sometimes over the musical edge.
Having attended a live concert in the US with Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis and Fats Domino Emile realised he'd only ever be small fry there so returned to the UK where he is considered by many to be the best exponent of the New Orleans beat in Europe. Worthy of mention here is that there are many who consider him still a novice.
Trumpet
Finlay Milne
Finlay took up the trumpet at the age of 7. He was running a New Orleans Jazz Band in Edinburgh from the age of 14. He won both the Best Young Musician and the ‘Alex Welsh Memorial Trophy’ at the Edinburgh International Jazz Festival, appearing live on Ken Bruce, Radio Scotland as part of the festival fringe. Finlay has played all over Europe and even as far afield as Bermuda.
Playing New Orleans music is the perfect antidote to the pressure of a career as a successful TV editor, working on BAFTA-winning series like The Apprentice, I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, and Panorama.
Recent highlights have included playing for Save The Children at the Roundhouse in a finale with Dr John, Ronnie Wood, Chris Barber and Maceo Parker.
Originally taught trumpet by 1930’s dance band player Bert Collier (Joe Loss & Ambrose), who also taught Digby Fairweather, Finlay has spent a lifetime immersed in New Orleans Music.
Pianist and Keyboard Player
Dean Ross
Dean Ross is a pianist and keyboard player from Kansas City.
He grew up listening to and playing the rock blues and jazz music that is a feature of that town's legacy and was fortunate to take lessons from some of the original practitioners.
Since moving to the U.K. he has toured and recorded with artists as diverse as George Michael, Joan Armatrading, The Selecter and Betty Boo!
His keyboard influences include Nicky Hopkins, Leon Russell, Ramsey Lewis and Booker T.
The picture above was taken at Abbey Road.
Saxophonist
John O’Neill
John has played sax since his teenage years, drawing influence from ska, funk, rock n roll, jump jive, salsa & r&b.
Has performed with Madness, Bad Manners, Robin Bibi, Roberto Pla, The Beat and Pauline Black.
John was a founding member of Britain’s top Madness tribute act, One Step Behind and is also currently touring with Secret Affair.
Saxophone and Clarinet
Vicki Ann
Vicki is a passionate young musician deeply inspired by the traditional music of New Orleans. Her first visit to city ignited a love for its vibrant culture, where the sounds of street performances captivated her. Welcomed by seasoned musicians, she embraced the opportunity to learn and alongside them, fostering a profound connection to the rich musical heritage of the city.
Born in 1999, Vicki grew up in Windsor, Berkshire where she first started learning classical piano and clarinet at the age of 10. When she turned 12, she picked up an alto saxophone, and instantly fell in love with it. She’s a dedicated jazz enthusiast and has been since she first played a sax.