The ETC Musicians
Ed Taylor
Ed Taylor is an Auckland guitarist originally raised in Ohope Beach (Bay Of Plenty). Ed moved to Auckland shortly after High School where he completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Auckland in 1994. In 1996 he attended the Auckland University School Of Music majoring in Classical Guitar Performance, which he completed in 1999.
In 1997 Ed placed first in the Auckland Classical Guitar Competition.
Between 2000-2004 Ed studied jazz guitar privately with some of N.Z's finest jazz musicians and played professionally in a variety of jazz groups around Auckland and Melbourne. More recently he has played in folk, pop and country bands, finally creating the Ed Taylor Collective in 2019.
Ed started writing songs about 10 years ago and has had success in international song competitions including placing 3rd in a competition run by Te Papa (Museum of N.Z) and being a semi finalist in the ‘USA International Songwriting Comp.’ He also had wrote a song which reached no.7 on the Maori Radio charts in 2015.
Aside from music, Ed is also an artist and a father of twin 14 year old boys. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Sandra for 20 years.
Mike Booth - Trumpet, Sound engineer, Keyboard & Percussion
I met Mike about 10 years ago when we became involved in a group called ‘Wakakura’. He is a true legend of N.Z trumpet and has been a lecturer at Auckland University and an international touring artist with numerous groups.
At present Mike and I are involved in two musical projects. 'Sketches Of The West Coast', which is original instrumental music depicting the landscape of Piha Beach, and the ETC trio, which is a working covers group.
He also records all of our stuff at his home studio in Grey Lynn. It is amazing to have someone of his musicianship, generosity and experience to help me in this journey. Thank you soooo much Mike !!!!!
Lauren Collins
Rachel Clarke - Vocals
I met Rachel Clarke in Dec 2019. I was wandering through the local shopping mall with my son trying to buy Christmas presents, when I heard the voice of an angel singing Christmas carols. After listening to a few songs, I approached Rachel and we started talking. I then offered her some work as I was looking for another singer to join me at a bar which I performed at each week. She agreed and we have performed together regularly since this time.
Rachel is a young lady ( 20 years old ), with an incredibly pure voice and a truthful, restrained performance style. She completed a BMus in 2020 at Auckland Uni, studying jazz vocal performance and is also an accomplished guitar player. A true talent !!!
