Cold Flame are one of the most exciting, energetic, dedicated and original English rock and blues bands performing live music today. Formed in November 1984 and based in Glossop, Derbyshire, England - the band - Pat, Rob, Phil, Paul and Keith have established themselves as one of the most hardworking and innovative acts on the circuit playing across the country as well as more recently in Europe whilst releasing a number of acclaimed original studio and live albums all of which remain available worldwide from the band's record distribution company as well as direct from the band. Cold Flame's original blend of classic rock blues, celtic and acoustic music continues attracting local and international radio airplay both in the UK, Europe, Australia and South America. The band occasionally combine this with showcase gigs incorporating classic rock covers performed with the same enthusiasm and dedication that goes into their original music. The band's covers repertoire is immense covering anything from Jimi Hendrix, Free, Cream and Led Zeppelin through to Whitesnake, Gary Moore, Fleetwood Mac and Fairport Convention. Since 1999, Cold Flame have successfully performed their renowned Jethro Tull tribute shows and the band are now acknowledged as the premier Jethro Tull tribute act in the Midlands and North of England.
Pat Rowbottom - vocals, electric and acoustic bass guitars, recorder. Rob Barnes- vocals, lead ,acoustic guitars, 12 string guitar. Phil Marke - drums & percussion. Paul Newland - electric and acoustic violins and mandolin, vocals. Keith Bonthrone - vocals, percussion. Tim Mottershead - keyboards. David Conner - electric and acoustic guitars. Peter Cheetham- vocals, flute, soprano & alto sax, acoustic guitar..
After a few months they put on their first show in a local 100 capacity venue which sold out 2 weeks before the event.
Not wanting to lose the York fan base they had built from the early shows by playing too much in their home town, they began to play in Leeds supporting local acts and then returning to the same venues to headline shows after getting rave reviews from people who had seen them.
Feeling like things were heading in the right direction and they had a show in London supporting Alabama 3, they decided to record the first album “Hijak Oscar” to have something to promote themselves with. This was recorded and mixed by the band and began to sell well at shows.
With the audiences growing and the shows getting further from home and more regular, their “play anywhere, anytime, to anyone” attitude was paying off. They were getting featured in Sandman Magazine which is distributed around the country, supporting Alabama 3, Son Of Dave, Jack Penate and Mostly Autumn.
They have been and continue to be on local BBC Radio shows around the country for unsigned bands, either performing live or the DJ playing tracks from the album.
In 2007 Hijak saw a way to get their music heard by more people. Channel 4’s MobileAct Unsigned. The show was on the popular T4 Sunday morning show and repeated on Saturday mornings, Wednesday nights and what seemed to be anytime they could fit it in. Appearing on the show was doing wonders for the bands profile. Hijak asked to leave the TV show in the semi finals. Having got what they wanted from it and believing nothing good could come from a record deal that you win. This was later confirmed when the winners had very little success after the show through no fault of their own.
Appearing on the show pushed mySpace plays up to over 2000 to 3000 a day, increased album sales and inspired the month long “Hellbound Tour” which covered the country from top to bottom and was a massive success with sell out shows and venues having to move the band into bigger capacity rooms due to large amount of pre sales. One of the shows on the tour was supporting the now very popular Glassvegas and another the prog legends Focus.
Along with the tour and increased popularity they were asked to support York boys Shed7 on 3 of their sell out reunion tour shows. This was another opportunity to play to lots of people. The venues were 2000 – 5000 capacity.
As well as being approached to play festivals in the summer they began to book more shows and more festivals for the months ahead, including a support slot with Black Diamond Heavies.
Towards the middle of 2008 it was time to start work on the new album “Black Sheep Moneybox” which was released 3rd April 2009 and has received amazing feedback so far.
Today the debut album has sold well over 5000 copies. These are mainly in the UK but a few in America, Canada and Europe. The most popular track being Bitter Carnival which has now had over 100,000 plays on mySpace alone.
The band are still doing everything themselves, from the new album to maintaining their own website and merchandise, myspace and facebook.
Once the album is ready the band will be back on tour to promote it in as many places they can.
Each member has a different musical background from the next and is influenced by different styles of music meaning they each have a different role in the band, not just by the instrument they play but the style they play in.
These are some of our influences: Son House, R L Burnside, Jaco Pastorius, Charles Mingus, Gomez, Miles Davis, Eels, Led Zeppelin, Cream, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Jimi Hendrix, Ben Folds Five, Ben Harper, Aimie Mann, Radiohead, Beck, PJ Harvey, The Who, dEUS, Nirvana, Queens Of The Stoneage, Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan
“The British music scene's in a really healthy state at the moment, but it's always when you see something different that you get really excited. There's a band called Hijak Oscar on the show who are amazing - they've got a real Tom Waitsy air of menace to them." Alex Zane – Digital Spy
“Sunday's headliners Dodgy drew a slightly smaller crowd, but were outshone on the day by York's magnificently moody Hijak Oscar” Beached Festival - Scarborough - 15-18/08/08
“This mayhem is actually the perfect precursor to headliners Hijack Oscar, as their party blues and drunken soul is heavy enough to keep the momentum going, but with an additional "last orders" style wistfulness that gives them gravitas” Moor Music Festival - Addingham Moorside, Leeds - 09-09/08/08
“Bursting into the set with wild, roaring harmonica, rolling keys and harmonised vocals it's not difficult to see how Hijak Oscar are gripping crowds up and down the country” Sheffield Telegraph - Rachael Clegg - 10/04/2008
“One of the best up and coming acts in Britain, Hijak is a grungy heavy blues collaboration that perfectly incorporates hints of jazz and rock and is foremost in leading the next wave of music that will rid us of generic commercial Indie Rock. And they're coming our way” Stornoway Gazette - Laura F.C. Maciver - 03/04/2008
“It took only a lungful of harmonica for Hijak Oscar to remind us all of the difference between a good band (hey molly) and a downright brilliant band. A six-piece, even squeezed onto the Retro's tiny stage they were a dominating bunch.” Sandman Magazine - Megan Vaughan - 18/01/2008
Band Members Demon Dave ~ Guitar & Vocal Refrains
Mr. Huff ~ Double Bass
Sleepy Gonzalez ~ Tenor Banjo & Kazoo
Brian 'Baloon Animal' Walsh ~ Ukulele
Mr. Hildebrand ~ Drums
Ged ~ Trumpeteer
Bill ~ Slidey Guitar
Sidney Bailey ~ Band Leader and Washboard
Influences Washboard Rhythm Kings, Nat Gonella & his Georgians, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, Lonnie Donegan, King Bennie Nawahi, Western Swing, Jug Bands, Washboard Bands, Hokum, pre-war Jazz.
Sounds Like Angry Skiffle!
'A trembling and yet raucous collection of songs... Think Tom Waits mixed with Detroit Cobras into the heady cocktail. Lovely stuff.' 4/5- Big Cheese
'Out of tune guitars clang and the bass and drums shuffle just right enough to raise the ghost of Willie Dixon, track down Captain Beefheart circa Safe As Milk and have a chat with The La's. And the singers raspy vocal might just shatter your light bulbs' - Mojo
'The key difference between The Cubical and the other thousand odd Beefheart / Waits acolytes, is that they actually pull off this primal, experimental form of rock 'n' roll with considerable poise' - Drowned in Sound
'an easy album to get into first time round, full of melodic songs with driving rhythms' 4/5- Music OMH
"Wilson makes Waits sound like Tiny Tim" The Guardian
'Dirty, gritty, rock 'n' roll blues... I am sold. Pour me a whiskey and prop me against the bar' 11/13- Room Thirteen
"The rumble of Great White Lie is enough to make a listener fear divine retribution, hide the children and close the curtains." Spin magazine.........
"Full of snotty bad attitude, Come Sing These Crippled Tunes evokes the era of the Troggs, Animals, Yardbirds, Pretty Things, 13th Floor Elevators and Seeds, recreating the vibe of the legendary Nuggets compilations for a new generation." Bearded Magazine
"Tracks like 'Woman, I Need Your Love So Bad' and 'Baby Don't Treat Me Bad' sound like they could eat the 22-20s for breakfast.’ Come Sing These Crippled Tunes' with them and, oh Lordy, you'll soon be a believer." 4/5 Whisperin' and Hollerin'
'an intentionally rough and ready album' 4/5- Blues Matters
“How Wilson is able to manipulate his half-enraged, half-deranged tone is what brings The Cubical’s debut, Come Sing These Crippled Tunes, to great heights. Obscure Sound
“I am not going to beat around the bush here, The Cubical’s new album, ‘Come Sing These Crippled Tunes’ is nothing short of fantastic. From the first track right through to the last it never loses any of the excitement that the band seem to carry around with them in abundance." The Daily Scoundrel
"Growling psyched out blues from this ace outfit from Liverpool which brings together a mighty fine line up of musicians, pouring some golden lush licks over a gravely helping of growl..Yep, this is a damn good album. " Jumbo Records
"The Cubical might just be the band to drag Liverpool's music scene kicking and screaming in a new direction." Liverpool Echo
“Ace bluestastic rock n roll with a great 60s garage vibe. Think Jon Spencer Blues Explosion with Captain Beefheart on vocal doing Seeds hits. Yep it's got that kinda righteous swagger! Very recommended.” Thee Sheffield Phonographic Corporation
"One of the best albums I've heard this year, & the most impressive 1st album for me since the View a couple of years back.” MUDKISS
Band Members
Dan Wilson - Lead vocals, Guitar, Pen, Human Resources
Alex Gavaghan - Guitar, Piano, Backing vocals, Admin
Johhny Green - Guitar, Harmonica, Fire Steward
Percy - Drums, Backing Vocals, Health and Safety
Craig Bell - Bass, Bass, Bass, Van, Money, Union Rep
TBA
Band Members
Anthony Worswick - Lead Vocals/Piano
Stephen Worswick - Vocals/ Guitar
Andrew McKenna - Vocals/ Drums
Chris Wyatt - Bass Guitar
Sprungloaded an innovative Alternative Soft Rock band goes beyond the boundaries of constructive original ideas. Hard hitting Lyrics, pop melodies and vibrant harmonies this is just an underline of their well written and created songs, with material influenced by acts such as Keane, Temper Trap, The Muse, The Script to name a few. These young talented lads are bringing something new to the music market.
With venues under thier belt such as The Cavern In Liverpool, Manchester Acedemy 3, The Ruby Lounge and West Coast Rock Cafe. The band are leaving the right impressions in all the right areas. They’re sing-along addictiveness and passion and their drive for on stage professionalism and compelling performances leave casual listeners and hardcore fans wanting more.
Their latest E.P 'Mirrors' is now available for purchase at all of their shows and also available to download on a host of music stores on the web i.e itunes. amazon, rhapsody and many many more......
To find out more on updates on whats going on keep checking their blogs, and get closer to the band by joining them on www.twitter.com/sprungloaded
I Am Three are a British band formed in 2008. Their live set up is made up of multi-instrumentalist Irving on double bass and vocals and Hughes on guitar, vocals, cider bottle and rollies. They have gigged in hundreds of locations throughout Europe from Manchester to Milan and are set to tour the fringe of Russia in 2010.
Dubbed the Northern version of Withnail and I, their music is often described as cult alt-folk rock-emo-rap-blues by those who wish to describe it. Their on stage persona ranges from side-splittingly funny to wistful as a mournful parting in the rain.
The band’s greatest achievements include Hughes’ marriage to a woefully beautiful woman whilst passing through Switzerland, driving 3000 miles without any functioning brakes, the world record for the longest held note in one breath (featured on their next album), and an extensive knowledge of timber-framed houses.
You will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity that I Am Three have to offer, begging the question of their influences. It is easier to pin-point an ethic – they dare to experiment, failing to care about what is expected in the creation and expression of music. Their recorded music is a colourful palette of shifting genres.
Having heard their first two releases you may find yourself drawn into their world while at the same time feeling slightly confused.
For more information, European bookings, promo requests or press enquires please contact I Am three’s Manager, Benno De Vries
Stu Clark has been playing the guitar from the age of 6 and performing on stage since he was 8 years old. I don't think you can count playing in front of the school at the age of 7 as a real gig.
Attained the Grade 8 Trinity College Classical Guitar exam when he was 13, along with grade 8 Trinity College in clarinet playing. Then studied at music college in Salford for 2 years and subsequently in Liverpool for 3 years, under the direction of world renowned master classical guitarist Neil Smith.
At age 21 attained the letters "GMus FVCM (Hons)" after his name. (Graduate in Music and Fellowship of the Victoria College of Music. )
He played in various bands and on various sessions over the years, done live radio sessions and interviews, TV appearances and records including "Amerikan Cleopatra" and "Private Oyster" with Jayne County, "Your Loving Embrace" for Shekinah Ministries (Gospel album recorded in Malta) and other bits and pieces with The Grumbleweeds, Linda Nolan and most recently with Chris Bannister on the album October Already (Libra Records) and an artist from Phoenix Arizona called Dino De Luca. He regularly does recording sessions for a recording company in the US and have toured extensively with The Country Legends of the Grand Ole Opry Theatre show. Which occasionally he is still called upon to do.
In the 80's he taught music and played Guitar, Keyboards, Banjo and Mandolin in a country rock band called Oregon. There are still some recordings of the band around.
From about 1993 he played with Kushti for about 10 years. Touring the USA in 1997 with the release of the self penned Hurtin' Pains CD.
From April 2002 Stu got together with Nige and formed NINETEEN:84 with premise of making the music of the early 80's, the music of the here and now.
Currently writing and recording arrangements for solo guitar.
A big welcome back to Jbs to the superb Cuillin Blue...Cuillin Blue don’t do predictable! A great live band, expect the unexpected as this powerful five piece, fronted by the wonderful voice of Marsha Jane Tarvet take you on a journey.
From raunchy, dirty versions of blues and R&B classics which will leave you breathless and shouting for more, to intricate and soulful bluesy reworkings of songs from sources as diverse as The Mississippi Delta to The Beatles and some from way out of left field !!
Add to this mix original songs and arrangements and a huge helping of stage presence with a smile on their faces and a Cuillin Blue gig becomes a ‘must see’ event. Though still classed as ‘relatively newly formed’ the band is winning new fans at every gig and already has a loyal following who are spreading the word that if you haven’t caught the band live yet… where have you been ??Marsha Jane Tarvet (Vocals), Pete Scullion (Lead Guitar), Kelvin Barlow (Organ, Guitar, Harp), Chris Cullen (Bass, vocals) and Rick Lacey (Drums, Percussion) are Cuillin Blue
and have all been members of prominent R&B Bands and this coming together has produced a band which is on fire. Check out the ‘Quotes’ page to see what people are saying and the ‘Reviews’ page for confirmation. Enough Said......
“One of the best bands we have had, the second set was awesome”
Audience member, Barrow R&B Club. December 2006
“Marsha has a fantastic voice” Joyce Harrison. Barrow R&B Club organiser. December 29th 2006.
“I had the heater on full in the car, but I still had chills up my spine from the wonderful music coming out of my speakers” Greig Adamson. Revue of Dec 06 Cuillin Blue Demo CD. www.greigadamson.com
“I have canvassed opinion around the audience and they have all enjoyed the band very much, the feedback is really positive” Bill Harrison. Barrow R&B Club Organiser. December 29th 2006.
“Absolutely awesome band, really excellent” Landlord. Kings Arms Barrow ( venue for Barrow R&B Club) December 29th 2006.
“This girl doesn’t need a PA..” Stuart Law. Landlord. Royal Oak Music Venue. Ramsbottom, Lancs. Novermber 2006.
“Cuillin Blue is already causing a stir in Northern Blues circles” The Met, Music Venue. Bury. Lancs. www.themet.biz January 2007.
“Cuillin Blue delivers a night of gutsy R&B” The Met, Music Venue. Bury. Lancs www.themet.biz January 2007.
“I always leave my door open to listen to your stuff…it’s great” Owner. Red Bridge Rehearsal & Recording Studios. Bolton. December 2006.
“Cuillin Blue finally hit the road and debuted at Barrow R&B Club on 29th December. The powerful Lancashire based five piece, fronted by superb Scottish vocalist Marsha Jane Tarvet, soon had the venue rocking” Bluesmatters. January 2007. www.bluesmatters.com
“The Band is really tight and I have enjoyed every minute of both sets, we will definitely have them back” Dennis Mountford, organiser Dove Valley Roots and Blues Club, Uttoxeter. January 2007.
“This girl is Janis Joplin re-born” Audience member, Dove Valley Blues Club, Uttoxeter. January 19th 2007.
“Great band. The obvious enjoyment of the people on the stage was appreciated by the audience and the superb varied sets were a refreshing change. The band is tight, especially as this is only their second gig together and I am looking forward to seeing them again” Fred Hopwood. Smalltown Music Studios and organiser Dove Valley Blues Club. January 2007.
“You guys are on fire…The audience were with you from the first song and you got a great reaction” Keith Howe. Guitarist. Blue on Black. Co-headliners. The Met gig. Bury. February 10th 2007.
“What a great gig. I am still on a high 24 hours later…you guys must be on cloud nine!!” Greig Adamson. GAdotcom. Musicians revue website. The Met gig . February 2007.
“In a few years time this will go down as one of those gigs that you tell people about and say… You just had to be there …Awesome!” Rick Burrows. Audience member leaving The Met gig. Bury. February 2007.
“I have paid good money to watch so called ‘Star Bands’ and they have not delivered like Cuillin Blue have just done tonight” Audience member leaving The Met gig. Bury..February 2007.
“The duets between Marsha and Chris injected fun, humour and a touch of theatre into the set, which really enhanced the show and is rare for a blues band” Alan Ibbotson. Drummer, Blue on Black. Co-headliners. The Met gig. Bury. February 2007.
“Cuillin Blue wanted to show what they could do....and they did! The band exploded into action and they have a great stage presence. Their music has an edge and a twist!” Greig Adamson. GAdotcom. Musicians review website. The Met gig. February 2007.
“The Beatles ‘Help’ was slowed down and made into a major league power ballad that treated it as the love song originally written” Greig Adamson. GAdotcom. February 2007.
“An amazing guitar solo received a well deserved cheer which segued into Marsha’s amazing vocals, as though the audience had been rehearsed!” Greig Adamson. GSdotcom. February 2007.
“I’ve seen a lot of gigs over the last couple of years from big names to total unknowns, but Saturday’s performance ( The Met 10thFeb with Blue on Black) by both bands was one of the best I’ve seen for a long time. Keep it up.” Nigel Minay. Audience member The Met gig. 10th February. ( Guestbook entry www.blueonblack.co.uk)
The Northern Jazz Orchestra was formed in 1989 by drummer and musical director Paul Rigby.
Working to develop their own unique sound, they combine the best of big band standards with more contemporary jazz using the top young musicians in the north.
Playing the music of Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Count Basie, Stan Kenton and Harry Connick Jr. the band has appeared with such guest stars as Bobby Shew, Mark Nightingale, Kenny Baker, Jiggs Wigham, Elaine Delmar, Al Woods and Jeff Hooper.
The NJO management provides live Artistes available for private and other functions varying from duo to 8 piece function bands.
THE VERY BEST OF THE BIG BAND JAZZ SWING & FUNK INCLUDING TRIBUTE CONCERTS ' Glenn Miller & The Big Bands,' 'Sinatra & the Legends of Swing'
QUOTES
"You were brilliant and very much appreciated by the audiences here in Grimsby, who especially appreciated how talented your orchestra were." - Lynne Conlon (Arts Development Officer) Grimsby International Jazz Festival.
"Paul, who leads this superb big band is a musician first and a drummer second, though that may not be doing justice to the fact that he is one of UK's top drummers."-Fred Shawcross, Jazz Correspondant, Lancashire Evening Telegraph.
"It was an honour to sing with this great band" - Clare Teal.
"The NJO certainly know their stuff, from Stan Kenton and Count Basie to lilting rhythms of jazz funk, they perform all with the ease of consummate professionals" - Gillian Gray, Lancashire Evening Telegraph.
"The 8 man brass team roared through the piece with an attack rarely heard in British Bands..." - Stan Woolley, The Stage.
CONTACT INFO
Manager - Alan Rigby
73 Clairville
Manor Rd
Darwen
Lancashire
BB3 2SN
ENGLAND
0044 (0 ) 1254 703377
I am a Yorkshire Lad born and bred. I started playing guitar when I was 5yrs old and played my first gig at the age of 12yrs. I got my first break from Radio 1's Friday Night Rock Show, featuring Tommy Vance. Who aired an instrumental guitar track called 'The Balance of Power'.
This led to a career as a session guitarist for artist's like, Elkie Brookes, Roger Waters, Bill Wyman and John Parr, of St Elmo's Fire fame. It was with John Parr that I recorded a track called 'Restless Heart', this track features on the end credits of 'Arnie's' film The Running Man.
I also played guitar on John Parr's album, Man With a Vision. a highlight for me was back in 2004, winning first prize in the 'Instrumental catogory' of the UK Song Writers Contest, in assosciation with 'The Brit awards'. The track is called A Father's Son, a song inspired by my son Connor who has Autisum.
I was also delighted to be invited to play at BB King's 80th Birthday Celebrations at BB King's Blues Bar, New York.
I have recently compiled a Blue's album of cover versions as well as my own original works. I have also recorded 2 instrumental guitar albums, including a track which features on the official Tokai guitar website on www.tokai-guitars.co.uk I also teach gutar, so if you live in or around Doncaster, give me a call. I am currently fronting a Gary Moore tribute band called 'Moore blues'.
It doesn’t often happen, and that’s putting it mildly. When was the last time a bundle of youthful energy, polished musicianship and originality like Tipitina landed on the mat unannounced? It’s quite disconcerting. ‘Where did this suddenly come from?’ you ask. The prosaic reply is Preston, Lancs, but the real answer is New Orleans and a few other hot spots along the way; from juke joints and dance halls, warm nights and windy streets, good times remembered and a few bad moments best forgotten. In short, to borrow Hoagy Carmichael’s handy list of life-enhancing ingredients, it comes from ‘swing, boogie-woogie and jive’ - not forgetting the blues and even gospel music. Tipitina is (or are) Justin Randall, Debbie Jones and Gary Barber, joined on certain occasions by Andy Jones, John Battrum and Tom Hill. If you know anything at all about New Orleans music and its great practitioners you know that Tipitina is the title of a piece by the late Professor Longhair, and it is from the Prof and his students - Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, Dr John et al - that they draw much of their inspiration. With a background as broad as that, a band can range happily through vast tracts of musical landscape. For instance, we find Dream A Little Dream Of Me, a winsome little pop song from 1931, by Gus Kahn, Fabian André and Wilbur Schwandt, side by side with Hit That Jive Jack, an early hit for the King Cole Trio; and Fats Waller’s immortal Ain’t Misbehavin’ (1929) rubbing shoulders with I Wish I Was In New Orleans by Tom Waits, from his 1976 album ‘Small Change’. Originality manifests itself in many ways, one being the ability to bring seemingly incompatible elements together and make something new and unique out of them - in this case Tipitina’s beguiling and distinctive style. It seems to me that New Orleans music is like an underground stream. The everyday world of pop music, jazz and blues carries on oblivious to its presence until, every once in a while, it rises to the surface and insists on being heard. It happened with trad jazz and Fats Domino’s New Orleans rock in the fifties, with Dr John and his voodoo brew in the ‘60s, with the Neville Brothers and the Meters in the ‘70s and ‘80s - and don’t forget Jools Holland on our own doorstep right now. It’s never a good idea to make predictions, especially in print, but I’d say Tipitina could be next.
"I found the album hugely entertaining and I would hope that Tipitina do very well out of it." - Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2
"Vocalist Debbie Jones is as sultry as a night downtown, while Justin Randall's piano boogies like there's no tomorrow." - JD, Sunday Mercury Newspaper
"Debbie Jones, has a rich, soulful and very expressive voice, well suited to the material. The authentic-sounding soloing of Justin Randall shows a mastery of the various New Orleans piano styles and there is also invigorating solo input from the saxist and guitarist." Bob Weir, Jazz Journal
"...the striking voice of Debbie Jones dominates, but special mention must be made too of moments such as Justin Randall’s boogie tour de force on the fast rocking Breaking Up The House." Chris Yates, Jazz Rag Magazine
“Debbie Jones sings superbly on this sizzling collection of blues-tinged songs. A tipped jazz outfit, Jools Holland will love them” What’s On
“Debbie Jones is as sultry as a night downtown, Justin boogies like there’s no tomorrow. An album with its heart and soul deep in New Orleans. Glorious” The Mail
“Instantly recognisable, Tipitina are really on to something” Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2
“New Orleans music is like an underground stream that rises to the surface every now and then. It happened for Fats Domino in the 50s, Dr John in the 70s, The Neville Brothers and The Meters in the 70s and 80s and for our own Jools Holland. I bet that Tipitina will be the next” The Guardian
“A remarkable CD which conveys the steam-heat of a New Orleans night, a Bourbon Street bar. An exceptional singer, a tremendous blues, boogie and rhythm & blues pianist. A spectacular achievement.” The Jazz Rag
Bass - Oliver Bloor Drums – Paul Cole Vocals & Flute - Sally Hossack Guitar & Vocals – Greg Shute Rhodes & Piano – Mike Sole
Influenced by a diverse breadth of styles, Free Control brings together five determined musicians with the intention of making music that they want to listen to. Their aim is to make music that inspires them personally, and to create an amazing live experience for their audience.
Explosive sounds, fluid melodies and intricate style come together to create a unique and powerful sound built of meditative passages and heavier rocking rhythms.
Free Control began with Greg, Paul and Oli. They have played and gigged together as a unit in various incarnations for the past 10 years and have built an intense musical relationship.
Paul, on drums and percussion has toured internationally; 2005-07 as part of Groove Armada and has recorded as a session musician for Bent; Aerials 2005, Paul has also been resident percussionist at Planet of the Breaks and KuKui Club, Oxford.
Greg has written, recorded and performed many tracks for a variety of projects including live bands, film scores and session work. He has played improvised guitar at many club gigs with both DJ's and as part of collectives, and has performed original material all over the UK.
Greg, Oli and Paul as Free Control scored the music for the independent film 'Nightbird' (Montreal Film Festival 2005).
In 2007 they met Sally Hossack through the UFK improvisational collective. Sally joined Free Control in January 2008 and together they quickly wrote a set of material and haven’t stopped since. Sally has played solo singer/songwriter on the Midland’s scene for some time and has gigged nationally as part of Phonek.
Mike Sole has completed the circle, founder of UFK and numerous Jazz/soul nights; Mike has gigged profusely in Leicester, solo and as part of various styles of musical collective.
Free Control prefer to play where they can really make an impact, visually assisted by The Lab. Custom loops and VJ'ing from Tony Coleman’s visual interpretation of the sound, gives the band an awesome and emotional live edge. Tony has provided live visual mixing for ‘Drop Beats Not Bombs’ events, demonstrated visual mixing equipment for Edirol, as well as producing music video artwork for UK female DJ: Lisa Lashes.
In 2009 Free Control performed on the 2nd stage at Leicester’s major music festival, Summer Sundae, as well as the local ‘Glastonbudget’ festival.
About Madame Ook
hello, im emily. i come from a long line of orphans. this is a song about elephants...enjoy. hopefully gonna get some more stuff up here soon but until then your're stuck with this however i heartily (yes heartily) suggest a wander over to www.boltonacoustics.com where you acn hear some of boltons finest talent failing that come see me and my trusty busking partner leesa in the tunnel that leads through to the market. if only i was joking
The result of this project starts from the three members’ necessity to create a true and permanent music laboratory in order to play and experience new ideas and sensations.
The repertory up to here faced is based on the bassist Roberto Caon’s compositions, and take inspiration both from the contemporary sound of New York and the European sound.
When the new ideas are proposed, they are elaborated and adapted coherently and spontaneously by the group.
Great respect for the tradition together with the most different contaminations is the musical aim of this passionate trio who lives with the utmost respect and love for this marvellous music, Jazz.
Marco Ponchiroli eclectic Venetian artist, graduates with distinction at the conservatory Benedetto Marcello in Venice. He immediately gets involved in an investigation that will lead him to what can be considered the result of the contamination of various musical genres and different artistic experiences. Ponchiroli understands and plays blues, pop and also reggae (he participates at 1997 San Remo Festival with the Pitura Freska); throughout the years he cooperates in various musical projects and composes the music for Giorgio Gaber’s play “Il Grigio”.
In the mean time he maintains his burning passion for jazz, his first love and musical milestone, also playing with numerous noticeable artists, such as: Flavio Boltro, Massimo Manzi, Nicola Stilo, Robert Bonisolo, Ares Tavolazzi, David Boato, Saverio Tasca, Maurizio Caldura, Enzo Zirilli, Roberto Dani, Gigi Sella, Marco Castelli, Michel Marre, Marc Abrams, Claudio Roditi, Enrica Bacchia, John Riley. He tours South America with Fabrizio Bosso.
He records several records, playing and arranging the music. He then dedicates his career to teaching and composition. This last activity motivates him towards the definition of a personal style, in which Ponchiroli manages to combine off-the-cuff jazz with sounds derived from unrelated music genres. This union is the result of a deep and continuous study, core activity on which the artist bases his whole work.
His compositions are collected both in solo records (Fast Marghera, Warm up and Like you) and in splits with other artists.
Roberto Caon was born in Castelfranco Veneto (TV – Italy) and he was born into a musical family: he has been playing the classic guitar and he took a diploma in the double bass, in a short time, at the “A. Steffani” Conservatory, in Castelfranco Ven.
He went to Milan to study with Mr. Giorgio Azzolini and Mr. Vittorio Bianco.
He also attends different courses such as: Siena Jazz, Umbria Jazz, Euromeet (Veneto Jazz), Jazz School of Bern.
He gets to diploma in a jazz course held by Mr. Franco D’Andrea at the “Bonporti” Conservatory in Trento.
In 2000 he won “Massimo Urbani” International Award in the double bass section.
He records a cd for the “Caligola” label with all his original compositions titled “Second change”, at Pietro and Marcello Tonolo, Marco Tamburini and Mauro Beggio side.
He played in a concert with Maria Schneider, Paul Jeffrey, Paolo Fresu, Pietro Tonolo, etc.
In the last time, he attends jazz laboratories in Siena, held by Mr. Stefano Battaglia.
Marco Carlesso a Refined percussionist, he carries out for years an intense National and International concert activity. He starts the drums study at 16 years and gets the degree at the CPM in Milan with C. Meyer.
He has collaborated with the blues singers C. Terry and C. Porter from Chicago, with the “Rondo Veneziano” and played with Zucchero on tour (1996). In 1997 he establishes the Trio “Drumagogò” and gets the 2° place at the International Percussion Contest “Memorial Naco” in ’99. In august 2000 he is in Rome playing with the gospel group “Summertime” at the “Giubileo dei Giovani”.
After various CD’s, he records with Ruggero Robin “Viceversa” and “Everyday Magic” for the Prestige Jazz. With the “New School University Big Band” he participates at the Jazz Festival in Vicenza and at the Euromeet Jazz Festival.
Many times at the Cinema Exhibition in Venice, in 2003 he performs the music of E. Morricone and that of N. Rota with the “Orchestra di Venezia” in Japan. He teaches percussion at the music school “J. Vittorelli” in Bassano del Grappa and he keeps traineeships for musician in Italy.
with the tour and increased popularity they were asked to support York boys Shed7 on 3 of their sell out reunion tour shows. This was another opportunity to play to lots of people. The venues were 2000 – 5000 capacity.
Rachael Clegg - 10/04/2008
reworkings of songs from sources as diverse as The Mississippi Delta to The Beatles and some from way out of left field !!
'The Balance of Power'.
Conservatory, in Castelfranco Ven.