Stuart McCallum
From jazz beginnings to DJ culture, Stuart McCallum’s music is a distillation of influences, creating a sound that is concentrated and distinctive. Stuart’s music embraces simple, memorable melodies, bass lines and drum beats, with electronica and improvisation enriched by elegant orchestral writing.
Stuart has a wealth of experience in many different musical environments but perhaps is best known for his work with The Cinematic Orchestra. Since joining the band in 2004, Stuart has contributed to the writing of the band’s critically acclaimed albums, ‘Ma Fleur’ and ‘Live At The Royal Albert Hall’. In addition he has contributed to the award winning Disney nature documentary soundtrack, ‘The Crimson Wing’, and the remix of Radiohead’s ‘Exit Music For A Film’ for Radiohead’s remix compilation album, ‘Exit Music: Songs For Radio Heads’. He has performed at the Royal Albert Hall with the Heritage Orchestra and The London Metropolitan Orchestra, headlined The Big Chill in the UK, and played at Montreal Jazz Festival and Coachella festival in Palm Springs amongst others.
‘Distilled’, Stuart’s third solo album is the culmination of Stuart’s guitar playing, production and composition. The sonic palette of instruments and electronics used is a development from his 2 previous solo albums ‘Echo Architect’ and ‘Stuart McCallum’. Stuart’s guitar playing is the main feature of the music - the vocalist in the instrumental lineup. His interest in exploring different sounds from both electric and acoustic guitars is apparent in the music, from the innovative use of delays and filters, to hitting the guitars with hands and drumsticks! The guitar plays alongside electronic and acoustic drums, double bass, keyboards, synths, percussion, harp, celeste, strings, woodwinds and horns.
Naked Island
Kirk McElhinney (Vocal/Guitar/Songwriting)
Pete Turner (Double Bass)
Sam Draper (Drums).
Naked Island are a recently formed Manchester based folk/blues trio who focus on authenticity and energy within their live performances.
They have already discovered their unique sound with Kirk's raw vocal delivery and intricate finger picking stlyle on guitar, backed up with a tight rhythm section of Pete and Sam who's jazz influence is subtly melded in to the Naked Island pot. With tunes ranging from fast bluegrass and folk ballads to more experimental 7/4 instrumentals, Naked Island are vastly becoming an exciting new live outfit. The guys have already performed at the Deaf Institute in Manchester and the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge and have a couple of festivals lined up for the summer. One of which being the ever growing 'Solfest' in Cumbria.
They are currently recording their debut album "Circle" with Manchester's legendary pianist/composer/arranger John Ellis at Limehouse studio.
Shatner’s Bassoon
Shatner’s Bassoon, a band of six Leeds based improvisers influenced by William Shatner’s monologues and the perils of jazz induced trances, describe their disjointed sound as Improvised Rock-Puke. They’re playing with musical clichés and conventions to produce music which negotiates a path from the sinister to the humorous and surreal.
Johnny Richards – Keyboards,
Michael Bardon – Bass/Electronics
Craig Scott – Guitar/Electronics
Ollie Dover – Tenor Sax
Joost Hendricks – Drums
Andy Lisle - Drums
ABOUT MIX-UP:
Mix-Up is a monthly night hosted by The Magic Hat Ensemble, which as the name suggests features three musical acts across different styles and forms.
Held on the first Thursday of the month at The Klondyke Club in Levenshulme (1 Burnage Range, third road on the left from Levenshulme Station off Albert Road, walking towards Burnage – call 0161 224 4122) the night promises to offer three quality bands, all for a measly fiver.
Mix-Up is a cracking night of live music featuring the cream of Manchester’s music scene. We will soon be confirming further acts for future nights.
You can keep up to date with who’s playing and when on our websitehttp://www.mixupmcr.com/
Please, please show your support for the night by joining our Mix-Up Facebook group. http://www.facebook.com/
It will be great to see some familiar faces and hopefully some unfamiliar ones on the night!
