Modfather associates shout their way to the top in special city gig

And both have played with the Modfather Paul Weller.

But on Thursday night, former Style Council drummer Steve White and ex Ocean Colour Scene bassist Damon Minchella were in residence at The Continental in Preston.

The duo have been joined by keyboard player Justin Shearn for their return as Trio Valore, having previously performed at The Mad Ferret in that guise three years ago.

And it wasn’t just the oldies who enjoyed grooving to their funk and soul tones.

The gig was organised by Chris Jepson, who runs the Jepson Music Academy on Wellfield Road in Preston and youngsters from the academy were among the 100-strong crowd.

Steve White has previously taught at the Jepson Music Academy and while Chris does not promote many gigs these days, he could not resist the opportunity to make the most of the link when he found out Trio Valore were touring.

“It was a great gig and we had a real mix of ages,” said Chris.

“A couple of 10-year-olds from my academy were in the front row and there might have been a few more teenagers had some of them not been celebrating GCSE results.

“It was so inspiring for the youngsters to see professional musicians up close like that.”

White and Minchella resisted the temptation to raid their impressive back catalogues.

But did play cover versions of classics by the likes of James Brown and The Meters.

Chris added: “It was a real coup for Preston and the guys were really friendly, signing autographs for everyone.”