PERHAPS signalling the comeback of live music acts in Bermuda, the newly formed Working Title band is making an impact on the local music scene. Formed six months ago and lead by seasoned musician and local dentist Laidlaw Smith, the quintet covers a broad spectrum of music from classic rock to top ten hits, but also including R&B as well as rock and roll. The group has been playing regularly on Wednesday nights at the Bermudiana Road wine bar Opus from 9 to 11 p.m. and has also performed at Docksiders on Front Street as well as for private parties.

Auspicious beginnings for such a new group. However, with the varying musical influences of each band member, their repertoire is sure to please even the most discriminating audiences.

The band features Mr. Smith, on the bass or electric guitar; long-time local musician John DeSilva on drums, young Kieran Bradshaw on guitar, Bermuda School of Music teacher Oliver Grant on piano and co-founder of JaKoMa Entertainment, Lamont Robinson on vocals.

There is a diverse range of ages amongst the five members of the band, from Mr. Smith and DeSilva who are in their late 50s to Mr. Robinson and Mr. Grant in their 30s and Mr. Bradshaw who is in his mid-20s.

The diversity has proved to be advantageous for the band as their music selections spans the generations and reaches across genres.

"We have a wide range of musical influences, so we can play at any function in Bermuda," said Mr. Robinson. "I come from a R&B, Calypso, Reggae background but I learned pop songs from playing with the Kennel Boys, Laidlaw and John know '60s and '70s music, Kieran is a pop player and Oliver is classically trained but loves The Beatles and The Doors."

Mr. Robinson, who is well-known throughout the island for vocal talent and his entrepreneurship, met the band leader through JaKoMa Entertainment where Laidlaw's daughter was a student in the modeling school.

Mr. Smith, who has played in several local bands, including the Island Spirit Band in the late '70s, early '80s, got together with Mr. DeSilva who previously played with The Travellers, a local band that has been around in Bermuda for years. Once the fab five got together, they gelled immediately and were off to the races.

The band, however, is trying to differentiate themselves from the current offerings of live music in Bermuda and appeal to a wide range of audiences.

"We are trying to build up our repertoire of songs and make sure we play current songs," Mr. Robinson said. "We have a wide range of musical backgrounds but can play songs that appeal to a younger crowd." The band has recently added songs from bands and artists like Coldplay, John Mayer and Lifehouse to their set list as well.

While the music scene in Bermuda has been dominated by CD parties or music provided by DJs, Mr. Robinson believes that people are always surprised and delighted to hear live music. So when the live music scene becomes increasingly more popular, Working Title will be ready and waiting.

For more information on the band or to book an event, phone Mr. Robinson on 295-0345 or Mr. Smith on 334-9748.