Just Bongo were formed in Swansea in 1983 playing mainly original material that combined latin, jazz and funk with pop songs. Original members Mike Gambon (vocals), Mark Thomas (guitar), Kevin Jones (trumpet and percussion), Chris Leek (alto sax) and Ado Rees (percussion and vocals) were joined in early 1984 by Llanelli musicians Gareth Phillips (bass), Pete Mason (drums) and Chris Ryan (tenor and soprano saxes).