Thursday, 1 May 2014

MIX-UP 01.05.14: STUART MCCALLUM - DAVIES/HALSALL/MODI TRIO - SAM HEALEY QUARTET





STUART MCCALLUM

Best known for his work with Cinematic Orchestra, guiatirst Stuart McCallum has teamed up with a Manchester tour-de-force - Rioghnach Connolly on vocals, Jason Singh on beatbox and Luke Flowers on drums. Expect beautiful, ballsy vocals from Rioghnach, soundscapes and electronica from Jason, and epic beats from Luke.

DAVIES / HALSALL / MODI TRIO

Matthew Halsall trumpet/samplers/effects
Taz Modi keyboards/synth bass
Matt Davies drums/samplers

Manchester based trumpeter Matthew Halsall is one of the UK’s brightest talents, whose love of the transcendental spiritual and modal jazz of Alice and John Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders, as well as more contemporary dance music and electronica has won him fans from Gilles Peterson to MOJO Magazine.

Influenced by the likes of The Cinematic Orchestra, Brian Eno, Steve Reich, Portico Quartet and Erik Truffaz, Halsall’s new project is a collaboration with keyboardist Taz Modi (of Submotion Orchestra) and drummer Matt Davies (of Paper Tiger). The three musicians combine blissful, hypnotic chords and melodies with warped new territories as they explore sonic textures to augment the classic live trio sound. Each player uses a variety of electronic effects to broaden their range, drawing on spiritual jazz and ambient electronica to create an otherworldly and beautiful sound.

SAM HEALEY QUARTET

Featuring Stuart McCallum and Luke Flowers of Cinematic Orchestra on Guitar
and Drums respectively + the softly swift fingers of Richard Hammond on the Bass.
This is the very first outing for the ensemble from Beats N Pieces saxophonist, Sam Healey.
With all the music written over the past year, you'll hear the sound of Long flowing melodies, broken
beats, spiritual hefty sounds and joyous grooves all made in aid of a good vibe.
The Quartet aligns arranged melodies and improvisation on an expanse of juicy harmonies
and scintillating beats to exploit the sounds and strengths of each member of the band as
well as bringing them together to create a special atmosphere of delicate feels, beautiful
soundscapes and deep moments to nod and contemplate.


ABOUT MIX UP

Mix Up is a monthly live music night 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 website http://www.mixupmcr.com/

Please, please show your support for the night by joining our Mix-Up Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/mixupmcr

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

Wednesday, 2 April 2014

MIX-UP 03.04.14: SKUTCH MANOS - THE LONESOME & PENNILESS COWBOYS - STEFAN MELBOURNE

SKUTCH MANOS

Skutch Manos deliver a hypnotic clash of dynamic acoustic instrumental music that sounds like Rodrigo Y Gabriela covering Led Zeppelin, with Ozric Tentacles as a spiritual guide!

Led by incendiary classical guitar, accompanied by thunderous, solid cahon and double bass. Skutch Manos present a healthy chunk of well embellished and crafted music, which is melodic, pounding, playful, well journeyed and metamorphic, never resting and always ready with a surprise!

Percussionist Holly Prest, herself a leader in Brazilian drumming, complements the huge dynamic and emotive range of guitarist Arlen Connelly. The use of traditional Spanish / flamenco instrumentation, used with a British twist, creates an original and powerful 'wall of sound', whilst still creating a strong sense of melody and groove

Their Album 'Mimosa' has had some great reviews and now has worldwide online distribution through 'Cadiz Digital' .

The band have been applauded for their intoxicating live performances and after a break of nearly 9 months are eager to get back to it, whilst also unveiling their recent teaming up with the super talented Chris Cliff on Double Bass!

“I think they were being a bit unrealistic asking the sizeable crowd if they were going to start dancing, being as only a wizard or some titan of high progression could realistically follow their impressively ridiculous changes, but they were truly splendid & I hope they will be back next year!" - Beatherder 2013


THE LONESOME AND PENNILESS COWBOYS

The Lonesome & Penniless Cowboys, probably the best band you've never seen are back.
In the dark and dismal early 80's when Britain was still in black and white, 3 men had a vision, a dream and indeed a calling. Somehow The Thin Man, Clive Mellor and Mog decided it was their life's vocation to make people love country music. Before Alt Country, before New Country before Americana and before a million hipsters wore Johnny Cash T shirts The Lonesome & Penniless Cowboys were formed just to let people know the truth. Hank Williams, George Jones, Gram Parsons, The Louvins etc had a body of work that any one with a heart, a soul and a hard luck story would love. Turned out the plan worked and after turning Chorlton Irish Club into a regular venue and packing it out every week the cowboys' reputation and alongside it the love of country music in the North West grew.

"Many folk felt that Country music died with the passing of Patsy Cline or that old country schmoozer Jim Reeves. Others thought that the more recent passings of Mr Cash and Kitty Wells spelt the end. Beyond those gravestones and fare thee wells were another breed. A breed they called the Lonesome, the Penniless, the Cowboys. They make music that keeps Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson sleeping on their backs with one eye open." - Paul Heaton


STEFAN MELBOURNE

When you hear an artist that reminds you of your fondest memory, your dreams, the best film you’ve seen all year, your favourite record of all time and your first love that has to be a good day. Manchester based singer songwriter Stefan Melbourne possesses that very gift.


ABOUT MIX UP

Mix Up is a monthly live music night 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. https://www.facebook.com/mixupmcr

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

Tuesday, 4 March 2014

MIX-UP 06.03.14: THE SANDERSON PITCH - LIZ GREEN - ZACC ROGERS





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!

Friday, 31 January 2014

MIX-UP 06.02.14: JON KENZIE - THE SINGH THING - YIDDLESTICKS

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!

Friday, 29 November 2013

MIX-UP 05.12.13: RÍOGHNACH CONNOLLY"S BLACK LUNG - EDWARD BARTON & THE BABYMEN - CHRIS ILLINGWORTH & MIKE JACKSON

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!

Saturday, 2 November 2013

MIX-UP 07.11.13: THE NIGHTCREATURES - MAMMAL HANDS - KIRK MCELHINNEY & JOHN ELLIS

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!

Monday, 30 September 2013

MIX-UP 03.10.13: PAULO DIAS DUARTE: THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS - STUART MCCALLUM - KRISTIN BORGEHED

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!