THE SANDERSON PITCH
Singer-songwriter Eddy Cantor wasn’t always the man behind that tune that sees the bloke off Nathan Barley bouncing around in front of some wallpaper on ‘Man Stroke Woman’ on BBC2. No, he was once a TV chef, and before that, a university lecturer, pharmaceutical window-dresser, teletext updater, undercover documentary cameraman, ‘Greek fisherman’ in a Boots advert, and before that - one of those guys who tries to sell you a mortgage over the phone.
Somewhere in between those days Eddy went to music college in Manchester where he teamed up with guitarist Neil Cooper whose sweet harmonies and delicate touch may not be characteristically Wythenshawe, but they wrap around Eddy’s mellow vocal like a silk scarf round a puppy’s neck.
Having sold out shows in London and licensed innumerable songs to TV, they have finally returned home to Manchester, Neil taking to the studio and Eddy playing live. The new live line up features legendary Manchester drummer Myke Wilson, prodigious jazz bass player Gavin Barras, and recently persuaded to play outside of his bedroom, idiot savant Steve Black on guitar. Their goal? To bring back dynamics to popular music…..
LIZ GREEN
It is said that no (wo)man is an island, entire of itself, but if Liz Green's highly acclaimed debut album O, Devotion! says anything it's that she exists in a certain kind of isolation, as a uniquely exceptional, “eccentric and rather magical” artist, (to borrow words from The Guardian). One does not just stumble across her music to be left unmarked. She gives too much for that. Her first musical missives in 2007, set afloat like so many bottled messages, saw her win Glastonbury's Emerging Talent Competition before finding land in 2011's full length debut. Her emboldened second album, Haul Away!, is due out via PIAS on 14 April 2014.
“A sensational debut” - Sunday Times ‘Album of the Week’
“4/5” - Q
“4/5” - Uncut
“To call Liz Green a one-off talent is something of a drastic under-statement” - Esquire
“O, Devotion! brims with depth, detail and fleet drama” - The Independent
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.
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!
JON KENZIE
Jon Kenzie is an accomplished singer-songwriter from Manchester with his musical roots based in blues, folk and soul. After the release of his second solo album 'Sing a little higher' last October Jon has been touring Europe as a solo act. This time Jon will be performing at the Klondyke club on the 6th of February with a full band of very talented Manchester Musicians.
"Truly fantastic Manchester talent" - BBC Manchester Introducing
THE SINGH THING
Jason Singh’s work is rooted in inspiring people to engage in exciting creative experiences, through the use of the voice, technology, performance and participation. His relentless passion and enthusiasm for creativity and the constant pushing of boundaries has seen him collaborate, record and perform with artists and organisations such as Rokia Traorè, Nitin Sawhney, Sebastian Rochford, Shabaka Hutchings, Leafcutter John, BBC Concert Orchestra, The Phoenix Clarinet Quartet, V&A Museum, Serious, Arts Council, Southbank Centre, BFI, Band on the Wall, Whitworth Gallery, The Sage Gateshead, PRS, Jaipur Literature Festival and the BBC, to name but a few
In 2012 Jason was the first resident sound artist at the V&A Museum in London and is also an associate lecturer at the Manchester Metropolitan University.
YIDDLESTICKS
Yiddlesticks are one of the leading traditional Klezmer groups in the Northwest of England. The band performs Eastern European Jewish Music and the musicians have backgrounds in Irish Traditional, Bluegrass, Classical, Folk and Cuban music. Yiddlesticks were formed in 2011 to become one of the foremost Klezmer bands in the area.
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!
RÍOGHNACH CONNOLLY'S BLACK LUNG
Ríoghnach Connolly is a sean nos singer from Armagh, Ireland, based in Manchester. Here she brings together members of her Black Lung project, playing traditional Irish folk music.
Ríoghnach Connolly - Vocals / Flute
Joe Bardwell - Guitar
Angela Durcan - Banjo
Fiona Browne - Uillean Pipes / Flute
Feilimí Devin - Bodhran
EDWARD BARTON & THE BABYMEN
The first thing most people notice about Edward Barton and The Babymen is the band members' ages: singer, Edward Barton is 54 and the rest of band are 14, 15 and 16 years old. The second thing ~ which quickly makes you forget the first ~ is how they are bright, tight and make a right friendly racket!
Edward Barton is a cult figure within Manchester's creative underbelly. His career spans three decades as a filmmaker, artist, curator, performer, songwriter and poet.
He first grabbed people's attention, following a bizarre appearance on Channel 4's renowned music programme, The Tube in 1984, when he played guitar with a wooden spoon! Edward has worked with A Guy Called Gerald, 808 State, James and The Ministry of Sound's Lost Witness. In 1992 Barton's song It's a Fine Day was covered by Opus III and was a massive hit! He also composed the Kylie Minogue hit single Confide in Me amongst other musical gems.
The Babymen have musical connections of their own too. They are all sons of musicians and producers and DJs, namely Graham Massey, Greg Wilson and Mick Baker. The Babymen are: Joe Baker (bass), Jackson Massey (drums) and Che Wilson (keyboards).
CHRIS ILLINGWORTH & MIKE JACKSON
Manchester-based musicians Mike Jackson (Scintilla) and Chris Illingworth (GoGo Penguin) randomly met earlier this year over a few beers at the RNCM. Their inebriated conversation about contemporary music turned into a productive working relationship and several performances later they have arrived at this month's MIX-UP. Their programme will include Andy Scott's Three Letter Word, an emotional homage to Esbjorn Svensson, the heavily riff-driven and percussive Gate by Graham Fitkin and a selection of minimalist arrangements of Chick Corea's Children's Songs.
Mike Jackson - saxophone
Chris Illingworth - piano
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!
THE NIGHTCREATURES
The Nightcreatures are a New Orleans Ryhthm and Blues band from Manchester. They play authentic music from the Crescent City with material from Dr John, Professor Longhair and James Booker. They also give some more familiar songs the New Orleans treatment. Expect a varied mixture of blues, funk, rock n roll and second line grooves.
Tom Davies - Guitar/Vocal
Henry Botham - Piano
Hugh Lawrence - Drums
Pete Robinson - Sousaphone
MAMMAL HANDS
Mammal Hands are a trio of like-minded musicians, with Nick Smart on keyboards, Jesse Barrett on drums and percussion, and Jordan Smart on saxophones. Their influences come from bands such as Sons of Kemet and Esbjorn Svensson Trio, minimalist composers like Steve Reich and John Adams, electronic artists like Aphex Twin and DJ Krush, and elements of North Indian and African music. They evoke a range of moods, from delicate and subtle to explosive and frantic, blending thoughtful compositions with spontaneity and interplay. In December 2013 they are planning to record their first album, which will be released on Gondwana Records.
"A three-piece band, which sound much greater and aurally expansive than their number. Hypnotic rolling sounds with great interplay." - Norwich Arts Centre
KIRK MCELHINNEY & JOHN ELLIS
Known to each other from the Manchester music scene for some time these, two musicians started thist collaboration whilst Kirk was recording a solo album at John's studios Limefield in North Manchester. Altrincham-based Troubador Kirk never fails to mellow an audience with his delicious brand of folk and blues styles. An exquisite finger picking folk guitar combined with his earthy John Martyn-esque blues voice makes him one of the most satisfying solo musicians to watch. John Ellis is a legendary keyboardist and singer on the Manchester scene who has worked with an impressive array of artists. Kirk and John work intuitively well together, from spontaneous improvisation to intricate harmonic details.
Kirk McElhinney - guitar, vocals
John Ellis - keboards, vocals
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!
PAULO DIAS DUARTE: THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS
Paulo Dias Duarte is a Portuguese Composer currently living in London and studying for a Masters in composition at Trinity. In recent years he has focused his activity writing for the OverGround Collective Big Band, and his small progressive Jazz Band; "The Stolen Project"
"The Seven Deadly Sins" was initially composed for the Portuguese group Ensemble Raum. The suite was premièred at Gulbenkian Foundation's Jazz Festival, "Jazz em August" in Lisbon, 2005. Written for trumpet, alto and tenor sax, guitar, bass and drums, it blends avant garde jazz sounds and improv with rock, a dash of metal, a twist of eastern european sounds and a whiff of the circus to create a heady and full flavoured cocktail served with panache. The suite receives it's Manchester premier at this months MIX-UP.
STUART MCCALLUM
Stuart has a wealth of experience in many different musical environments and genres. After being invited to join the Cinematic Orchestra in 2004, Stuart has performed on and contributed to the writing of the band's critically acclaimed albums, 'Ma Fleur' and 'Live At The Royal Albert Hall'. In addition he has performed on the award winning Disney nature documentary soundtrack, 'The Crimson Wing', and contributed to and performed on the remix of Radiohead's 'Exit Music For A Film' for Radiohead’s remix compilation album, 'Exit Music: Songs For Radio Heads'. Memorable performances with the band from several worldwide tours include The Royal Albert Hall with the Heritage Orchestra and The London Metropolitan Orchestra, headlining The Big Chill in the UK, and playing at Montreal Jazz Festival and Coachella festival in Palm Springs.
‘Distilled’, Stuart’s third solo album, released in 2011 on NaimLabel in the UK and distributed by Rough Trade in Europe, is the culmination of Stuart’s guitar playing, production and composition experience to date. The 40 date European tour, which followed the release of the album, culminated in the recording and release of Stuart’s fourth solo album, ‘Distilled Live’, on NaimLabel in November 2012.
Over the past four years Stuart has worked closely with internationally acclaimed British artist Linder collaborating together on a number of works.
As well as John Surman, Stuart has performed and recorded with some of the most prominent jazz artists of today, including American drummer Ari Hoenig, Kenny Wheeler, Mike Gibbs, Gwilym Simcock, Tim Garland, French drummer Laurent Robin, French pianist Laurent De Wilde and Austrian hang drum player and Bjork percussionist Manu Delago.
KRISTIN BORGEHED
Kristin Borgehed is a folk singer from Urshult in Southern Sweden. She collects and sings traditional songs from Sweden and Norway and regularly sings, claps and plays double bass with the folk group Bessman. Kristin is also a researcher of folk song at the University of Aberdeen.
"Enchanting songstress of folk" - Malmo Dail
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!
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
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!
