The Stanley Blacks

The Stanley Blacks

The Stanley Blacks are a group from Woking, Surrey. They are named after a 1950s composer and are made up of Jon Marshall, Matt Emberson, Ashley Reed and James Turnbull.

The band plays guitar-led pop with a strong local following and has built a live reputation through performances across the UK and in Los Angeles. Their sound combines late 1970s rock energy with 1960s pop influences, drawing on the styles associated with The Beatles and Motown artists.

The line-up centres on Matt Emberson on drums, James Turnbull on bass, Jon Marshall on guitar and Ashley Reed as singer-songwriter. The group’s sound is shaped by rhythmic drive, guitar riffs, melody and vocal harmonies, with all members contributing to songwriting.

They are from the same town as The Jam and are described as part of that musical lineage while remaining distinctive in approach. The band is also known for club shows in the London area and for playing several well-known Hollywood venues, including The Whiskey A Go-Go, Bardot Hollywood, The Dakota Lounge, Molly Malone’s, Strongholds in Venice Beach and The Viper Room.