NAT BIRCHALL SEXTET + LIZZY PARKS ACOUSTIC BAND
Doors: 6.30pm
Showtime: 8.30pm
Tickets: £17.50
Bookings: 0845 6027 017
NAT BIRCHALL SEXTET: Nat Birchall has aptly been hailed by Gilles Peterson as being "one of the best musicians in the UK, no doubt about that." Over recent years this British saxophonist and composer has carved out a singular niche for himself. His music contains a depth of feeling and sense of tranquility that recalls the spirit of John Coltrane. Initially inspired by the great horn players of Jamaica, people like Don Drummond and Tommy McCook, he found his way into the music of Charlie Parker, John Coltrane and the whole world of jazz before finding his own innovative and unique voice on his instrument. His third album, "Sacred Dimension" is a clear progression from his two most recent albums, building on "Akhenaten's" spiritual wholeness and "Guiding Spirit's" fuller sound. Harpist Rachael Gladwin brings her own wondrous, folk tinged, interpretation of jazz harp to the music and vibist Corey Mwamba provides a real energy and soulful openness to the sound. Wonderful, empathetic pianist Adam Fairhall is a beautiful player who manages to sound free while serving the music as does bassist Nick Blacka, whose big bold playing and ability to vary the bass line without losing the essential character of the sextet's sound. Drummer Andy Hay is described by Nat Birchall "as a force of nature" and he brings a powerful conviction to the live set.
LIZZY PARKS ACOUSTIC BAND: Lizzy Parks blends the female singer-songwriter tradition with influences from the soaring jazz melodies of Ella Fitzgerald to the cutting-edge of Björk. She has loved and lived music all her life with the help of an old clarinet (in her very early years), piano, tenor sax and her vocal chords. Her second album (produced by Nostalgia 77) was released in 2008, entitled "Raise The Roof." The quirky soulful jazz and strong live musicianship of this release garnered fantastic reactions from tastemakers around the world. In 2009, Lizzy Parks took her talent in a new direction with an acoustic album, "This And That." A collection of totally new and acoustic material, interspersed with re-worked acoustic versions of songs from her previous album. "This And That" explores new terrain, dipping into the worlds of folk, jazz and soul with her characteristic charm and lightness of touch. For tonight's gig she will be aided and abetted by Wayne Matthews (bass) and Tom Robins (guitar).
