[2][3] In autumn 1961 Zoot Money formed the first version of the Big Roll Band with himself as vocalist, Roger Collis on lead guitar, pianist Al Kirtley (later of Trendsetters Limited), bassist Mike "Monty" Montgomery and drummer Johnny Hammond.
[4] In late 1963/early 1964 [5] Money established what became the best-known version of the band with bassist Paul Williams (who also sang), guitarist Andy Summers (then Somers, later of the Police, who had played with Money in the Don Robb Band), saxophonists Nick Newall and Clive Burrows (Burrows and Williams had played together in the Wes Minster Five), and Colin Allen on drums.
Burrows left in autumn of 1965, going on to play with Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band and the Alan Price Set.
At this time Money refused an offer to replace the Animals keyboardist Alan Price, preferring to remain as a vocalist.
[8] Their album Zoot Live At Klooks Kleek, was released in October of that year promoting Money as an emerging solo artist and reached 23 in the UK charts.