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St. Ives September Festival This year we have an exciting program of world class musicians performing throughout the two weeks of the festival. To book your tickets please click on pictures which will head you over to our box office. 
The Nicolas Meier World Group
Tuesday 17th September 2024 Doors Open @ 6.30pm, Music starts @ 7.30pm £20 Entry Doors Open @ 6.30pm Music Starts @ 7.30pm Nicolas Meier – nylon fretted & fretless six string guitars, acoustic twelve string guitar, glissentar Kevin Glasgow – six string electric bass Richard Jones – violin Demi Garcia - percussion UK-based guitarist Nicolas Meier has carved a reputation out as one of the world's most original and uniquely talented guitarists. Drawing from a love of Turkish, Eastern & Middle Eastern music, Flamenco, Tango and more -- all mixed with jazz -- Meier's versatility and musical fluency extends well beyond that, even. (... so much so, that his considerable talents drew the attention of rock guitar legend, Jeff Beck, who made Nicolas a mainstay in The Jeff Beck Group -- carrying him on two world tours during the course of the last several years.) Meier originally hails from Switzerland; born in 1973, to parents who are great lovers of the arts. Never short on ambition, Meier founded his own record label, MGP Records, in 2009. To date, he's produced twelve albums: as a solo artist; in various group formats (The Nicolas Meier Group; Nicolas Meier Trio; Eclectica!; Nicolas Meier World Group); with his heavy metal band, Seven7, and; in a duo format, with long-time partner, fellow guitarist and collaborator, the fabulous UK master, Pete Oxley. (Their 2015 release, "Chasing Tales," was a masterful, benchmark album, in the dual-guitar format.) 2017 was a breakthrough year: one in which Steve Vai's Favored Nations Records released Nicolas' brilliant solo album, "Infinity." The album was recorded in LA and performed in a trio format -- featuring fellow virtuosic veterans, Jimmy Haslip, on bass, and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. Most recently, Nicolas has completed and released two new albums on MGP (Meier Group Productions): the already-well-received album new duo album with Pete Oxley, "The Alluring Ascent," and; the 2019 released Nicolas Meier World Group's pristine effort, "Peaceful" was supported with a 50-dates tour. 2020 saw the release of the World Group "Live" album recorded at Colchester Arts Centre, the Meier Budjana Group album "Flying Spirits" featuring Jimmy Haslip and the Solo Guitar Album "Stories" and metal album "Escapades" from Nicolas' My Dark Side! By 2022 a new World Group studio album called "Magnificent" came out. A 3 CD package including "Live" and "Stories"!!! To promote this release, lots of UK concerts and a European tour of 11 dates opening for Mr Steve Vai!!! Having made a lasting impression on gentlemen the likes of the great Bill Bruford, (the aforementioned) Jeff Beck and Steve Vai, Nicolas Meier is unquestionably one of today's most well-rounded, ambitious and masterful up-and-coming talents on guitar. Stay tuned ... this is one star that is still on the rise! 
Swing When You're Winning Tuesday 24th September 2024 Doors Open @ 6.30pm, Music starts @ 7.30pm £12 Entry Doors Open @ 6.30pm Music Starts @ 7.30pm Line Up: Kris Gayle - Vocals Mike Quirke - Vocals Roger Winslet - Vocals Tom Quirke - Piano/Keyboards Ross Williams - Bass Tony Brown - Drums Clive King - Trumpet Sarah Wearne McDonagh - Tenor Sax This is a concert not to be missed! Expect a wonderful night of sophisticated jazz classics from our jazz legends. They will be accompanied by an amazing ensemble of local jazz musicians. Mike Quirke An accomplished artist, musician, and teacher, has called St Ives home for almost 30 years. His vibrant career in music began in the 1960s with the band 'The Rhythm and Soul.' His talent and passion for music led him to perform with 'Blues Incorporated,' both bands regularly gracing the stage at London’s iconic Marquee Club in Soho. Upon moving to St Ives, Mike's creative journey took a new turn. He founded the band 'Spooky Blues,' infusing the local music scene with his distinctive style and energy of Blues and Jazz. His performances, both in St Ives and back in London, continue to captivate audiences, showcasing his enduring passion for music. In addition to his musical endeavours, Mike is also a world renowned artist, whose works reflect the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of both London and St Ives. His dual talent in visual and musical arts has made him a beloved figure in the community, inspiring many through his work and teachings. With a career spanning several decades, Mike Quirke remains a dynamic and influential presence in the arts, celebrated for his contributions to music and art, as well as his commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists and musicians. Kris Gayle Starting her singing career at the Folk & Jazz Cellar in the Lifeboat Inn, Penzance, Kris was thrown in at the deep end with Jazz Roots, fronted by the late bassist Goudie Charles. This challenging start was a steep learning curve as jazzers show no mercy! Kris went on to work with the best musicians in the South West, spanning various musical genres. Her career includes TV appearances, session singing, teaching, and guest vocalist gigs in London, New York, Canada, and Australia. Tonight, Kris will be sharing the stage with guest drummer Tony Brown and singers Mike Quirke and Roger Winslet, promising an exciting evening of music. Tony Brown World famous drummer and singer was born Stafford 1937. He grew up in Wolverhampton during WW2 listening to wartime swing bands like Glen Miller and Benny Goodman which was the nearest British radio came to jazz. He started playing drums at 14yrs old and by 17 yrs was gigging locally. At 18 yrs he was drafted into the RAF and sent to Germany where he spent all his efforts dodging work and playing jazz with British and German musicians. On returning home he became involved with the Midlands jazz scene and helped run the Wolverhampton Jazz Workshop, a club run on similar lines to the St Ives Jazz Club, also playing drums in the resident rhythm section. About 1964 he moved to London where he ran into his old pianist colleague from Germany at Ronnie Scott’s, with whom he started gigging around London, eventually forming Tony Knight’s Chessmen, a band which was very active on the burgeoning British R&B scene. At this point he realised that if he could earn his living playing music, he would never have to work again. This band spent a lot of the 1960s touring as a backing band for many American soul singers including Rufus Thomas, Joe Tex, Edwin Starr and The Showstoppers, also playing regularly at the famous Flamingo Club in Wardour Street, The 100 Club, The Scene Club, The Roaring Twenties in Carnaby St and many others. About 1970 he joined a progressive rock band called Skin Alley. This band played at the very first Glastonbury Fayre in 1970 and were the first all white band to sign for the famous Memphis soul label Stax Records. Much touring throughout Europe followed during the 1970s and 80s, mixed with recording session work, song writing and getting into trouble, eventually emigrating to Cornwall in order to avoid having to go to prison. Roger Winslet Originally from Reading, Roger is a captivating jazz artist whose journey began with the punk/jazz fusion band Bridgemaster, earning acclaim at Womad Reading. His musical path continued to shine as he teamed up with pianist Adrian Sharon, delivering unforgettable performances at the Marlborough Jazz Festival. Roger further honed his writing skills alongside guitarist Gram Walker, crafting innovative compositions. Tonight, he is thrilled to share the stage with his old mate, the talented Mike Quirke. Prepare for an exhilarating night of jazz as Roger and Mike take you on a musical adventure that transcends genres and captivates the soul. |
The Jazz Defenders Thursday 19th September 2024 Doors Open @ 6.30pm, Music starts @ 7.30pm £20 Entry Soul Jazz, Hard Bop, Groove Doors Open @ 6.30pm Music Starts @ 7.30pm Led by one of the UK's most formidable jazz pianists, George Cooper, The Jazz Defenders are a group born from a deep love of Blue Note jazz, drawing on a wealth of inspiration to craft their own raw and vibrant compositions. Having played several shows at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club as well as many other prestigious venues in the UK, they continue to electrify audiences with their energy and virtuosity. As The Jazz Defenders carry on distinctly ‘defending’ the legacy of some of the classic hard bop greats such as Horace Silver, Lee Morgan and Art Blakey, they begin to evolve their modern soul jazz slant to combine solid grooves and catchy horn lines with a collaborative and comprehensive sound, fusing soul, jazz, hip hop, soundtrack and groove into a masterful union that leaves audiences mesmerised. The result is an enthrallingly unique sound that is as danceable as it is listenable. The group's brainchild, pianist and composer George Cooper, has lent his ample skill to a range of artists as varied as Hans Zimmer, Nigel Kennedy, U2, Omar, Slum Village, MF Doom, The Brand New Heavies, Lisa Stansfield, Wet Wet Wet, The Haggis Horns, Abstract Orchestra and Lack of Afro. “Absolutely storming!” Jamie Cullum “Wonderfully put together” Craig Charles “Gutsy, fantastic music”. Dennis Rollins MBE “The most exciting British jazz group out there right now”. Music Republic Magazine Line Up: George Cooper - Piano/Keyboards Will Harris - Bass Ian Matthews - Drums Nick Malcolm - Trumpet Jake McMurchie - Tenor Sax |
