Coming from as far away as LA, but mainly based in the North West, at-times a 15-piece but usually a 10-piece, The Initiative are a constantly evolving collective combining rap, rock, anti-jazz, and funk. Their wide-ranging sound combines their diverse personal and musical backgrounds and they flourish in composition and improvisation.
The Initiative are: Lily Carassik on trumpet, Paul Froggatt on soprano/ tenor sax, Paul Graves on guitar, Robin Mason on guitar, Ash Murphy on words, John Powney on drums, Matt Robinson on clarinet, Dave Shooter on bass, Ben McCabe on percussion, and Jonathan Vince on alto/ tenor saxophonist.
MATTHEW WHITAKER BAND
Originally trained as a classical guitarist, Matthew’s lasting love affair with song writing lead him to spend six years as singer/guitarist/
Since the group disbanded in 2010 he has been working on his own solo project returning to his classical guitar roots taking influences from early 70’s British folk and the quiet vocal style of singers like Chet Baker and Joao Gilberto. He has released a limited edition acoustic album of his songs called The Man With the Anvil Hat, which was described as “standout manc music debut of 2010” – M.E.N.
Since then Matthew has recruited a full live band that includes ex-Whiskeycats drummer Sam Draper; long-time collaborator and guitar virtuoso Jim Wallace (Gypsies of Bohemia); and double bass player Pete Turner. Matthew and his band have been working on their first full studio album together, under the expert guidance of producer Jim Spencer (The Charlatans, New Order) to be released at the end of 2013.
MENTO-B
Mento-B. Mento is the Jamaican form of calypso, brought over to the UK in the postwar period by such as Lord Kitchener and Lord Melody. Mento-B (aka the Calypso Twins, separated at birth) are masters of musical saucy innuendo, bringing songs about Rude Landladies, Authority Figures in Uniform, Impossible Families, Talking Parrots and more. Guitars and vocals from George Linton and Bob Jones.
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 nominal entry fee.
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 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!
