Cédric Hanriot is a pianist, composer, arranger, sound designer, and music producer. Winner of prestigious scholarships and international awards.  Cédric is known worldwide for his collaborations with jazz luminaries such as Herbie Hancock, Terri Lyne Carrington, Robert Glasper and Donny McClaslin. He served as pianist and sound designer on Dianne Reeves’s album Beautiful Life, which won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2015.  Cédric Hanriot aims to consider and approach crossovers differently because he is curious, drawn to surprising combinations, and fond of new openings. To breathe freshness into his creations, he draws inspiration from great classical composers (Fauré, Ravel, Messiaen, Chopin), but he also draws equally from electronic music, hip-hop (Common, Kendrick Lamar), neo-soul (Angelo, Erykah Badu), and pop, all while linking it to his profound jazz identity (Bud Powell, Errol Garner, George Duke, Brad Mehldau).  In 2022, Cédric released his latest album, "Time is Color", under his label Morphosis Arts. Time is Color is a singular work, a powerful mixture of jazz, hip-hop, and urban music – an album that resembles himself. Time is Color, launched on September 9, 2022, has been the subject of a number of glowing reviews (Le Monde, Blues and Soul Magazine, The Jazz Shows with Jamie Cullum, among others). The album was quickly voted CHOC by Jazz Magazine, '5-stars' by BBC Magazine, and ranked among the 'ten best albums of the year 2022' by the English magazine MOJO.  During 2023, Cedric performed Time is Color at concerts in France (Jazz à Vienne, Jazz in Marciac, Marly Jazz Festival, Festival Puy En Velay, la Gare/le Gore, Sunside, Conservatoire de Malakoff, les Trinitaires, Lavoir Théâtre, le Solar), Eastern Europe (Poland, Macedonia, Romania, Greece), other concerts in Europe (England, Scotland, Germany, Luxembourg) as well as a tour in Mexico. Tours are planned for 2024 in China, South America, Africa and India. Cedric also performs his French Stories album with John Patitucci and Terri Lyne Carrington - acoustic jazz performing songs from Chanson Française, and a tribute to Gabriel Fauré with Jimmie Herrod. This project is a classical-jazz crossover of piano and voice, performing songs from Gabriel Fauré and will tour in the US in early April. “Cédric is one of the most talented musicians I know. His wide range of abilities from playing to arranging and sound design, makes him a triple threat " Terri Lyne Carrington - 3 time Grammy Award-winning drummer & producer “Wow!! Your record “Time is Color” is really great!! I heard the whole album “Time is Color” twice so far and new elements continue to unfold. It’s truly terrific. The music material and the approach are groundbreaking. Huge congratulations Cédric !!” Herbie Hancock Funkgurus are delighted to represent Cédric Hanriot for 2023/24.

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Snake Davis is one of the most in-demand rock jazz and soul sax players in the world, widely known for his solos on tracks such as Lisa Stansfield’s ‘Change’, M-People’s ‘Search For A Hero’ and ‘Moving On Up’ and Take That’s ‘Million Love Songs’. He has played and recorded with artists ranging from James Brown, Tina Turner and Paul McCartney to The Eurythmics and Amy Winehouse. He is a saxophonist of almost unparalleled gifts who has played with the best in the business through a career spanning three decades. To date, Snake Davis has recorded on more than 400 tracks for over 60 artists and the list keeps growing. That’s not even counting all of the live performances! More recently Snake featured on Klingande's Number 1 dance chart hit 'Jubel' - a huge dance tune across the world. Snake also performs with Japan's biggest rock star Eikichi Yazawa and recently played Tokyo Dome and 5 sold out nights at the famous Budokan arena. The hugely popular Snake Davis Classic Sax Solos touring band is now in its third year and see’s Snake Davis step into a 5 piece band performing a myriad of classics, including Baker Street, Careless Whisper, Still Crazy after all these Years, Respect, Yakety Yak, and his own solos from Million Love Songs, Moving on Up, Search for the Hero, and Lisa Stansfields "Change". What’s more, he also tells you a bit more about them, fascinating facts and insights into the music we already love. Imagine a room full of the saxophone greats; Junior Walker, King Curtis, Clarence Clemmons, Charlie Parker, Michael Brecker and more. Snake can deliver them all; challenging – yes, but he completely nails it. Sultry sax, searing sax, screaming sax, sexy sax, soulful sax, this show has it all. Snake is also available with:- The Snake Davis Band - Snake's 4-piece band, which includes some of the Classic Sax Solos show material along with classic, soul funk and ambient music. The Snake Davis Trio - teaming up with long time cohort , best buddy and session trumpeter extraordinaire Johnny Thirkell and their mutual friend, guitarist Mark Creswell, for an evening of gorgeous mellow music infused with jazz soul and pop. The Snake Davis & Gareth Moulton Duo - Snake teams up with long-time cohort and best buddy Gareth Moulton from Cutting Crew & Wang Chung for an evening of gorgeous mellow music infused with pop, rock, jazz and soul.

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Exceptional pianist/composer and long-term Kyle Eastwood Band member Andrew McCormack has built a diverse international career with many appearances at major festivals and concert halls all over the globe. McCormack has toured as a solo pianist giving concerts at various venues across the UK most notably at a sold-out Hall One Kings Place in London opening for Michael Wollny in 2017. The release of his latest trio album, 'Terra Firma,' is scheduled for October 2022, with a UK release tour in October and a follow-up UK/Europe tour in spring 2023. The first single has already received a positive response, with over 150k streams in the first month alone, and Jazz FM's Dinner Jazz show naming 'Fragile' their track of the week. Andrew has toured, recorded and collaborated with an impressive array of internationally established musicians, including Randy Brecker, Quincy Jones, Jamie Cullum, Jean Toussaint, Jason Yarde and most recently Kyle Eastwood, which has seen him contribute to the scores and orchestrations of several Clint Eastwood films. As a leader, his debut album Telescope in 2005 received universal acclaim and earned him a BBC jazz award for rising star the following year, with the pianist later returning to the trio format with a series of critically acclaimed albums including Live In London in 2012 and First Light in 2014. The latter includes a New York rhythm section as evidence of his three-year stay in the city. The pianist teamed up with composer/saxophonist Jason Yarde to form the McCormack & Yarde Duo with their first album release together, MY DUO in 2009. The duo has since gone on to firmly establish itself with international tours and further album releases that have garnered widespread critical recognition for their developments in the genre. Places And Other Spaces was released in 2011 and they followed up in 2013 to feature the Elysian String Quartet on the eclectic, Juntos. McCormack also has a keen interest in classical composition. Having studied with British composer, Mark-Anthony Turnage, he has gone on to receive commissions from various ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra. Andrew’s eight-minute overture, Incentive was premiered by the orchestra at the Barbican in London and included on their Panufnik Legacies CD in 2013. In 2017, Andrew launched a new band project, Graviton which saw him in a more groove-based setting including vocals and a wider sound world closer to what might be described as Prog-Jazz. The latest album in 2019, Graviton: The Calling is a fully conceived work that follows the classic hero’s journey. In 2020, he released SOLO to across-the-board 4/5 star reviews, adding yet another strength to his already diverse portfolio. Using a mixture of originals, standard and not-so-standard repertoire, the pianist demonstrates his compelling ideas, composing, and thrilling performances in the stripped-down intimate setting of solo piano. Andrew McCormack has managed to consistently demonstrate a compelling setting for his musical ideas, a platform for virtuosic improvisation and a constant revivifying and adaptive embodiment of the jazz tradition. *STOP PRESS* Award-winning UK saxophonist Denys Baptiste will join Andrew's trio as a special guest for a series of live shows in 2023, recapturing some of the magic of Denys' epic "Let Freedom Ring" project and his ‘Be where you are’ album, which won two of the UK music industry's most prestigious awards in 1999: a Mercury Music Prize Award for An Album Of The Year plus the MOBO Award for Best Jazz Act. *STOP PRESS 2* Andrew will perform a short run of shows with his trio in April 2024 with Kyle Eastwood as special guest. Main image courtesy @anatholie.musicphotography

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Joe Locke is widely considered to be one of the major voices of his instrument. He has performed and recorded with a diverse range of notable musicians, including Grover Washington Jr, Raul Midón, Kenny Barron, Eddie Henderson, Cecil Taylor, Dianne Reeves, Eddie Palmieri, Ron Carter, Bobby Hutcherson, The Beastie Boys, the Münster Symphony Orchestra, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the Orchestra da Camera della Sardegna and the Lincoln, Nebraska Symphony. Long known to be a soloist capable of stunning physical power and broad emotional range, it was not until the last decades that he emerged as the composer, bandleader and conceptualist that he is considered today. This is in no small part due to his solo projects since the beginning of the 2000s: ‘Four Walls of Freedom’, the EarShot award-winning ‘Live in Seattle’ with its 2012 successor ‘Signing’, and the chamber trio release ‘VIA’ can be attributed to the talents of Locke’s exceptional collaborators and to the leader’s musical philosophy which is to honor tradition while keeping both feet planted in the present and future. The foundation of Locke’s vast spectrum is his immense stylistic versatility and ability to create artistic depth in a variety of contexts, having performed in an array of projects from symphonic recordings and poetry-inspired suites, to jazz radio chart-topping blues and ballads collections and high-energy, rock-like fusion. His newest release, ‘Makram’, is a deeply emotive work and focuses largely on original music, with classics by Cole Porter and Billy Strayhorn bookending the recording, celebrating Locke’s unique ability to marry the complex with the familiar. Locke is a six-time recipient of the Jazz Journalists Association’s Mallet Instrumentalist of the Year Award, has received two Earshot Golden Ear Awards for Concert of the Year and the 2013 Hot House NYC Jazz Awards for Best Vibes Player, and keeps topping critics and readers polls. He holds the title of Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy Of Music (Hon ARAM), London, and is an active clinician and educator in the United States and in Europe. In 2016 Joe was honoured with induction into the Music Hall of Fame of his hometown Rochester, NY. Joe will tour Europe in 2024, supporting the release of Makram, his latest album featuring a selection of new compositions and a return to his celebrated quartet with pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Lorin Cohen, and drummer Samvel Sarkisyan. “he's in a league of his own as a vibraphone soloist.” Jazz Wise **** “10 Albums You Need to Know: February 2023.” Jazziz Magazine “Locke has developed a style perfectly suited to the ringing bars of the vibraphone. With great sensitivity, he creates hauntingly beautiful voicings with chords and arpeggios. His original tunes have a unique sound and his takes on standards are anything but standard. Locke’s arrangements are simply gorgeous.” Rochester City Newspaper

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Yolanda Charles MBE - the internationally renowned bassist and songwriter has worked with artists such as Hans Zimmer, Paul Weller, Robbie Williams, BB King, Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey, Van Morrison, Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson in an exemplary career of thirty years and counting. Her Project pH Instra-mentals group features a diverse range of musical styles, their musical variety has drawn comparisons to Parliament/Funkadelic, Herbie Hancock's Headhunters, Yes, and Return to Forever, as well as Jim Beard, Steps Ahead, John Scofield, and even the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Project pH Instra-mentals features the composition skills of London-based guitarist Nick Linnik, who provides a stunning display of highly compelling soloing as well as being the co-producer and co-writer of the band’s Funk-Fusion sound. Pianist Hamish Balfour trained in both classical & jazz and as a dance music producer gives him the perfect mix of skills for the band sound. Joining the lineup in 2023 are Nicolas Py on drums and Graeme Blevins on tenor saxophone The group has a long-running Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club residency and continues to tour the UK and beyond. “Project pH projected and fuelled the flames of funk furiously and it's not surprising either considering the credentials of her crack ace band” - Blues and Soul Magazine Links Project pH Instra-mentals' sister band is Yolanda Charles' Project pH, which features superb soulful R&B vocalists Paris Ruel and Adeola Shyllon.

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'Patrick Hayes' Crusaders,' a band featuring some of the UK's finest session musicians, is a tribute to the legendary 1970s horn-led Houston Jazz-Funk group The Crusaders. The Crusaders trombone/tenor sax frontline became their trademark, mixing R&B and Memphis soul elements with hard bop, they were international jazz festival stars, appearing at many of the world's celebrated jazz events over their 50+ years in the business. Patrick Hayes' Crusaders cover all eras of the band's history, from the early Jazz Crusaders material to the Street Life years of the 1980s. Since their formation in 2019, the band has performed at venues and festivals all over the UK and abroad, and they are regulars at London's Ronnie Scott's. Members of the band have performed and recorded with Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Hans Zimmer, Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Sting, and many others. Patrick Hayes is a well-known multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger in a variety of musical genres on the London music scene. Over the years, he has performed, recorded, or arranged for a diverse range of commercial artists, including Chaka Khan, Christina Aguilera, Sir Tom Jones, Van Morrison, Paul Carrack, Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Phil Ramone, The O'Jays, Hamish Stuart, The Lighthouse Family, and James Taylor Quartet, as well as jazz artists Snarky Puppy, Curtis Stigers, Gregory Porter, Gerard Presencer, Dave Douglas, Nestor Saxophonist Jonny Griffiths joins Patrick in the Crusader’s front line and together they are part of the top UK horn section Triple H Horns – famous for working with Chaka Khan, Christina Aguilera, Chromeo, Disciples, Tayla Parx/Harloe, A-Trak, Dave Taylor: Switch/Sarah Ruba (Diary Records), FKJ, Sir Tom Jones and many others. Links Patrick Hayes’ Crusaders is available as an instrumental band or with a vocalist including fellow Funkguru’s artist and Average White Band frontman Hamish Stuart.

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Tommy Smith, OBE is one of the world’s leading saxophonists.  A presence on the global jazz scene since his teenage years, when he toured internationally with vibes virtuoso Gary Burton’s Whiz Kids quintet, Smith has gone on to record with the definitive jazz label, Blue Note and work with myriad jazz greats, including Chick Corea, Jaco Pastorius, Dame Cleo Laine, John Scofield, Randy Brecker, Jack DeJohnette, Arild Andersen, Dizzy Gillespie and Trilok Gurtu to name but a few. Since leaving Berklee College of Music, an experience that shaped his affirmative approach to jazz, he has recorded over thirty solo albums for Blue Note, Linn, ECM and his own Spartacus Record label, toured 50+ countries and performed with many influential figures in modern twentieth-century jazz.  Tommy’s current live projects include spectacular solo acoustic concerts in churches and cathedrals, where he performs a repertoire of jazz ballads, folk tunes, classical themes and Gregorian chants, combined with lively conversation with the audience. His excellent duos with pianists Gwilym Simcock, Pete Johnstone and Makoto Ozone, whom Tommy first met as members of Gary Burton’s quartet in the 1980s, perform at festivals worldwide and his Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) is available for larger festivals and events both at home and abroad. Tommy is also available as part of a trio with Norwegian bassist Arild Andersen and drummer Thomas Strønen, which has performed at a number of international festivals, including the North Sea Jazz Festival. Although he is primarily a jazz composer, noted for assertive large-scale pieces such as Torah, World of the Gods, Spirit of Light and Beauty and the Beast, Smith’s work has frequently taken him into other spheres such as classical composition and poetry. He released his symphonic work Modern Jacobite, recorded in Glasgow with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and worked extensively with Glasgow’s inaugural poet laureate, Edwin Morgan to create 55 works of poetry and music. Tommy is founder of the SNJO and Head of Jazz and Professor at Scotland’s Royal Conservatoire. In 2019, he received an Order of the British Empire from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh and in addition to his BBC Heart of Jazz Award, he received two Parliamentary Jazz Awards, and nine Scottish Jazz Awards. “Smith really is a modern master of the tenor sax” London Jazz News “Tommy has a unique sound and approach. I like it from when I first heard him play as a student at Berklee” Chick Corea Download Tommy's full biography here. Listen to Tommy and Makoto Ozone live at The Rochester Xerox Jazz Festival here

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Scottish Jazz Award nominees, Nimbus Sextet, remain one of the most innovative groups in the new wave of UK jazz. Performing in the UK and Europe’s top jazz venues, the Joe Nichols-led outfit has firmly established itself as an increasingly major voice in the vibrant European jazz scene. The group is about to embark on another UK-wide tour during summer 2023, which will see them return to the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. They plan to debut several new compositions from their upcoming third album on the tour. They previously launched the campaign for their second LP at the world-renowned club in early 2022. The European album launch took place at the celebrated New Morning in Paris, where they also recorded a live radio session for RFI’s Musique du Monde programme. This was followed by a return to London for a packed show at Pizza Express Live on release day with the album’s guest performers Nathaniel Cross (Solange, Moses Boyd), Jackson Mathod (Stormzy) and Charlotte de Graaf (Kid Creole & The Coconuts) joining them. Appearances at Glasgow Jazz Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Lancaster Jazz Festival further established the group as dynamite live performers. They closed 2022 with a headline show at Glasgow’s Drygate, and opened 2023 with a sold-out performance at Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho. Nimbus Sextet’s albums – DREAMS FULFILLED (2020) and FORWARD THINKER (2022) were both released on the legendary Acid Jazz label. Both albums have garnered global acclaim from the likes of Jazzed, Clash Magazine, Jazzwise and BBC Radio 6 Music (including Huey Morgan and the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show). Jazz FM awarded both of their albums the prestigious ‘Album Of The Week’ accolade upon release. Jazzwise Magazine called FORWARD THINKER “a very accomplished record. The release gained significant support in France, where it was championed by Vincent Caffiaux (Montreux Jazz Festival, Qwest TV) in Star Wax Magazine, Real Muzul on national French television for Clique TV and Canal Plus, and was described by the country’s leading Jazz Magazine as a “masterful album”. Both the LP’s were produced by Nuovi Fratelli - production duo Wayne A. Dickson and Luigi Pasquini. Title track ''Forward Thinker” became their most celebrated recording to date and includes contributions from Nathaniel Cross, Nubiyan Twist’s Jonny Enser and percussion legend Steve Forman (Herbie Hancock, Barbra Streisand, David Bowie). On top of global airplay from Worldwide FM, BBC Radio Scotland and Radio Nova among many others, it is on heavy rotation on the Spotify editorial playlist Jazz UK, and has caught the attention of Jazz re:freshed, who have included it on their Dope Jazz playlist. “Leader Joe Nichols sets Nimbus Sextet firmly apart from their UK jazz peers. This is a band capable of diversely off-kilter composition and sometimes, something more sublime" Uncut Magazine “Nimbus Sextet have caught our attention in a big way” Jazz FM “Wonderful!” Jamie Cullum, BBC Radio 2

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Swiss-based trio The Next Movement is one of the top acts in the European groove scene. The group blends influences like Prince, Miles Davis, D’Angelo & Jimi Hendrix into their own fresh mix. Their music is meaningful, grooves hard, and will be heard on European festival stages in 2023 alongside established acts such as Dirty Loops, Candy Dulfer, Marcus Miller and Incognito. The release of their soulful-feelgood summer video-single ‘Superfly' and raw, pounding, nonchalant funkcut ‘Voodoo’ set off a series of impactful releases, with props coming from US-music blog 'Earmilk.com' amongst others. The band’s third single ‘I Wanna See You Move’ was the last dancefloor-filling teaser before the release of their much-anticipated album, ‘Loud’, which culminated in a high-energy Swiss tour and an acclaimed sold-out show at the GG Jazz Festival in Russia. Often compared to Anderson. Paak and Prince, The Next Movement have character, authenticity, and urgency – but above all, some serious groove. Their live shows, over 1,000 to date, always deliver and never fail to entertain and impress sold-out crowds. With headline festival appearances with various artists throughout Switzerland and abroad, the band is heading for more big things in 2023 with a tour in support of their fourth studio project entitled ‘The Next Movement’, which is ‘stuffed with groove, neo-soul, and neo-funk’. With a growing UK fanbase after features on Jazz-Funk-Soul Radio and an affiliation with Playliveartist, The Next Movement plan to tour and take the UK by storm soon - watch this space! The Next Movement are;- J.J. Flueck - Drums & Samples, Lead Vocals Pascal "π" Kaeser - Bass & Synth, Backing Vocals Sam Siegenthaler - Guitar & Cowbell, Backing Vocals Funkgurus Artist Management is delighted to represent The Next Movement at festivals and clubs internationally (excluding Switzerland). Links Download The Next Movement's EPK here. Listen to The Next Movement's latest release 'Never Coming Down' here.

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Hamish Stuart is a legendary figure in the global music business. He was an original member of the million-selling Atlantic Records group The Average White Band and is also known for his work with Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and David Sanborn to name but a few.  An award-winning songwriter, Hamish has written songs for Smokey Robinson, Jeffrey Osborne, George Benson & Diana Ross and was a key member of Paul McCartney’s 1989 comeback album, Flowers in the Dirt. He also appeared on several other albums and joined Sir Paul’s world tours of 1989 and 1993.   Additionally, in 2006, Hamish toured as the bass player with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band and joined Starr’s tours again in 2008, 2019 and 2022. In recognition of his unique contribution to music, in 2016, Hamish was awarded a BASCA (British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors), Gold Badge award, - now known as the Ivor Novello Awards, founded to recognise exceptional people from across the industry who have made a unique contribution to British music.  In July 2015, Hamish reunited with two of his Average White Band bandmates to form The 360 Band.  This is, in essence, one-half of the original Average White Band and they released an album titled 'Three Sixty' in 2017. Hamish and his group have been performing live together with supporting musicians since then. More recently, he teamed up with Funkgurus artists OUTPUT / INPUT to record his latest song Soul Deep and appeared with Scottish based Funk and Soul band The Tomorrow Band at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival. Funkgurus is delighted to offer Hamish for international festivals and club dates with the Hamish Stuart Band, which can feature original AWB band drummer Steve Ferrone on drums by arrangement or his larger 9-piece band with brass. Both options include a selection of his AWB hits such as Pick up the Pieces, Cut the Cake and Person to Person. Other hit songs written by Hamish, such as Chaka Khan's "What Cha Gonna Do for Me," appear in his live shows as well, making it an excellent, well-rounded show for festival and club audiences around the world. Additionally, Hamish can appear as a guest vocalist with OUTPUT / INPUT and can combine his live dates with personal appearances and media events/interviews if required.

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Paul Booth is an award-winning, leading solo saxophonist, composer and first-call sideman for numerous major contemporary music artists. He currently performs his own music with a number of different groups and in 2004, released his first solo album, ‘It’s Happening’, which was followed by the albums ‘No Looking Back’ (2007), ‘Pathways’ (2009), ‘Trilateral’ (2011), 'Patchwork Project' (2015) and ’Travel Sketches’ (2019), all of which were extremely well received. Paul’s ability to blend into any musical environment coupled with his talents as a multi-instrumentalist has led to him being regularly chosen to perform and record with many well-known artists, including; The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, The Allman Brothers Band, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Kylie Minogue, Jamiroquai, Gregory Porter, and Barry Manilow, to name but a few. Additionally, Paul is known for his work with Incognito, Brand New Heavies, The BBC Big Band, the Michael Janisch Quintet and the Ryan Quigley Quintet. He has held the lead tenor sax position for the worldwide smash hit show, Riverdance, and has been a key member of the Steve Winwood band from 2005 until now. With his new album, entitled ‘44’ coming out in spring 2002 and an incredible 1.6M hits on his previous record, Paul Booth is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and talented saxophonists of his generation. Paul can appear with;- The Paul Booth Quartet The Paul Booth Quintet/Octet. Patchwork Project – 6-piece world music group TRYPL - Superb horn section based band featuring Ryan Quigley & Trevor Mires Bansangu Orchestra - World music big band Organ Trio - with Ross Stanley and Andrew Bain.

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Celebrated international artists also booking through Funkgurus Artist Management. Grainger - The Grainger brothers have become one of the most sought-after and respected rhythm sections in the world. (Whitney Houston, Acoustic Alchemy, Kim Waters, Peaches & Herb, Lonnie Liston Smith, Pockets, Earth Wind & Fire, Santana, John Schofield, Bill Evans, Mike Stern, Robben Ford.) Kim Waters - Chart-Topping Saxophonist Kim Waters is heralded as “Simply one of the planet’s best saxophonists” by JazzTimes Magazine. The prolific chart-topping saxophonist, composer and producer has enjoyed a career for three decades and has reigned as one of the premier architects of Urban Smooth and Contemporary Jazz. Reach for It - is a celebration of a master musician George Duke. Impeccable ensemble musicianship combines with Brazilian vibes, friendly funk and some very groovy jazz. Featuring heavyweight UK session players Carl Hudson, Winston Blissett (Massive Attack), Karlos Edwards, Geoff Dunn and guest vocalists such as Imaani from Incognito. Haakon Graf Trio - Graf has been playing on the Scandinavian jazz scene for long enough to have earned the title ‘legend’ and his ability to play two keyboards simultaneously lends an intriguing edge to these performances. Watching the DVD, you see him playing so nonchalantly that it is easy to miss the fact that he is playing two keyboards at different tempos with different melodies to produce an interplay of sounds that gives the trio presence and depth. That the keyboard playing alone is well worth listening only tells half the story. City Funk Orchestra - City Funk Orchestra boasts some of the finest soul singers and musicians in the UK and promise 2 hours of guaranteed dance-‘til-you-drop authentic soul and funk! The line-up is matched with a song-list of the funkiest dance-floor classics, soul and R&B anthems from the golden era of the genre. The band’s personnel perform or have performed with many of the greatest artistes in music. Bee Gees, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Incognito, Van Morrison, Seal, Joe Cocker, Culture Club, Donna Summer, Sister Sledge - have all featured CFO members in their line-ups. Expect pumping funky dance-floor specialities with a sprinkling of cheek-to-cheek soul ballads.

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JD3 is an outstanding hip-hop and jazz trio from London. Formed in 2017 and fronted by Dua Lipa drummer Duayne Sanford (Dua Lipa, Christine & The Queens, Liam Payne, Roots Manuva, Honne), the trio features the skills of Lawrence Insula on bass (Little Mix, Rita Ora, Disciples) and David Mrakpor on keyboard (BlueLab Beats, Banger Factory). The combined rhythms and melodies of Jamaica and Nigeria (their combined heritage) make for a tasty cocktail of musical blends. Founded on a common love for the late great J Dilla’s extensive discography and cleverly sampled instrumentals and tracks, the trio’s eclectic sound is inspired by the legendary producer with an added live spin. Collectively, these musicians have worked with the likes of Iman Omari, TinyMan, Misha B & J Dilla’s blood brother Illa J and have played multiple sold-out shows at the world famous London jazz venues, Jazz Cafe and Ronnie Scott’s. Frequent collaborators include Teni (vocalist), Daniel Taylor (talkbox), TinyMan (rapper) and Joon Switon (guitarist). They have recorded a live EP with Illa J (John Yancey Live), which is out now on Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer & Bandcamp. Links The JD3 live recording from the sold-out show at Jazz Cafe in 2018 is out now on Soundcloud .

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Linn recording artist Claire Martin has to worldwide critical acclaim, established herself as a tour de force on the UK jazz scene gaining many awards, including winning the British Jazz Awards eight times during her career which spans over three decades. In 2018 she was the proud recipient of the BASCA Gold Badge Award for her contribution to jazz. Claire became a professional singer at 19 and two years later realised her dream of singing at Ronnie Scott’s legendary jazz club in London Soho. Signed to the prestigious Glasgow based Linn Records in 1990, Claire has since released 18 CDs with the label, collaborating with musical luminaries including Martin Taylor, John Martyn, Stephane Grappelli, Kenny Barron, Richard Rodney Bennett and Jim Mullen on many of these recordings. Claire has performed worldwide with her trio and, until his death in 2012, worked extensively with the celebrated composer and pianist Sir Richard Rodney Bennett in a cabaret duo setting both in England and the US where they played to sell-out houses at venues including the prestigious Algonquin Hotel in New York City. Claire will release her new album ‘I Watch You Sleep’ which is a collaboration with the American conductor and pianist Scott Dunn and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in March 2023. On this they pay homage to their dear friend Sir Richard by recording his songs alongside songs that Richard loved to perform. Claire will also be performing with her trio of Rob Barron on piano, Jeremy Brown on bass and Mark Taylor on drums recreating the songs from the album and touring the UK throughout the year. Claire appears as a featured soloist with the Halle Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the RTE Concert Orchestra, the Royal Northern Sinfonia, the BBC Big Band and the BBC Concert Orchestra. Claire co-presented BBC Radio 3’s flagship jazz program ‘Jazz Line Up’ from 2000 to 2017 and interviewed many of her musical heroes such as Pat Metheny and the late Michael Brecker. At the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2011 Claire was delighted to be awarded an OBE for her Services to Jazz. Claire was thrilled to win both the 2009 and 2010 ‘Best Vocalist’ category at the British Jazz Awards and toured extensively throughout the UK, Scandinavia, Russia and China, appearing with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and her world-class trio. Additionally, Claire will tour Europe in 2024 with her all-Swedish trio as she celebrates another career milestone: recording her twentieth album for Linn Records. Uppsala-born pianist/arranger Martin Sjöstedt leads the trio comprising bassist Niklas Fernqvist and drummer Daniel Fredriksson. Sjöstedt, one of Sweden’s most gifted and talked about jazz musicians, has created imaginative new arrangements of contemporary material exclusively for this exciting project. STOP PRESS: December 2023 will see Claire team up with the legendary Scottish guitarist Jim Mullen for an intimate night of great American songbook classics and other lesser-known gems. Joined by in-demand bassist Adam King this promises to be a swinging and soulful night of classic songs celebrating songwriters from Cole Porter to Donald Fagan. “She ranks among the four or five finest female jazz vocalists on the planet” London Jazz News “One of the finest jazz singers in the world today” Jazz Journal “Our finest jazz singer” The Times

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Triple Grammy-nominated super group Acoustic Alchemy has spent over 30 years at the forefront of contemporary jazz. The band has appeared at some of the world's major jazz festivals and at many internationally renowned jazz clubs. Acoustic Alchemy was "born in the UK and forged in the USA." Originally signed to MCA Records, the band has released more than 18 albums to date and boasts a huge fan base across the world. Their annual tours across the USA are legendary, as is their annual 12-night Christmas residency at London’s celebrated Pizza Express Jazz Club in Soho. Alchemy’s music offers the best of jazz, soul and funk. Their unique sound is formed around a beautiful mix of nylon and steel acoustic guitars, played by group founder Greg Carmichael and fellow guitarist Miles Gilderdale. Super-tight funky grooves are provided by incredible US session stars Gary and Greg Grainger on bass and drums. The Grainger Brothers’ talent and prowess in the world of music and rhythm is unparalleled. Gary and Greg have recorded and performed with the likes of Whitney Houston and John Scofield, to name but a few. Acoustic Alchemy was formed by Nick Webb and Greg Carmichael in 1985, and their first 3 albums were recorded for MCA. Soon after, they moved to jazz label GRP and a further six albums followed. Positive Thinking in 1998 was to be Acoustic Alchemy's last album with original frontman Nick Webb, who sadly passed away in 1998. Miles Gilderdale, who had previously worked with Ben E. King, Ronnie Wood, Curtis Mayfield, and Jools Holland, joined the band, and the label was changed to Higher Octave Music. The debut album on the label, The Beautiful Game, (2000), was more experimental, borrowing from several genres of music. AArt (2001) was released a year later and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. A further seven albums and several lockdown projects later, the band are about to embark on a 28-date tour of the USA and are ready to bring their mix of smooth jazz, soul and funk to the festival world once again. Funkgurus are delighted to represent Acoustic Alchemy for live appearances across Europe. Links Pizza Express Soho images courtesy of Andy Sheppard - www.lowlightphoto.co.uk

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Ex-Brand New Heavies soul singer Dawn Joseph is a celebrated and consummate performer, songwriter, and producer. Dawn is known to festival audiences across the world from her time as the lead vocalist for incredible soul-funk stars The Brand New Heavies and more recently with her own super-soulful and stylish band, which features some of the best musicians from across Denmark. They have recently released a single, ‘Free to Love’ with the follow-up EP 'Imitation Love' going straight into the 'UK Official Soul Chart' at No1. Since signing her first publishing deal in 2000 with Sony, Dawn has gone on to write several songs for well-established pop acts and has been increasingly in demand as a session musician, bass player, and guitarist. Her work as a backing singer has placed her on stage with Phil Collins, Michael McDonald, Kylie Minogue, and Craig David, to name but a few artists. Her recent projects have seen her work with Ellie Goulding, Cee Lo Green, and Spandau Ballet. Dawn has shared the stage with many great singers, such as Michael McDonald, Bette Midler, Rod Stewart, and, for the last 10 years, Rick Astley. She continues to be inspired, discovering new and old music and never fails to entertain with her vibrant personality and fabulously funky sound. Dawn's' solo project band performs a mix of her original music and a tribute to the greatest soul-funk-Motown musicians, like Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, and Donna Summer, to mention a few, making it ideal for fun-loving festival audiences and live music venues. "Delightfully contagious," Dawn Joseph is available for international bookings of her solo projects through Funkgurus Artist Management. Main photograph courtesy of Johnny Ekelund Jensen - Jj_foto_vejle_music

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Carlos Santana, Tower of Power, Aretha Franklin and Rick James are just a few of the Soul/R&B legends that Ray Greene has lent his silky-smooth vocals to. Ray Greene is a singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist living in Boston, Massachusetts. He received a degree in Music Performance at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music. Being brought up in the shadows of the great Soul/R&B legends of our time, Ray is equally adept at the traditions of Gospel, Jazz and Blues. Ray was selected from among several candidates around the country to serve as lead singer/trombonist for legendary Soul band Tower of Power, where he served for two years traveling throughout the US and Canada, as well as performances in Europe and Japan. He was then asked to join famed guitarist and Woodstock performer Carlos Santana, where he currently travels extensively to places all over the world; from Dubai, Singapore and Australia, to Monaco, Mexico and South Africa. Santana’s music has been a tremendous showcase for Greene’s abilities as a vocalist, trombonist and percussionist. With his brand new album called "Stay", he effortlessly blends Soul, R&B and Jazz, making it obvious why these greats have wanted to work with him. Apart from being an outstanding singer, Ray is also an accomplished trombonist, as he's proven by appearing alongside the Tower of Power horn section on their last two releases, in addition to Santana's album entitled "Africa Speaks.” "Stay" is a Soul/R&B album that hearkens back to the days of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, who delivered such power and determination in their approach to singing their classic material. This project begs the question, “what would these gentlemen be doing if they were still with us today?” or, more specifically, “what type of music would Bobby Womack or Jackie Wilson be listening to?” The album features an exceptional array of talent, including Santana guitarist and vocalist Tommy Anthony, Tower of Power guitarist Jerry Cortez, along with bassist Ray McKinley, who performs and tours with Sheila E. Greene has most recently signed a licensing and recording deal with Ubuntu Records in the UK to release 'Stay' in the Spring of 2023, when he will embark on his first-ever solo tour to Europe with his new band, which features Francois Johnson on keyboards, legendary bassist Reggie Washington (The RH Factor, Steve Coleman, Gene Lake, Branford Marsalis, David Gilmore, Greg Osby), Jonas Vogelsang on guitar and Alex Bernath on drums “Ray Greene in Tower of Power as lead vocalist and trombone player extraordinaire was a blessing and a delight. He’s a talent to be reckoned with, and his million-dollar smile and irresistible personality are winning people over worldwide!!! Ray will always be a member of the ToP Family, and I strongly urge you to check out this recording.” Emilio Castillo - Bandleader for Tower of Power. “Having brother Ray Greene in the band brings us all to the spirit of church and the streets, ever so soulful and heartfelt. We love and cherish him” - Carlos Santana Additionally, Ray and bassist Reggie Washington are available for Masterclass bookings on tour. Funkgurus are delighted to offer Ray Greene for bookings, in association with The Alexander Agency.

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Firmly established as one of the best Soul, Blues, Rock and Funk bands on the circuit, G-FUNK presents an unmissable chance to see world-class musicians cut loose and play a selection of classic tunes. G-FUNK is a truly amazing band and features Acoustic Alchemy star, Gibson Guitarist of the Year and Grammy Nominee Miles Gilderdale, the brilliant Jay Rowe on keys, and amazing US session stars, brothers Gary and Greg Grainger on bass & drums. The Grainger Brothers’ talent and prowess in the world of music and rhythm is unparalleled. Between the two of them, Gary Grainger on bass and Greg on drums have recorded or performed with the likes of Whitney Houston, and John Scofield and together opened up for Earth Wind And Fire while on tour with their band, Pockets, all while keeping their musical roots and strong brotherhood bond at the forefront of their work. Jay Rowe is a pianist and keyboard player with more than 20 years of experience working with artists such as Nelson Rangell, Chieli Minucci & Special EFX, Marion Meadows, Angela Bofill, Ken Navarro, Phil Perry, the late Wayman Tisdale and Dotsero among many others G-FUNK combines the skills of these amazing musicians into sell out show at every venue – including their annual Christmas residency at London Soho’s exclusive Pizza Express Jazz Club, which often sees them feature special guests such as sax stars Snake Davis, Jessy J and Jeff Kashiwa to name but a few. Over the years G-FUNK band members have worked with Acoustic Alchemy, Ben E. King, Ronnie Wood, Jools Holland, Whitney Houston, Earth Wind & Fire, Lonnie Liston Smith, John Schofield, Maysa, Pure Soul, Mike Stern, Bill Evans, Robben Ford, Nancy Wilson, Dennis Chambers, George Duke, Eric Marienthal, Slim Man, and Nelson Rangell to name but a few, which in part explains why they are so damn good! Funkgurus are proud to represent G-FUNK to international festival bookers and event organisers looking for a quality act with absolute credibility.

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MOBO and Mercury award-winning UK saxophonist Denys Baptiste has a colossal talent - based on a powerful technique and an ability to improvise fluently and effortlessly across a wide range of musical styles. From the moment he joined the London jazz circuit, Denys displayed extraordinary talent, energy and commitment. Spotted by veteran Jazz Warriors double bassist, Gary Crosby at the bassist’s regular Tomorrow’s Warriors jam sessions, Denys was immediately invited to join Crosby’s new band, Nu Troop. Since then, Denys has soared in his development as a soloist and bandleader, earning enormous respect from his peers. Over the years, Denys has evolved into what Time Magazine describes as “the icon of British jazz”, with a most distinctive and immediately recognisable sound. A much sought-after soloist, Denys has played/recorded with some of the biggest names in jazz and other genres including McCoy Tyner, Andrew Hill, Ernest Ranglin, Bheki Mseleku, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Michael Bowie, Courtney Pine, Manu Dibango, Gary Crosby, Steve Williamson, Julian Joseph, Jason Rebello, Martin Taylor, Lonnie Plaxico, Ralph Moore, Billy Higgins, Jerry Dammers, Sean Oliver, Jean Carne, Marlena Shaw, Noel McCoy, Juliet Roberts, Incognito, Jazz Jamaica, and others of distinction. Denys is also an enormously talented composer/arranger, whose brilliant compositions have already earned him immense critical acclaim. Be Where You Are – his 1999 debut album on independent jazz label, Dune Records – earned him a Mercury Music Prize for An Album Of The Year and a MOBO award for Best Jazz Act. He followed this in 2001 with his second album, Alternating Currents (Dune Records DUNECD05) also receiving great critical acclaim. 2003 saw the release of his third, and perhaps most ambitious, recording/touring project to date: Commissioned by the Cheltenham Jazz Festival/Jerwood Foundation ‘Let Freedom Ring!’ is an inspirational, uplifting suite combining contemporary jazz, gospel, blues and was nominated for Best Album and Best New Work in the BBC Jazz Awards, for Best Jazz Act in the MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Awards, and Best Album in the UK Parliamentary Jazz Awards. Denys’ current touring projects include;- - Late Trane – a powerful and commanding new reimagining and reworking of ten carefully chosen compositions from John Coltrane’s late music (from 1963 - 1967) with a fresh and modern new interpretation. - A special tribute to American legend Joe Henderson’s Blue Note albums featuring Byron Wallen, Bruno Heinen, Larry Bartley and Winston Clifford. - Triumvirate sees Denys team up with Larry Bartley and Cassius Cobbson as they take quality songs of the recent past and reinterpret them in trio format to ‘present familiar material in an unfamiliar way’. The arrangements are fluid improvised pieces that from such diverse artists as Gnarls Barkley, Cindy Lauper, Bill Withers and many others. Links 2023 will see Denys join The Andrew McCormack Trio as a special guest for a series of live shows in 2023, recapturing some of the magic of Denys' epic "Let Freedom Ring" project and his ‘Be where you are’ albums.

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The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) is considered by many to be one of Europe’s foremost contemporary big bands. Founder/Director Tommy Smith established the SNJO in 1995 as a not-for-profit organisation with a crystal clear artistic vision and core values of versatility, discipline and expression. It should therefore come as no surprise that many of the leading lights in world jazz have enthusiastically shared the stage with the SNJO. People like Jazzmeia Horn, Cleo Laine, Jacqui Dankworth, John Scofield, Gary Burton, Bobby Watson, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Bill Evans, Mike Stern, Bob Mintzer, Keith Tippett, Branford Marsalis, Joe Locke and many more have all joined the orchestra to explore virtually every room in the house of the jazz. The SNJO repertoire has included re-imaginings of works by the great, the good and the gigantic, including Weather Report, Herman, Rich, Carter, Strayhorn, Goodman, Kenton, Basie, Gillespie, Mingus, Jaco, Corea, Monk, Metheny, Shorter, Miles and Coltrane. They have also recorded vivid interpretations of Mozart, Prokofiev, Piazzolla, Gershwin and Ellington to rave reviews and have built a growing library of original compositions underpinned by a deep understanding and appreciation of improvisation. The mission of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra is to cultivate and expand the community for orchestral jazz, through creative performance and education, inspiring and growing audiences, enhancing the reputation of jazz from Scotland on the world stage. “An orchestra that brings absolute assurance and collective panache to its every assignment.” Rob Adams Please get in touch below to learn more about booking opportunities for the following SNJO touring shows. Apr 2024 RSNO Collaboration - RHAPSODY IN BLUE with Makoto Ozone Sep 2024 Kurt Elling Swings The Classics Nov 2024 New Perspectives of Ellingtonia (new commissions) Jan 2025 Discovering The Genius of Dundee’s Jimmy Duechar Mar 2025 ‘21 SPICES’ featuring Indian Percussionist Trilok Gurtu Download previous SNJO show programmes here.

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Junius Bervine is a platinum-selling producer - currently MD for Pharrell and COMMON and a born and bred Philly artist who has traveled the world with some of the industry’s biggest artists spreading his talent and love for music along the way. June has worked with Prince, P Diddy, Snoop Dog, Lauryn Hill, Gerald Levert, Common, Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Jill Scott, D’Angelo, to name a few, and remains one of the most sought after producer/performers in the industry. Kicking off 2023 with his amazing new band and solo projects, June is truly a world-class musician in every sense. As a solo performer at the grand piano, he will take you on a journey through the best, Jazz, Soul and RnB music ever produced – some of which he did! Funky classic RnB loops and grooves sit comfortably underneath his tasteful piano playing. 2021 saw the release of June’s album Logical Concepts, with the track Fire in the Streets featuring both US rap stars @common and @robynhoodmusic. His new band features tasteful female vocals over cool grooves, slick sounds and mixes all MOBO styles together in one delicious package, perfect for jazz clubs and festivals across the globe. June's production services are also available for international projects so you too can give your music a 'Philly' twist and gain a head start on your promotion. Anyone he doesn't know in this genre in Philadelphia is probably not worth knowing and he can assist in finding suitable guest performers for your records. On his most recent album, he collaborated with COMMON, Robyn Hood, and James Poyser (Roots). He was in D'Angelo's band with Questlove, and his current bandmates from Pharrell Williams, COMMON, LL Cool J, and others are all available for sessions if that's the road you end up choosing. Please use the inquiry form below to tell us more about your project Altogether, outstanding performances from a true giant of the US RnB scene. It really doesn’t get any better than this. Links Listen to some of June's latest work here

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Miles Gilderdale is a Grammy nominated writer, Gibson Guitarist of the Year and member of 'Acoustic Alchemy', the multi-million selling, triple Grammy nominated smooth jazz band. Dynamic front man Miles is only truly at home when playing to a crowd and has worked on stage with artists as diverse as Ben E. King, Ronnie Wood and Jools Holland, as well as performing live on Radio One broadcasts and numerous TV shows. In 1996, Miles became a member of Acoustic Alchemy and has collaborated on seven releases, including 2001's Grammy nominated AArt. Additionally Miles is a member of renowned funk band G-FUNK alongside the legendary Gary and Greg Grainger on bass & drums. The Grainger Brothers’ talent and prowess in the world of music and rhythm is unparalleled with their live & studio work connecting them to the likes of Whitney Houston, John Scofield and Earth Wind and Fire to name a few. G-FUNK shows are sell outs at every venue – including their annual Christmas residency at London Soho’s exclusive Pizza Express Jazz Club, which often sees them feature special guests such as Jessy J, Jeff Kashiwa and Chris 'Snake' Davis to name but a few. A seasoned guitarist and performer, Miles first became known in the UK and Europe to audiences in the 1980s as the lead singer and guitarist in UK soul band Zoot and the Roots, which also included the sax player Snake Davis. Gigs with soul legends such as Ben E King and Curtis Mayfield followed. 25 years and several albums later, Miles is still with 'Acoustic Alchemy' and enjoying every minute of it. Over the years Miles and his chums have worked with Acoustic Alchemy, Ben E. King, Ronnie Wood, Jools Holland, Whitney Houston, Earth Wind & Fire, Lonnie Liston Smith, John Schofield, Maysa, Pure Soul, Nancy Wilson, Dennis Chambers, George Duke, Eric Marienthal, Slim Man, and Nelson Rangell to name but a few, which in part explains why they are so damn good! Miles is available for festival & club bookings either as a solo performer, with G*FUNK or with award winning Grammy nominated smooth jazz stars 'Acoustic Alchemy'. Links Miles has released singles ’Remind Me, ‘A Little Light’ and ‘Start Walking’, showing his absolute proficiency as both a producer and performer. Check Miles' Songs here.

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London-born, US-based bass player and record producer Janek Gwizdala is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after jazz bassists of our time. Janek has been on the international music scene for over twenty years, touring as a band leader and working as a musical director or sideman with some of the most respected names in the industry. These include Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Carlos Santana, Hiram Bullock, John Mayer, Airto Moreira, Chuck Loeb, Peter Erskine, Flora Purim, Pat Metheny, Eric Marienthal, Billy Cobham, Chad Wackerman, Bob James, John Patitucci, Rick Margitza, Bob Mintzer, Bob Reynolds, Mitch Forman, Bob Sheppard, Mark Turner, Tosin Abasi, Aaron Parks, Marcus Miller, Jojo Mayer, Paul Shafer, Delta Goodrem, Adam Rogers, Gregoire Maret, Clarence Penn, Gretchen Parlato, Horacio El Negro Hernandez, Donny McCaslin, Lenny Castro, Kazumi Watanabe, Brandon Fields, Mark Guiliana, Ronny Jordan, Luis Conte, Dennis Chambers, Lionel Loueke, Kenny Werner, Eric Harland, Steve Smith, Vital Information, Benny Greb, Kenwood Dennard, and Wayne Krantz. As a recording artist, Janek has released twelve albums as a band leader; as an author, has published thirteen critically acclaimed books; and has toured the world extensively as both a musician and a lecturer & clinician at the world’s leading educational establishments. In addition to live appearances with The Janek Gwizdala Trio, which includes pianist Tom Cawley (Peter Gabriel, Trudy Kerr, Acoustic Ladyland) and drummer Cliff Almond (Patti Labelle, Chris Potter, Michel Camilo, Tito Puente, Wayne Krantz, Eddie Palmieri, Chuck Loeb, Tom Scott, Michael Brecker), Janek will be performing internationally in projects with Bob Reynolds and Steve Smith throughout the rest of 2023. Janek will undoubtedly have a stellar year in 2023, appearing at the world's leading festivals and clubs, both with his own projects and alongside other celebrated artists. STOP PRESS: The European November 2023 tour will include the launch of the trio’s new album (Working title; TIME & SOUND), which will be recorded in August during their South American Tour in Chile, Montevideo and Buenos Aires. “English musician Janek Gwizdala has positioned himself as one of the top electric bassists in New York” All About Jazz “His painstakingly prepared floor array of pedals allows his bass to fly free, taking on multiple roles and visiting other dimensions” Bass Magazine “Janek Gwizdala is known for his incredible improvisations, both on and off the stage - Watching the joy and intensity of this music’s creation is worth the price of admission” No Treble “There is no limit to how epic this project could become between now and the recording sessions. Conceptually I’m writing far more music this time around, and plan to orchestrate elements of the album with two of my big compositional loves: choir and strings” Janek Gwizdala Early booking is advised!

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The Banger Factory is the critically acclaimed live collective from London-based trumpeter, composer, and bandleader Mark Kavuma. Exuding tonnes of joy when witnessed on stage - full of energy, vibe, blues, rhythm, gospel, soul and emotions, they are one of the finest and most exciting live acts on the scene. The Banger Factory is a collective that is contingent upon bringing people a good time. Born in the heart of Brixton, south London, the band has developed and nourished a truly unique and unmistakable sound. The ensemble explores original material and features some of the most gifted, engaging and masterful musicians on the scene today, including: Mussinghi Brian Edwards and Kaidi Akinnibi (saxes), Artie Zaitz (guitar), David Mrakpor (vibes), Reuben James (piano/organ), Deschanel Gordon (piano), Michael Schrimpling (double bass) and William Cleasby (drums). This is a special jazz outfit, well-established and proven. Several years in the making, they now have three very well-received and critically acclaimed albums (including “The Banger Factory ” Ubuntu Music 2019) With the latest one fresh off the press and the first on Mark Kavuma’s Banger Factory Records. “Arashi No Ato” is the newest offering from the band. “In my head, I wanted it (the band) to be an organization, a force to be reckoned with,” explains Kavuma. “Everybody brings something to the table, whether it’s verbally or musically and everybody has a big part to play.” “What is more, the band brings together and unifies the local London jazz scene. Spreading love and good vibes”. As a sideman Mark has worked with Jean Toussaint’s Young Lions, the Alan Weekes Quintet, Jazz Jamaica and the Nu Civilisation Orchestra. He has also been featured as a guest soloist with Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra and has toured with world music stars Mulatu Astatke and Salif Keita. He has also played with American jazz musicians Barry Harris (piano) and Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts (drums) in New York City. “The playing throughout the course of the album is exceptional, with all of the musicians making telling contributions.” Links Listen to The Banger Factory 'Warriors' album here.

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R.U.M. is a ‘rhythmic underground movement’ consisting of heavyweight musicians who have mostly flown under the radar. Hailing from all corners of the globe including Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Greece, Jamaica, Grenada, Dominica, Nigeria, India, Australia and the UK, they have played for a who's-who of world class artists including Johnny Nash, Jimmy Ruffin, Bob Marley, Rita Marley, Gregory Isaac, Eric Clapton, Pete Townsend, Jimmy Page, Chaka Khan, Bee Gees, Jeff Beck, Steve Winwood, Bony M, Lionel Richie, Beyoncé, Ali Campbell of UB40, Omar, Incognito, John Legend and Joss Stone. Featuring iconic drummer Richard Bailey who played with Johnny Nash and a young Bob Marley and later recording Jeff Beck's landmark album Blow by Blow. Bassist Michael Bailey having performed and recorded with Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Mick Taylor of The Stones. Felix ‘Lix’ Ruiz who previously played keyboards for the likes of Rita Marley, Gregory Isaac and Damon Albarn and soul, Latin, funk vocalist Ama Lia with credits including Beyoncé and Lionel Richie. Effortless is their delivery of musical styles from blues, rock, soul, funk, reggae, ska, Latin, jazz and calypso. When not on recording, performing or touring duties this collective known as RUMBAND come together to play live shows as a creative release for the love of music, friendship and unity.

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Throughout an international career starting in the late 1980’s, Grammy-winning saxophonist Tim Garland has become known as a unique polymath in the UK’s music scene. His first break as a saxophonist was joining Ronnie Scott's band at age 23. Later he was to join Chick Corea as a regular member of several globe-trotting projects over a seventeen-year period including The Vigil. Playing tenor and soprano saxes, bass clarinet, and flute, he also won a Grammy for his symphonic orchestrations on Corea’s “The New Crystal Silence” album from 2007. Garland has fulfilled commissions from several of the world's top orchestras, including a double concerto from the LSO, a piano concerto for Gwilym Simcock from The Royal Northern Sinfonia, with whom he went on to record three CDs, a cello and sax concerto from the CBSO, and a sax concerto from the BBC Concert Orchestra. His concert works continue to celebrate the fertile ground between modern composition and jazz. His creative arranging skills have won much praise from such diverse artists as Jean Luc Ponty, John Patitucci, The Royal Holloway and Westminster Choirs, the Catalan National Cobla Group, the LPO, the London Session Orchestra, NYJO as well as Chick Corea. His work is often inspired by, but not limited to, the jazz idiom, whilst his celebrated virtuosity as a saxophonist maintains his position as one of the UK’s most unique and authentic jazz voices. In 2016 he premiered “Re: Focus” (a reimagining of the Getz /Sauter project of 1962 ‘Focus’) to a full house at London’s Wigmore Hall, which in 2020 has been released for public purchase. “Luca’s Winter”, a 100-minute work for big band, was performed at Manchester’s Royal Northern College Of Music (where he held an international post as a research fellow) in which he acted as conductor and narrator. As a band leader and co-leader, he is responsible for much of the output of the groups; Lammas, The Underground Orchestra, Storms / Nocturnes (feat. Joe Locke and Geoffrey Keezer), Acoustic Triangle, the last few years of Bill Bruford’s Earthworks, and Lighthouse, (feat; Gwilym Simcock and Asaf Sirkis). He has won awards and nominations from The Parliamentary Jazz Awards, The Worshipful Company Of Musicians, BASCA’s British Composer Awards, and won CD of the year in 2016 from Jazzwise for his album ONE. “Few world-class jazz improvisers are comparably imaginative composers, but the British reeds player Tim Garland is that rarity.” The Guardian “There is no one who can more convincingly unite the jazz and European classical music idioms.“ The Observer

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Critically acclaimed jazz/funk ensemble OUTPUT / INPUT was born when Chaka Khan Alumni joined forces with Triple H Horns. Since then, the group has called on the services of some incredible musicians from across the globe. The band plays a superb selection of soul and funk classics and features some of the industry’s best-known vocalists, such as Audrey Wheeler-Downing, Tower of Power lead vocalist Brent Carter and legendary Average White Band frontman Hamish Stuart. With a steady stream of high-quality studio recordings, including "Here We Go Again," recorded for their new label Expansion Records and currently #1 on the UK soul chart and Amazon R&B charts, and "Soul Deep," an original release featuring Hamish Stuart, Output / Input are now ready to showcase their superb musicianship to live audiences. Output/Input was formed during lockdown by Melvin Lee Davis, a Californian native and a skilled master bassist, composer, producer, and educator who is in high demand and is also Music Director for the "Queen of Funk," Chaka Khan. He has worked with, toured with, and recorded with some of the music industry’s most distinguished artists, including Lee Ritenour, George Duke, Gerald Albright, David Benoit, The Russ Freeman Project, Jeff Kashiwa, Diane Schurr, Will Downing, Lalah Hathaway, Patti Austin, Ledisi, and Angie Stone. Davis is also one of two writers of "Soul Train’s A Comin’ for Don Cornelius’ weekly television show "Soul Train". Nick Mead (trumpet), Jacob Shaw (saxophone) and Patrick Hayes (trombone), are also founding members, known as Triple H Horns which is in demand as a horn section for artists, composers and producers worldwide: They have worked with Chaka Khan, Christina Aguilera, Chromeo, Disciples, A-Trak, Dave Taylor, Switch, Sarah Ruba, FKJ, Sir Tom Jones, James Arthur, John Newman, JP Cooper, Tyler Bates, Joe Hertz, Jamie Woon, V Festival, Netflix, ITV Studios, BBC TV, BBC Radio Live Lounge, Channel 4, and many other artists and companies. The ensemble is completed by members Jay Williams on drums (Dave Koz, Chaka Khan, Marcus Miller), Adam Kovacs on percussion (Anastacia, Beverley Knight, Ladysmith Black Mambazo), Kanghyun Bu on guitar, Daeun Kim on keyboards and Jesse Milliner on keyboards (Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour, Chaka Khan). Funkgurus are delighted to represent Output / Input to bookers looking for flawless musicianship and crowd-pleasing live music delivered by consummate professionals.

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Yolanda Charles MBE - the internationally renowned bassist and songwriter has worked with artists such as Hans Zimmer, Paul Weller, Robbie Williams, BB King, Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey, Van Morrison, Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson in an exemplary career of thirty years and counting. The soulful and heavily funky Project pH features the skills of London-based Nick Linnik, who provides a stunning and unique voice as lead guitarist. His wide-ranging skill as a musician has his role expanded to co-writer and co-producer of the band’s sound. The funkiest groove player Nico Py is on drums. Pianist Hamish Balfour brings a wide range of experience as a composer and arranger. The voices of the band are provided by the superb soulful delivery of vocalists Paris Ruel and Adeola Shyllon highlighting Yolanda’s eclectic songwriting skills, another element of Yolanda’s deeply impressive musical spectrum. The group has a long-running Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club residency and continues to tour the UK and beyond. Funkgurus is pleased to represent Project pH for international festivals, clubs, and tour bookings. Links Project pH Instra-mentals' is also available as an instrumental version of the band. Please listen here. Listen to Project pH's latest studio release here Check out Yolanda's recent interview on The Paul Weller Fan Podcast here Main band photographs at Spice Soho courtesy of Monika S. Jakubowska Main Yolanda Charles photograph courtesy of Maria Zhytnikova

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