Custodian: “A person who has responsibility for or looks after something.”
Brought together by their shared passion for the great black American music of the mid-20th Century, Aaron West & the Custodians are comprised of some of Australia’s finest session musicians.
Drawing inspiration from the greatest artists in soul, rhythm & blues, jazz, gospel, and funk, they are life-long students of music, embodying a level of dedication to their craft that sets them apart.
The Custodians are part of a lineage, keeping alive the essential elements of those classic styles of music. Their knowledge of the idioms allows them to contribute original material in a manner faithful to their musical heritage.
Steeped in the tradition of the greats that have come before them, they are more than just a band; they are Custodians.
Greg Lyon
Greg is one of Australia’s most experienced musicians. He has lived not only in Sydney and Melbourne, but also Los Angeles, Tokyo, Osaka, London and Bangkok. He has played at many of the world’s most prestigious festivals and venues, including Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Ronnie Scott’s etc. Making a living as a sideman, Greg has played with such international acts as Randy Brecker, Maria Muldaur, Earl King, Rodriguez, Jimmy Witherspoon, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Jon Cleary, Ben Sidran, Elvin Bishop, Georgie Fame, and the King of Thailand. He has also backed countless Australian acts such as Renee Geyer, Ricky May, Glenn Shorrock, Darren Percival etc. Greg was a founding member of jazz-fusion band Crossfire. He currently resides in Byron Bay, Australia.
Wil Sargisson
A kiwi native now based on Australia’s Gold Coast. Wil is possibly the southern hemisphere’s finest proponent of boogie woogie, stride, and New Orleans-style piano. He has played at WWOZ’s prestigious Piano Night in New Orleans four times. He is a pianists’ pianist, playing with such American ivory ticklers as Tom McDermott, Joe Krown, Marcia Ball, and David Paquette. He has played with John Boutte, Amos Garrett, Lillian Boutte, Mary Coughlan, The Platters, Galapagos Duck etc.
Scott Hills
Scott is based in Lismore, NSW. He has been an in-demand sideman for the last fifteen years, both live and especially in the studio. He has been nominated for an ARIA award, and has won a Golden Guitar award. Scott has played with many Australian artists, including: The Flood, Tommy Emmanuel, Graeme Connors, Marcia Hines, Troy Cassar-Daley, Wendy Matthews, Kasey Chambers, James Morrison, Shannon Noll, The McClymonts, Jimmy Little etc. He is an endorsee for Yamaha drums, Paiste cymbals, Capricorn Drums, and Premier drums.