Long story this one.
Go back about 20 years and I became aware of an artist called Steve Roux (from a Virgin blues sampler CD). Superb guitar player and singer.
Soon afterwards, I joined a band local to me and, when asked about material, though I'd demonstrate my extensive knowledge by suggesting an obscure song by this chap. My fireworks were well and truly 'doused' by the response 'oh Steve, he lives just down the road'. He was playing locally quite often.
Another 5 years go by and I am in a pub when I notice the band playing contains one Steve Roux. I knew the bass player (he's a member here) and I jokingly said to Steve, if ever you get rid of that bass player, give me a shout. Time went on and I started to dep with the band (which also contained a ridiculously good drummer as the third member). This went on for a while and then things took a bit of a turn.
The bass player took some time out and asked me to dep for a full 6 months. That coincided (coincided I stress) with the band folding. I suggested to Steve and the drummer that we do something on a more perm,anent basis together., Steve came up with a keyboard player of whom he had heard great things and we arranged a get together.
It was one of those incredibly rare events when the chemistry is instant and it has remained so ever since.