Combining musical roots from England, Scotland and America, the quartet specialised in bringing the driving rhythms and infectious melodies of American contra music to the dance floor for an energetic evening. dCruise Control's dates included appearances at the Whitby, Eastbourne and Chippenham folk music and dance estivals. Cruise Control featured as the house band for Newbury’s First Saturday Contra series with Michael Barraclough.

Judith Cooper (fiddle/bass) was a leading figure in both the English and contra dance communities for a considerable time, having played American dance music with the Blue Mountain band prior to forming Alterations, which for 20 years was one of the UK’s leading contra dance bands. Judith was also involved in starting the London Barndance Company and Alterations Contra, both of which have become two of the premier contra dance series in the UK. In 2004 Judith enjoyed the experience of playing music with Rodney Miller, David Surette and Mary Cay Brass of Airdance at the Adirondack Dance Weekend at Silver Bay, Lake George, NY.
Mike Green (mandolin/mandola/guitar) has played with various bands over the past 25 years, including Alterations and Ad Hoc. In addition to his Cruise Control commitments, he also travels extensively with the Wayfarers dance display team. When not playing his mandolin, Mike can be found cruising the waterways in his narrowboat.
Holly Norton (piano/fiddle) trained as a pianist and violinist in her native Texas, where she developed a love for American old-time and bluegrass music. Since moving to the UK, she has added Scottish, Irish and Swedish traditional music to her repertoire, and plays regularly around London. Holly also spent several years as an American line-dance caller/instructor/performer, appearing on television and at festivals throughout the UK and Europe. Her driving piano runs underpin the sound of Cruise Control and her playing is drawing plaudits from both dancers and musicians.
Robbie Thomas (guitar/mandolin/banjo) was a founding member of the seminal Scottish folk band Silly Wizard. For the past 15 years he has concentrated on playing for dance, including spells with Bob Tracey and Pippa Sandford's Contraflow, Appalachian Cloggers Hot Taps and e-ceilidh rockers Stömp. Playing for contra dancing allows Robbie to indulge all his musical influences and instruments – including the banjo!

After two years (2004-2006) of great music and great gigs Cruise Control has decided to call it a day as Judith in particular couldn't cope with the amount of travelling involved in rehearsals and gigs. Judith plans to return to playing locally in Birmingham.

Holly, Mike and Robbie have other ideas...

Robbie and Holly are still playing for contradances with Nigel Walker (fiddle/bass) in Stick Shift, Mike continues to play with the Wayfarers dance display team and they are all busy hatching plans for the future...