MIX-UP 05.09.13: THE PART TIME HELIOCENTRIC COSMO DRAMA AFTER SCHOOL CLUB - SHUNYA - ELLIS DAVIES

THE PART TIME HELIOCENTRIC COSMO DRAMA AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

The Part Time Heliocentric Cosmo Drama After School Club was put together specifically for a one day Sun Ra Festival this month in Liverpool. They promise to honour Mr Ra's extraordinary tunes and approach to music. They promise to adhere to the Lurex dress code. They promise to walk the bridge of the cosmic age!

Sun Ra was, is and will forever be the future, the past, micro-macro, punky, spacey, big band fun. Arrive masked and sparkly, leave your jet packs in the smoking section of the club house.

Paddy Steer - various bass instruments, synths, percussion, singing
Graham Massey - electric clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano sax, wasp, singing
Howard Walmsley - tenor sax, space harp, singing
Nat Mason - tenor/alto sax, singing
Ellis Davies - guitar, bass, singing
Phil Howley - drums, percussion, singing
Richard Harrison - drums, percussion, singing
James Medd - pianomatic, Moog, organ, singing

SHUNYA

Alan Keary aka Shunya is an Irish born multi - instrumentalist and producer. Now based in Manchester, Alan produces and writes material drawing influences from jazz, classical, electronic, hip hop and soul. In early 2012 Shunya's online presence increased ten fold when his remix was picked up by multi grammy winning choral composer Eric Whitacre. The live show incorporates electronics with looping, drums and beatboxing.

ELLIS DAVIES

Currently playing in bands that have spent the summer in festival fields, Ellis performs solo material which works on a much more intimate level. Expect finger picked folk melodies, songs about being on trains, jazz progressions with questionable lyrics and possibly an odd but ultimately enjoyable cover.


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, please show your support for the night by joining our Mix-Up Facebook group. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Magic-Hat-Ensemble-presents-Mix-Up/177181375690177

It will be great to see some familiar faces and hopefully some unfamiliar ones on the night

MIX-UP 04.07.13: THE INITIATIVE - MATTHEW WHITAKER BAND - MENTO-B

THE INITIATIVE

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/songwriter with cult Manchester party band Whiskeycats.

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/pages/The-Magic-Hat-Ensemble-presents-Mix-Up/177181375690177

It will be great to see some familiar faces and hopefully some unfamiliar ones on the night!

MIX-UP 06.06.13: SUPER BEST FRIENDS CLUB - RICHARD BARRY - THE SEVENS COLLECTIVE

SUPER BEST FRIENDS CLUB

London based SBFC came together when drummer Max Hallett was one of the emerging artists invited to participate in the ‘Takeover’ residence at the Royal Festival Hall. He was asked to perform live and roped in some like-minded friends. They are now currently promoting their eponymous debut album on Hakisak records.

The group consists of Jonah Brody (vox/keys), Max Hallett (drums), Jordan Copeland, (bass/vox), Jean De Talhouet (vox/synth), Josh Green, (vox/frantic percussion), James Marsh (saxophone/vox).

SBFC have already made a strong impact on the radio, having performed an ‘Introducing’ session for Tom Robinson (“absolutely amazing”) and gaining repeat plays on Lauren Laverne’s and Stuart Maconies’ Freak Zone as well as being on the XFM Rebel playlist with the single SO AM I ME TOO.

“Marrying elements of Philip Glass, Animal Collective, Beirut and Toro Y Moi, the stage is set for uninhibited, rowdy and cacophonous prog/kraut” DJ ****


RICHARD BARRY

Every musician in Manchester knows Richard: he is one of the most fondly revered performers on the UK folk circuit and Debt Records is making it their business to bring his work to a wider audience (whether he likes it or not).

In the past Richard has supported the likes of Bob Geldof, Kiki Dee, Midge Ure, Fairport Convention and Dr Feelgood. He is also a much-demanded voice-over artist, narrator and actor.


THE SEVENS COLLECTIVE

Features Paul J. Rogers (sound sculptor, guitarist, songwriter) & Jennifer Hames (Pianist, Violinist, Composer)
The Sevens Collective focus on experimental and sometimes improvised forms with psychedelic and unusual soundscapes underpinning edgy yet beautiful harmony, driving rhythms and gloriously evolving melodies and textures. They incorporate custom built electronic devices created from junk and discarded media machines, with innovative interfaces for sound manipulation. This is augmented with the acoustic instruments such as violin, guitar, piano and voices.

“Startling in both it's natural beauty and it's sublime darkness.” - Stereo Magick


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, please show your support for the night by joining our Mix-Up Facebook group. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Magic-Hat-Ensemble-presents-Mix-Up/177181375690177

It will be great to see some familiar faces and hopefully some unfamiliar ones on the night!

MIX-UP 02.05.13: HOT HEAD SHOW - THOMAS MCCARTHY - DEEP CABARET 3

HOT HEAD SHOW

Hot Head Show are London's undisputed champions of Maximalist Avant-Bang. They are three young men singing whilst playing guitars and drums. Last year they toured Europe with Primus, released their debut album and two banging music videos, and started appearing on proper radio playlists. The year before, they toured Europe and the USA opening for Les Claypool. This year, they returned as headliners to Italy, Germany and Holland, in between regular UK adventures. With their latest video showcased by Rolling Stone, and Artrocker Magazine recently branding them "Art-Pop/Avant-Jazz/Flamenco-Punks", HHS will release their second album (WT: Perfect) in April 2013.

"Now a band with a different flavour, a mental sort of jazzy punk funk - they're called Hot Head Show and I absolutely love it." - Lauren Laverne, BBC 6Music

"Nimble, racing music with moments of Nick Cave passion and Beefheart blues contortion - they offer the complex pleasure of shaking your head in three directions at once."
- Clive Bell, The Wire

"I've never heard anything quite like this before and I really can't compare it directly with any one band...in truth there's not a day goes by that I don't listen to it at least a couple of times. Almost beyond description." - Sonic Abyss (USA)

THOMAS MCCARTHY

Thomas McCarthy is from an old family of travelling people who settled in Birr in County Offaly. He grew up partly in Ireland and partly in a travellers site beneath the A40 in West London. His family was well known for their songs and music and Thomas developed a deep love for traditional Irish songs and singing at an early age which has remained important to him throughout his life. "Singing was rife among the old travelling McCarthys, but unfortunately I seem to be the only one of my generation who sings the old songs all the time". Thomas McCarthy

Thomas's songs and singing stretch back into the mists of time and evoke something long forgotten in us. His 'sean nos' style is remarkable and the man himself, peaceful, humble and knowledgeable, a joy to be around.

DEEP CABARET 3

Steve Lewis, guitarist, singer, psychoanalyst and composer first visited MIX-UP in October 2012 with his 8 piece Orchestre DC Dansette, this timehe is making the journey south from Lancaster with Deep Cabaret 3. They play noir-drenched dronesongs & desert blues improvisation. Paul Sherwood on HURDY-GURDY, Matt Robinson on BASS CLARINET and Steve Lewis on VOICE, guitar & shruti. This is sparkling jazz, rooted folk, torching vocals and guitar played as only a drummer could, fulsome & romantic one moment, edgy & disturbing the next, lyrics sampled from novels, poetry and philosophy mashed-up with BBC sitcoms and Buddhist self-help books.


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, please show your support for the night by joining our Mix-Up Facebook group. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Magic-Hat-Ensemble-presents-Mix-Up/177181375690177

It will be great to see some familiar faces and hopefully some unfamiliar ones on the night!

MIX-UP 04.04.13: THE AGE OF GLASS - HUNTING BEARS - SKUTCH MANOS

THE AGE OF GLASS

Trad sounds, plugged into the digital vortex and turned up to 11! Reaching back through the annals of time, The Age of Glass pluck at the abundance of styles which rocked the world of music, blending them up in a whirlwind of contemporary 21st century modulation. With a stage show of monstrous energy and proportions, these boys are here to crawl inside your ears like a crazed bug, nibbling at your brain and digesting it into an aural soup, the like of which has never been tasted or heard before.

HUNTING BEARS

Hunting Bears are a Leeds-based band of full group harmony vocals, melodic harp line, bowed double bass and rich guitar textures. Influenced by the melodic, lyrical West coast Americana of the 1960s and 70s as well as the reverb-soaked sounds of contemporary Yorkshire artists such as Richard Hawley, the band have spent the last two years performing at festivals such as Greenman and Beatherder, whilst ssettling into the Leeds music scene. They are currently recording their second e.p.

SKUTCH MANOS

Skutch Manos (formerly The Acoustic Conquistador) are a dynamic 3 piece led by Arlen Connelly on Classical guitar, backed by the thunderous cahon of Holly Prest and Grant Russell on double bass. Their high energy performances of original and embellished arrangements are something of a musical adventure and bridge the gap between John Williams and Rodrigo and Gabriela.

“Really has to be seen to be believed” - Band on the Wall 2012


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, please show your support for the night by joining our Mix-Up Facebook group. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Magic-Hat-Ensemble-presents-Mix-Up/177181375690177

It will be great to see some familiar faces and hopefully some unfamiliar ones on the night!

MIX-UP 07.03.13: GOGO PENGUIN - ZACC ROGERS - ZOE KYOTI (SOLO)

GOGO PENGUIN

Manchester piano trio GoGo Penguin are an exhilarating live act drawing on a heady brew of influences from Aphex Twin, to Brian Eno, Debussy to Shostakovich and Massive Attack to EST. The debut album Fanfares (Gondwana Records) has won rave reviews from the Guardian to BBC Music, support from the likes of Mike Chadwick and Gilles Peterson and was nominated for best jazz album at the World Wide Awards. It is the band's unique ability to synthesise and develop each other's melodic and harmonic ideas while drawing on music from classical to electronica that makes GoGo Penguin's music so enthralling and their debut album such a powerful opening salvo from a bold new voice in UK music.

Chris Illingworth - piano
Nick Blacka - bass
Rob Turner - drums

"GoGo Penguin seem destined for great things" - BBC Music

"Harmonically ambitious music that's both immediately exciting and cerebrally led" - Mercury Music Prize

ZACC ROGERS

Zacc Rogers performs using the latest looping technology live, beat boxing, harmonica and guitar to create soundscapes. Zacc also likes to perform songs which are as traditional and as far away from modern technology as you can get. At the heart of Zacc's music is a strong Blues sound but he also blends and brings to the mix elements of Soul, Jazz, Yee-Haa, Rock & Roll, Gospel, Folk and Reggae.


ZOE KYOTI (SOLO)

Zoe sings, writes songs and plays the guitar. She takes inspiration from emotion, unusual noises and the desire to express herself through more than words alone. She last performed with her band at MIX-UP a year ago and we are pleased to welcome her back for a solo set this month. Zoe has a number of projects on the go including her own Zoe Kyoti Band who are currently working on their first album; The Magic Beans a stripped down acoustic trio comprising of vocals, guitar and double bass; the all female singing trio The Woo Hoos and she also sings with songwriter and vocalist extraordinaire Jesca Hoop. Alongside all of that Zoe is host of the excellent Sunday night event song Song Swap: a weekly gathering of acoustic roots, folk and blues music held at Kro in Heaton Moor, Stockport. A great jam night where all are welcome to sing/play.


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, please show your support for the night by joining our Mix-Up Facebook group. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Magic-Hat-Ensemble-presents-Mix-Up/177181375690177

It will be great to see some familiar faces and hopefully some unfamiliar ones on the night!

MIX-UP 07.02.13: THE MAGIC HAT ENSEMBLE - WALK - SKUTCH MANOS

• THE MAGIC HAT ENSEMBLE The Magic Hat Ensemble burst out of the Manchester scene back in 2006 and have continued to surprise and enchant audiences throughout the UK and Europe. Their sound, excitement and energy they bring to the music as well as the joy they show whilst performing is infectious and a delight for the jazz fan and the uninitiated alike. The group’s most recent album, Made in Gorton (Jellymould 2011) has garnered plaudits from the Jazz and national press and has brought attention both at home and internationally. Their relentless UK touring has seen them play in practically every county and major UK city and turned them into one of the tightest units on the road. "They really are making the jazz world sit up and take notice. Great arrangements and tremendous playing. Very, very listenable indeed." - BBC Radio Scotland "Confirms that it's possible to be adventurous and innovative within the confines of a genre. A gem." - Manchester Evening News "They play bop with an expert relish." - The Guardian WALK The sequencer blues project of Rik Warren and David Schlechtriemen. "The kick with Walk is the evolution to sequencer blues; leaving electric blues in the past by warping their sonic creations with 21st century gadgetry." - Now Then Manchester SKUTCH MANOS Skutch Manos (formerly The Acoustic Conquistador) are a dynamic 3 piece led by Arlen Connelly on Classical guitar, backed by the thunderous cahon of Holly Prest and Grant Russell on double bass. Their high energy performances of original and embellished arrangements are something of a musical adventure and bridge the gap between John Williams and Rodrigo and Gabriela. “Really has to be seen to be believed” - Band on the Wall 2012 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, please show your support for the night by joining our Mix-Up Facebook group. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Magic-Hat-Ensemble-presents-Mix-Up/177181375690177 It will be great to see some familiar faces and hopefully some unfamiliar ones on the night!