Get To Know: Brighton Fringe by Ignite Publishing Ltd

get know: THEto MUSIC OF

David Hoyle The Resonators Town of Cats Baby Carla Avery*Sunshine Mount Nakara Movinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Melvin Brown ... and many more

Contents 3

GorillaBot Party at Ship Street

Avery*Sunshine at The Old Market

Fat 45’s Big Spiegel Spectacular at Brighton Spiegeltent

Folk it at The Warren: Studio 2

Fem.Ale Brewster Beer Festival at the Marlborough

Kemptown Carnival: The Resonators at Brighton Spiegeltent

Sexy Beasts at Brighton Spiegeltent: Bosco

Carla Lippis at Brighton Spiegeltent: Bosco

David Hoyle at Brighton Spiegeltent

Movin’ Melvin Brown at The Warren: Main House

Fiesta Fringe at Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar

Africa Entsha at the Brighthelm Centre

Studio 9 Orchestra at Brighton Unitarian Church

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Photo © thewrongspeed

gorillabot party

6, 7 May, 1pm and 3pm, ship street The question “what music would a Gorilla and a Robot play if they started a band” is only as unanswerable as you think it is, and thankfully we have Birmingham’s Gorillabot to answer that with their street party. It’s jazz. Their mission statement seems to be to give you something you’ve never seen before, which shows in their music. It’s just drums and guitar, which gives it a very subdued feel, but that’s balanced out by it being completely erratic. Sometimes it’s jolting and throwing itself all over the place and sometimes it’s entirely focused, hypnotically running through riffs, over and over. Yet no matter what they’re doing, it’s always upbeat and funky. After a couple of minutes of bizarre, seemingly improvised but utterly groove-laden jamming, you realise you’ve actually been listening to a completely mad take on I Wanna Be Like You from the Jungle Book soundtrack, or Daft Punk’s Get lucky. Or it could be their reworking of Beyoncé’s Single Ladies titled Single Robots.This feeling of disbelief nicely compliments watching a gorilla and robot play jazz. At this moment it’s only natural to try and latch onto something normal about what you’re seeing, and you fail. The robot wears tall black military boots and a black tank top, yet sandwiched between these are multi-coloured check trousers that look like a very controlled explosion in a primary colour paint factory. The eye is somewhat drawn to them but they’re torn away by his giant robotic head. Twice the length of a

human’s, it emphasises every motion of his towering body as he swings it around manically. Giving up, you turn to the gorilla. But he’s pink. What lends the act a special sense of surrealism is seeing them outside, in broad daylight, on a regular city street. While they have done indoor, night-time shows before, it was for a “sketching, dancing and jamming to jazz” night in Birmingham, which is in keeping with their rejection of doing anything by the numbers. You’ve never seen anything quite like this before, and you don’t have a choice in that. Everybody who passes by will see them. Watching something so absurd in a place you saw someone handing out restaurant vouchers two days earlier only makes the effect even stranger. The performance will make you ask the big questions, such as “why am I not a gorilla?” and “why am I not a robot?” But before long, you’ll picked to turn into one of them, and so will everyone else. The street will be awash with dancing robots and bounding gorillas, converted into them just like the band was. This is the typical Gorillabot experience. However, for Brighton Fringe they’ve promised a new band member, a whole new show and an entirely new set of songs. They’re keeping the details secret for now, but that means when the time comes they can be disbelieved and bizarre all over again. There’s probably no way you could set it out on paper anyway.

Luke Williams 3

Fat 45â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Big Spiegel Spectacular

7 May, 8pm, brighton spiegeltent Most importantly, Fat 45’s Big Spiegel Spectacular will be raising money for the band’s drummer who is seriously unwell. Steve said: “We would especially love your support for this one as we will be raising funds for our drummer and dear friend Johnny Machin, who is seriously ill.” Not only will your presence at the event be a reward to all of your senses, you will be contributing to a great cause also. With their slick quiffs, sharp suits, swingin’ hips and high heels, Fat 45 know how to get the crowd going. Just wait for that keyboard solo to kick in, it’ll seriously get your feet tapping. A word of caution however, don’t be that one person that turns up underdressed. You’ll stand out like a sore thumb. Get your braces and trilby out or your swing dress on, anything goes in this town. As a fan once said: “It’s not just a night out, it’s an experience. Something you’ll remember.” So embrace the madness and shake, rattle and roll your way down to the Spiegeltent. It’s going to be, well, spectacular!

Lucy Hobbs Photo © fat45

It doesn’t matter what age, sex, ethnicity or religion you are, the Fringe is a time when people from all walks of life come together to celebrate being free, creative and alive. It’s a time to let your luscious locks down and swing the person in your closest proximity around your head. And I can guarantee that Fat 45 are the band to see at this year’s festival if you want just that. There’s a reason their audiences call them “liberating” and “absolutely amazing.” I have no doubt you’ll be sweating buckets by the end of the show and you won’t even care that your lipstick has slipped up onto your forehead. Fat 45 are a jump jive big band with added rhythm ‘n’ blues and a splatter of rock ‘n’ roll. They will be taking centre stage at the Old Steine’s tent venue in the heart of the city for Fat 45’s Big Spiegel Spectacular. On the crowded but comfortable stage, you’ll find a group of 11 skilled performers among a cluster of tenor saxes, trombones, trumpets, a keyboard, double and electric bass, drums and the beautifully soulful voice of Dale de Ville thrown in for good measure. Depending on whether you’re hearing their remake of Louis Jordan’s classic Choo Choo Ch’boogie, or their spiced-up version of Etta James’ notorious tune Good Rockin’ Daddy, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to the 40s or 50s. Since forming 11 years ago, the group of friends have been setting dance floors alight across the country, from renowned festivals like Glastonbury and Latitude, to local venues in areas such as Herefordshire and Norwich. They’ll be playing on home soil at this year’s Fringe as (you’ve guessed it!) the 11-piece swing group are from Brighton. How much more talent can come from this city? So you might have seen them in the past living it up at Concorde 2 or your local pub.

fem.ale brewster beer festival 5, 6, 7 May, 12pm, MARLBOROUGH THEATRE

Fem.ale Brewster Beer Festival began in Norwich four years ago and has been bringing women in the beer industry together ever since. Last year the festival came to The Marlborough for the first time and it is set to return for the Fringe. Fem.ale is a platform for brewers to showcase their beers and has set about creating a space where women and their history in beer can be celebrated. The overwhelmingly malecentric mentality has meant that for a long time women have been excluded from brewing culture. I spoke to Erica Horton, founder of the project, about what Fem.ale stands for and what to expect from the weekend. She said there had been a hugely positive response since the first event in Norwich. When the opportunity came through from The Marlborough to expand into the Fringe, it made perfect sense. “It is renowned for being an inclusive space and they know how to throw a good party, so the Brighton branch of the festival came to be.” This year will kick off on the Friday with Emma Inch from Fermentation Radio Show spinning the soundtrack. Emma is a brewer herself and an expert in the beer scene in Brighton and beyond. Saturday is the street party and the street outside The Marlborough shut down to host three great live acts, Norwich two-piece Sink Ya Teeth, PET CROW and Brighton’s own I Am Fya. There will be stalls, sit-down spaces and general shenanigans, with a focus on boogieing and beer drinking. Saturday night, the party moves back inside as BOSSY

Brighton take to the decks. They’ve made a name for themselves over the past year for hosting female-fronted, no-judgement nights out, playing the best tracks of the 90s to 2000s R ‘n’ B. Nothing but throwback anthems taking you back to the VH1 & MTV days. On Sunday the Vegan Food Pimp will be providing any food comfort required and any of the exceptional brews you might not have tried yet will be on hand to toast an excellent weekend. Women brewing beer is not a new or rare phenomenon. In fact, it was predominantly women that brewed beer until the industrialisation of brewing. Fem.ale is a step towards women getting recognition and the representation they deserve. Erica said: “We are showing that women are these craftspeople making the beer themselves.” The conversation is ongoing. While the festival is the focus of Fem.ale, websites like beerandsexism.com that it supports, are giving voices to people as platforms where women can talk about their experiences and stereotypes they face. Breaking down gender-based assumptions around alcohol is important, particularly when we consider how pub-centric our social climate tends to be. When women are excluded from the industry, it maintains ideas of appropriate behaviour based on gender. Fem.ale Brewster Beer Festival is set to be a celebration of women’s creativity and craft. Be progressive with your pint, support independent brews and come to The Marly.

Rose Williams

10 May, 7:30pm, Brighton Spiegeltent: Bosco With humorous yet poetic songs such as Slug Song, A Little Song and Hot Boots, combined with the tasty sound of the accordion and the chaotic style of gypsy jazz, you’re bound to enjoy yourself. Treat yourself to something nice, like a ticket to the gig. Let your hair down. You deserve it.

Jehan Sheikh

Photo © Miri Stebivka

Personally, I’ve never heard a more beautiful song about hermaphrodite slugs falling in love. Jetty Swart, who I would refer to as “Queen Quirky”, is bringing her show to Fringe on 10 May. The hybrid jazz group formally known as ‘Yeti’ has tones of tranquility and chaos and influences of smooth jazz, gypsy jazz, swing jazz, hip-hop jazz, punk jazz and all sorts of jazzy jazzes that will make you feel like you’re smooth sailing through the perfect storm. Legend has it that 25 years ago, on a fateful day, Jetty bought an accordion in a thrift shop in Prague. While some would use this beautiful yet complicated instrument as a decorative piece, a potential conversation starter or perhaps even use it for a quick mess around here and there (when feeling brave), Jetty took it around the world with her, learnt how to play, sing and write lyrics. Did I mention she also plays the flute? While playing the accordion? What! Hailing from the port of Amsterdam, Jetty and her band of black pearls are now based in Portland, although it’s in France where she truly made a name for herself. The trilingual singer performed on some pretty big stages. The French even compared her to Édith Piaf… and that says something. Anyone who has been across the Channel will tell you that it’s strictly forbidden by law to falsely compare someone to Édith Piaf. However, on this occasion nobody was feathered or fined – it was unanimous. In fact, she even won a couple of songwriting awards here and there. Jet Black Pearl are absolutely fantastic live… you have to go see them. They took the Edinburgh Fringe by the horns and got some seriously favourable reviews, such as “the most eccentric and talented woman.” I think it’s yay time we start listening to our neighbours from the North. The live atmosphere is much like that tea party your nan invited you to. And I don’t mean the most recent one. I’m talking about that time when her wildcard friend Jeanette laced the tea with a healthy dosage of LSD… Oh Jeanette.

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david ho 11 May, 9pm, Brighton Spiegeltent

Photo © Lee Baxter

David Hoyle is back again to shock us with his famous, bold and electrifying show. Being an LGBTQ icon, his performance in Brighton is awaited by many. David’s performances are one of a kind. He is a singer, actor, cabaret artist and comedian. He is able to combine all these aspects of his character and produce shows that stick with you for life. Criticising, satirising, self-recriminating and even self-harming are some of the things that shock and attract his audiences. His talent does not go unnoticed and in 1998 he appeared on the BBC’s Comedy Nation and produced two shows for Channel 4. After several years out of the spotlight he returned to TV in 2005 and since then he’s

been performing in his own shows, mostly at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in London. Born in Blackpool, Lancashire, in the 1960s, David had a difficult childhood. Just a boy when he came out as gay, he was the victim of bullying at school and his parents refused to accept his sexuality. A lack of support marked all areas of his life. He said he was treated as a sick man and given medication for his “gayness”. As a result, he suffered a mental breakdown at the age of 14. He was stronger than some believed, however, and managed to escape his nightmare and started performing at a local working men’s club before moving to London and later Manchester. His passion for the arts, his emotions and the experiences that marked his childhood elevated the significance of his plays. In the 1990s he started performing in gay clubs in London by adopting an anti-drag-queen character, The Divine David. A name that still follows him. During his performances he criticised the gay scene more than anyone else. Art was his escape. The painful experiences of the past and his thirst to change the society that hurt him fuelled his engine. As a 54 year-old man, and with mental illness still at the forefront of his life, his health has affected the way he performs and has given him the uniqueness that captivates his spectators. For him, it is an important subject that should not be treated as taboo. It should not be something that drives people away. This is why he is, in life and through his shows, trying to raise awareness about mental health. His previous performances for the Brighton Fringe were described as breathtaking, aggressive and surreal. Post-drag, post-gender and impossible to beat, David Hoyle returns for an evening of high comedy, sound, vision, paint and song. His unique appearance encapsulates the importance

Photo ÂŠ Lee Baxter

oyle

of the Fringe, the culture it supports and the new and exclusive opportunities it brings to the communities of Brighton and Hove. If you want to be provoked, bewildered, elated and hypnotised in a show of agonising drama, make sure you are there to witness it for yourselves.

Sotiris Ilkos

Photo Â© Andy Voakes

11 may, 8:45pm, Sticky Mike's Frog Bar

Town of cats // mount nakara // King Porter Stomp Brighton comes into its own over the Fringe. Tents pop up on every available patch of grass and stages can be found in pubs previously incapable of accommodating a table. The plastic cups of pale ale, wandering circus acts and a general atmosphere of comfortable drunkenness prove the Brighton summer has stumbled back to us. The soundtrack for a city collectively remembering how good life can be has to be Brighton band, Town of Cats. Describing themselves as “funky hip-hop latino ska dub afro-beat jazz reggae” the ninepiece group bring a beat, brass and bongos together for a big, fat onstage party. 11 May will see Town of Cats host Fiesta Fringe at Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar, joined by King Porter Stomp and Mount Nakara. Speaking to Joe Travis-Dean, front man of Town of Cats,

we learnt about the line-up and why nights like this are so important for live music in Brighton. “Fringe, as far as I’ve ever known it, is a smorgasbord of artistic experimentation,” he said. The bill would suggest this before you have heard a note, with a total of 23 musicians across the three bands. And in tune with the Fringe mentality, the line-up celebrates Brighton by bringing in music from other parts of the country. Joe is set on revitalising the way art, music and creativity can come together. Town of Cats’ last event was called Breaking Walls, testament to their aim of exploring the artistic connections we can make in Brighton and beyond, for the benefit of all. With Blind Tiger closing in 2014, there’s been less opportunity

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Photo © King Porter Stomp

for the “live music night out”, a venue that people would head to for a shin-dig, whether they knew who was playing or not. The more specific gigs of today make it hard for the out-of-town bands to pull in the crowd they deserve, if they don’t have a following here yet. “For us it’s making that connection between Brighton and Bristol. Making Brighton a place where bands can come and play and people will be interested in what’s coming from that city.” And so they should. The Bristol-based Mount Nakara coming down for the night have an incredible sound, dub influenced but with some echoing intrigue. A six-piece band incorporating sax, trumpet and sound system culture, Joe calls it “cinematic dub, like if you’ve got a reggae band to provide the backing track for David Attenborough’s Planet Earth”.

He came across Mount Nakara at a festival in Italy last year. It was “a relatively drizzly night at one o’clock in the morning in the Italian mountains and I was blown away.” “Even back home, listening to the EP, I was straight back in the Italian mountains. The sound is great, Zac the leader of the band produced nearly all of it in his bedroom and it sounds flawless.” Also in the lineup is Brighton heavyweights, King Porter Stomp. Energetic and reflective, the eight-piece prove creative boundaries to be non-existent. Tracks like Put Down Your Weapons introduce several genres in distinct phrases within the first 30 seconds before the horns announce the moment to start moving your feet. Then when you think you know where you’re at, there’s reggae and rap, lyrical poetry layered over this poetic sound. King Porter Stomp have influenced Town of Cats to an extent. Joe said: “When I first moved

to Brighton, I thought that I was only allowed to make basic singer-songwriter music with an acoustic guitar. Then I got down here and I saw bands like King Porter Stomp. Seeing big bands play with rap at the forefront of it and realising you could use that as an art form to tell stories. And you still do that with a huge band, it didn’t have to be a backing track and hi-hat cymbals”. As such, Town of Cats came to be in 2013. Lyrics that range from the banking crisis to the limited alcohol absorption capability of crisps, to the nature of time itself, all with the incredible noise of nine talented musicians, have made them a favourite in the the Brighton-music scene. Everyone leaves their shows with a huge smile on their face. There’s also a definite Afro-beat influence for both Town of Cats and King Porter Stomp. Joe said: “Afro-beat in itself is dance and politics, that’s what the genre was. It’s up-on-your-feet mu-

sic but everything about that and what that music stood for was anti-establishment, was oppositional politics”. And sometimes that oppositional politics comes down to having a dance and loving each other, in spite of what the world is throwing at you. Fiesta Fringe is set to be a night that shows what the creative industries can do in Brighton by being open to new possibilities and inviting anyone in who wants to get involved. With this Fringe attitude in the air, it’s the time to look at what is possible and realise that the Brighton “live music night out” doesn’t have to be a rarity. It will be a night of foot-thumping fun with an infectious feeling of camaraderie that will leave you in high spirits. Guaranteed you will want to catch any of the bands again, but it will have to be on the festival circuit, as we head in to the summer.

Rose Williams

CALENDAR

MAY

3 7:30PM Sexy Beasts 9:45PM Folk It:Kathryn Williams

10 7:30PM Sunshine* Avery & Yakul 9:45PM Folk It: Chris Redmond

17 9:45PM Folk It: Gareth Dickson

7:30PM Baby Carlaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bad Girl Rumble

24 9:45PM Folk It: Sean Taylor

12PM Fem.Ale Brewsters Beer Festival

1PM & 3PM GorillaBot Street Party

8PM Fat 45’s Big Spiegel Spectacular

8PM David Hoyle 8PM Studio 9 Orchestra 8:45PM Fiesta Fringe

11 8PM Movin’ Melvin Brown

8PM Movin’ Melvin Brown

8PM The Resonators

20 7:30PM Baby Carla’s Bad Girl Rumble

25 7PM Africa Entsha

june

7PM Africa Entsha

7:30PM Baby Carla’s Bad Girl Rumble

27 7PM Africa Entsha

28 8PM Africa Entsha

Studio 9 Orchestra Formed in 2011, Studio 9 Orchestra are a 19-piece jazz ensemble based in Brighton that creates the classic big-band style of performance with a contemporary twist. They will be taking centre stage for the Brighton Fringe where they will perform at the Unitarian Church. This particular performance is set to be a unique treat where the band will pay tribute to the late, great Kenny Wheeler, who was a composer and trumpet player for the orchestra. Established vocalist Red Gray is a welcome addition to the line-up, whose classical soprano harmonies will blend perfectly with the complexity of the band’s compositions. Taking influences from both classic and contemporary jazz, funk, soul, Latin and bossa nova, Studio 9 Orchestra have cemented themselves as an innovative act at various venues across Brighton, as well as the Love Supreme Festival where they have been residents three years running. Their distinctive set includes covers of artists such as Radiohead, as well as classic swing jazz from the likes of Charles Mingus, complex jarring funk and soft melodic nods to modern classical jazz pieces, such as the work of Maria Schneider and Dave Holland. Commonplace on their set are modern pieces such as Chameleon, a song with complex jazz drums and tight funk melodies that is sure to get you moving, and slow, poetic pieces such as Lovers. Comprised of some of the South Coast’s most gifted musicians, the band prides themselves on representing local talent. Yet it’s not only local instrumentalists that get pride

of place in Studio 9 Orchestra’s repertoire; they are also famed for showcasing the brightest rising composers, whom they actively seek for their performances. The band describe their style of concert as one that brings a fresh approach to big-band playing. An accurate description, as their vocal inclusion and vast array of influences brings a closer connection to their audience, making their performance accessible and distinctive. You are sure to find yourself on an emotional, intriguing and downright funky musical odyssey when watching Studio 9 Orchestra. The mind-blowing power of the band takes the audience’s breath away as the brass, reeds and strings serenade in harmony with Red Gray’s ever-reaching voice. Be sure to expect solos from the likes of band founder and multi-instrumentalist Philippe Guyard as well as from members of the rhythm section as you immerse yourself in the kind of music that makes you feel alive.

Emily Cross

All photoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ÂŠ Studio 9 Orchestra

11 may, 8pm, brighton unitarian church

avery*sunshine 17 may, 7:30pm, the old market

It’s in the name, uplifting and bright. Denise White, aka Avery*Sunshine, has a defining signature tone that blends together a mixture of soul, gospel, jazz and R ‘n’ B, a luminescent sound that lifts the spirit and warms the heart. Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, and based in the musical and cultural melting pot of Atlanta, Georgia, the dynamic talent has continued to rise in stock since her radiant self-titled album was released in 2010. Avery started playing piano at the age of eight and as she grew older she studied jazz and classical music. During her teens, after covering a Sunday service for her local church, her talent was noticed and it wasn’t long until she became a regular pianist for the church choir circuit. No doubt a time which has influenced her music greatly. Avery graduated high school in 1993 and went on to major in piano at Spellman College in Atlanta. Here she continued to develop her unique abilities and after meeting Maia Williams they formed the soulful duet group DaisyRew and regularly performed at churches, clubs and cafés. Sadly, this wasn’t to last. After graduation, Williams’ commitments to Broadway enabled Avery to focus on building a solo career. Avery has patiently carved out an outstanding musical resume. As a go-to choral director and keyboardist, Sunshine has worked with Michael Bublé, Antony Hamilton and was the choral director for the Dreamgirls stage performance during the national black arts festival in Atlanta. From this, Sunshine attained national attention, was invited to perform at President Barack

Obama’s inauguration in 2009 and has toured with the blues legend B.B King. Her debut album Avery*Sunshine was released to wide acclaim. A sensitive and sensual experience exploring a myriad of life lessons. Her name Avery*Sunshine was partly inspired by the film The Colour Purple, a story with themes of growth and the importance of self-worth, and the keen listener can hear and feel these themes woven into the fabric of her music. The second album, The SunRoom, was released in 2014 and builds on the fresh and vibrant quality of the first and establishes her as mainstay in the soul scene. When listening to her music it is evident that Sunshine never shies away from her religious past. The gospel undertone to songs such as Safe In His Arms are a reflection of her soul offering a trueness other artists are afraid to approach in their work. Avery has already developed a large and loyal fan base in the UK, performing on Jools Holland and at the Supreme Love Festival. This will be her debut performance at the Fringe and will be supported by local four-piece future-soul group Yakul. Yakul blend an interesting mix of soul, jazz and synthetic beats, drawing inspiration from artists like J-Dilla, sprinkled with a twist of Jordan Rakai. Their recently released A-side Giveaway has already started to garner attention and the band are a perfect complement to the unabashed creativity of Avery*Sunshine. Both should flow together like spiced-rum and coca-cola. Great separately, brilliant together.

Andrew Stewart

Photo © Jesse Rudddock

10, 17, 24, 31 May, 9:45pm, the warren: studio 2 Kathryn Williams is a folk singer and songwriter from Liverpool with 13 studio albums under her belt, including 2000 Mercury prize-nominee Little Black Numbers. Over the years she has toured with artists ranging from Damian Rice to The Riptide Movement. In her last album Resonator, she deviated from her folk roots to create her first jazz project, with influences including Nina Simone and Simon and Garfunkel. Michelle Stodart is the bassist for Indie rock band The Magic Numbers, which she started with her brother Romeo and childhood neighbours Angela and Sean Gannon. In 2012, she swapped her bass for a guitar and released her first solo album Wide-Eyed Crossing, gravitating towards a more country-influenced sound. Stand-out tracks from her solo debut include Foolish Love and Invitation to the Blues, a duet with Conor O’Brien from The Villagers. More of a slam poet than a singer, Chris Redmond is an artist who uses humour to deal with a number of subjects, from jazz to confidence to supper. Whether speaking a capella or delivering words over live instrumentation, he is sure to make the listener laugh or think, if not both. He is the founder of Tongue Fu, an event where the UK’s most prominent spoken-word poets deliver rhymes over improvised music from the Tongue Fu house band. Tongue Fu has taken place in some of the country’s most celebrated venues, including the Roundhouse and the Barbican. Brighton-based songstress Sharon Lewis, formerly of electronic folk outfit Pooka, comes to Fringe following the release of her second studio album Roses at the Top and the EP Simple Things. In her solo music, Sharon dropped the eclectic sound effects from Pooka to focus on a more straightforward sound, in which simple and melancholic arrangements of piano and guitar let her incredible voice

Folk It

speak for itself. Gareth Dickson is a composer from Glasgow. Since his 2010 album The Dance he has employed a minimal and experimental sound. The only instrument used is his acoustic guitar sound effects and vocals. He uses the toolkit of folk music to create intense ambient soundscapes in which sparse vocals tune up the feeling of desolation. For this reason he has been compared to Nick Drake and Brian Eno. Brighton-based duo Crack*A*Jack*Crow brings together Anjuli Hararah’s jazz and blues roots with Brendan O’Sullivan’s Irish folk. The former plays the tenor saxophone and the latter is on the guitar while they exchange lead vocal duties. Both artists bring something different to the table and the eclectic mix of the two styles is a breath of fresh air. Check out the track Sticky Fingers to get an idea of their sound. Hailing from Kilburn in north-west London, Sean Taylor is a seasoned folk musician who has played at Glastonbury Festival on four occasions. He often tours with bass legend Danny Thompson and has opened for George Benson. His particular brand of folk is heavily influenced by blues in the American tradition. The critically-acclaimed eighth album Flood and Burn dropped earlier this year, so expect to hear it at this show. Folk It will close with Sylvie Lewis, who also served as curator for the event. She is a veteran folk musician whose voice is often accompanied by backing vocals and sparse, yet effective, percussion. She often collaborates with Richard Swift (former singer in The Shins) and her 2012 album It’s All True was included among the year’s best by Performing Songwriter Magazine, which described it as “quirky and smart and a delight to listen to.” She has toured with artists such as Jimmy Webb and Jesse Winchester and is currently working on her fourth studio album.

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the resonators 18 may, 8pm, Brighton spiegeltent We all love a bit of reggae in Brighton and what better way to enjoy it than at the KempTown Carnival, where The Resonators are in their home city to get you into the soulful spirit? Fronted by two strong, inventive female vocalists, the band produces a heavy groove and a poignant melody. Rated by Clash as one of the best in their genre, the nine-piece are ready to swamp you under a wave of psychedelic grooves. With their new album locked and loaded after a four-year hiatus touring Europe, Imaginary People is a mix of reggae and dub that will make you feel nothing but sweet vibes. They released a video for the single Papa Daddio from the new album, hinting at the long lost American dream and Americas downfall featuring the sounds of a radio broadcasting the news. This is a band that takes the real world and makes it something positive, something we could all benefit from. Their single Try Again from their second album The Constant is described as “an optimistic, summery delight”, named favourite of the album by many fans. As their older songs reach more than 82,000 views on YouTube, there is nothing but high hopes and pleasant feelings. Some of you may remember their album release show for Imaginary People or were a part of their tour that finished in October, so you will know this album is their heaviest so far, appealing to more than just Reggae fans. Whether you fancy something light and tranquil with hints of dirty bass or rumbling guitar licks with a sobriety to them, The Resonators have it all. If their heavier tones

haven’t convinced you to buy a ticket yet, their fan base yearns for the opportunity to see their live energy, even going as far as Mexico City! They have an ambient and chilled atmosphere with a soul-consuming love for what they do, and bring to the stage a liveliness that lifts your spirits as well as your hands in the air. With nothing but positivity for their third album, the reggae-dub legends will be heading on to the Flatlands Festival and the Samphire Festival in July, with another European tour in autumn, but what better way to support the band than in the city where they began? Be sure to bring your friends to share the harmonious highs and the lowest of lows of the bone-vibrating bass. The KemptTown Carnival is staying alive this year with a series of different locations, hosting musical and family events. Surround yourself with their elevating essence and dont forget all the proceeds will go to funding the carnival, Brighton’s longest-running street arts festival.

Zoey Gibbons

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Baby Carla’s Bad Girl Rumble

27, 28, 29 may, 7:30pm, Brighton spiegeltent: bosco Carla Lippis is bringing her rumble to Fringe this year and she cannot be happier. She said: “This will be my first time at the festival. I know many other acts who perform there and I’m excited to finally join the roster. They love it and I know I will too”. This London cabaret singer has recently been singing at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where her performance was highly recommended. Your eager ears will be able to listen to songs that she didn’t get time to play in her slot at the Scottish capital. She takes a soulful voice and mixes it to make a 70s cocktail. Her style is so bold and unique that she has been said to be “from a Tarantino film”, and her response to this really shows her wonderfully outgoing personality. “These films were all made in my formative years, so they had a big impact on me musically. Tarantino is known for being a crate-digger and master curator when it comes to his soundtracks, he reconnected us all with cult acts and tracks that time had forgotten. “We work in a similar way, remixing the familiar and the obscure to create something new. And yes, I DO have a Mia Wallace bob, but I’ve had it since childhood”.

The Rumble is a musical ode to the “bad girls” that starred in the films of Russ Myers, and the prominent women artists of the 60s. “Think Tura Satana in Faster Pussycat Kill Kill. Carla has combined this theme with her experience when touring Italy, so expect to hear some hypnotic melodies from her time there, influenced by the Italian singers of the 50s all the way through to the 70s. She will be joined by new member Vicky Falconer-Pritchard. Prepare to hear experimentations with drum machine beats, piano and other new arrangements and enthralling changes. Not only will Australian singer Carla be performing but she will be enjoying the festival just like the rest of us, and all that Brighton has to offer. “We are going to see as much as we can, in particular Bourgeois and Maurice’s How To Save The World Without Really Trying, and Borde Hill sculpture exhibition.” Don’t miss out on the fun at the Speigeltent, in addition to Carla’s intoxicating voice, you won’t want to miss her dance moves. As she says herself: “We will need to have a boogie to some dirty disco in the Speigeltent at Club Click”

Zoey Gibbons

Photo ÂŠ Hirson Jazz Festival

Movin’ Melvin Brown 18, 19, 20, 21 May, 8pm, the warren: main house

Movin’ Melvin Brown, an animated entertainer who has performed alongside world-renowned artists like Stevie Wonder, is due to perform at Brighton Fringe Festival. With a plethora of talents under his belt, Movin’ Melvin has been singing, dancing and story-telling around the globe for much of his career, delighting crowds with his contagious energy and enthusiasm for rhythm. Brown was born and raised in Ohio, USA and grew up singing and dancing in and out of various musical groups. Heavily influenced by gospel and doo-wop, the artist has been compared to the likes of Louis Armstrong and James Brown, and his upcoming tribute to Otis Redding at the Fringe highlights his love of R ‘n’ B, soul and funk music. The artist’s passion for sound is evident in his powerful performances, and his shiny attire proves he is dressed to impress. Melvin’s act involves singing soulful classics alongside performing dance numbers in the varieties of tap, clogging and contemporary dance. He is known

particularly for bringing the narratives of classicmusicians to life, reinterpreting and reviving their work. There is no wonder many call him a storyteller. The artist has entertained venues as large as the Sydney Opera House and continues to tap his way around the world, Fred Astaire style. However, the entertainer is not the only one partaking in this free-spirited activity. Melvin’s performances are known to be participatory, and his compelling stage presence gives all generations the chance to engage in the artist’s energising shows. He often provides workshops to people of all abilities, showcasing styles such as tap dance, providing a light but stimulating workout with the hope of encouraging healthy living. The “movin” in Movin’ Melvin certainly meets a good cause. Movin’ Melvin does more than perform, however. He seeks to communicate positive messages both in his performances and on his website with a number of on going projects aiming to help the homeless, the elderly and children. The ‘Change This World’ project was created back in the 1970s in Melvin’s now hometown of Austin, Texas, hoping to tackle such issues in mind. Movin’ Melvin Brown’s infectious energy and humorous aura will be carrying his performances for years to come. The artist has released a number of CDs along with a book, with the proceeds contributing to Brown’s ‘Change This World’ initiative. Brown’s act is all centred on his admiration for some of soul music’s Greats and his eagerness to convey the rhythmicity of their art. He uses his platform of entertainment to talk to audiences about the values important to him, hoping to inspire others during his toe-tapping and powerful shows.

Anna Robb

africa entsha 1, 2, 3, 4 May, 7pm and 8pm, brighthelm centre Africa Entsha are an all-male a ccapella group from South Africa. Since being discovered busking on the streets of Johannesburg, they have gone on to perform internationally, captivating audiences with their live shows. After playing in Johannesburg at the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, Africa Entsha were placed on a world stage from which they have thrived and developed to be one of South Africa’s most coveted acts. Their name, which means ‘New Africa’ in Zulu, is a testament to their fusion of influences and strong sense of pride in their roots. This fusion is reflected in their performances, a mixture of modern pop styles with a traditional African gospel sound as the backbone. Taking elements from traditional a ccapella styles and infusing them with soulful spikes of modern R ‘n’ B music, gives Africa Entsha a fresh and exhilarating take on accapella. The spirit of their music is a message of hope and joy, their songs are a celebration of faith and love, and the spirit runs through their slick and energetic live performances. Alongside their harmonious vocals, Africa Entsha create a strong sense of percussion, using their bodies and dance moves, combined with oral sounds to give their songs a heavy beat and enhanced impact. From the perspective of the audience, not only is the group’s passion clear but their synergy and comfort in performing with each other give the ultimate feeling of authenticity. The diversity and unflinching pride reflected in the music of Africa Entsha is inspiring to audiences. Where they do perform in the native African language of Zulu, the songs radiate a poignant and heartfelt sincerity giving the group a distinct and memorable edge. In the tradition of a ccapella, Africa Entsha’s

performances are not only filled with vocal rhythm but with choreographed expressive dance, the addition of which makes for a compelling and energetic performance. Near infectious in its rhythm and positivity. As with any live performance, Africa Entsha employ just the right balance between serious emotive content and light-hearted fun, which is reflected by all the combined elements of their performing style. Taking western pop culture into strong consideration makes African Entsha easily accessible to a wide range of audiences, while their heavy reliance on traditional African culture is what makes their music stand out. The group have had worldwide success and have stormed the UK with repeat performances at the Fringe and Edinburgh’s, where they picked up the award for best performance in 2011. Alongside these performances, the group have given their support to worthy causes including the British Council Benevolent Fund, as well as collaborating with other UK artists. Africa Entsha’s performance has been hailed as irresistible and makes for a thought-provoking breath of fresh air for all audiences. The group will be joining the Fringe again in 2017 in what promises to be a moving and unforgettable display of raw talent.

Annabel Platt

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