WORKING with everyone from late Traffic drummer Jim Capaldi to Eurovision Song Contest singers, a new musical trio has a wealth of experience.

Sheppard, Jarvis and Mason comprise Worcester musicians Darren Sheppard and Rob Mason and Birmingham-based Pete Jarvis.

Frontman Darren, who plays guitar, bouzouki, harmonica, keyboards and mandolin, has been a musician since 1979, working with a string of bands including The Stingrays and Night Shift.

For the past five years the 40-year-old information technology worker, from Bransford Road, Rushwick, has worked as a session musician, most recently playing on two tracks for a Hollywood movie.

He also worked with one of the singers who went on to form the ill-fated Eurovision song-contest act Gemini, representing England in the 2003 competition, their 'nul point' performance with the song Cry Baby plagued by sound difficulties.

Meanwhile, drummer, percussionist and conga-player Rob, of Sansome Place, Worcester - who also works as a postman in the city - has worked on albums with the likes of the late-Evesham born Traffic drummer Jim Capaldi and Gordon Jackson.

And window cleaner Pete has written hundreds of songs for more than 20 years, fronting several bands in the Birmingham area, also playing in The Stingrays.

The trio are hoping to taste success with their collection - Black Day - released earlier this month. And its crisp harmonies and nagging melodies have already drawn comparisons with The Beach Boys, The Eagles, Crowded House and The Rembrandts.

"I'm very pleased with the album because Pete and I have written hundreds of songs between us over the years and we've picked the best," Darren said.

"It may be that if we get some airplay we can get some interest from a big label and, who knows, we may even get a hit single.

"It's a long shot and you never know how it'll turn out but I personally believe it's a great album and fits well in the industry."

JOBY MULLENS