The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Sunday 15th August 2010

Virgin Soldiers is an eclectic group of musicians who share a passion to create innovative music. One of the band’s unique selling points is the incredible rhythm and energy of the music – achieved without the use of a drum kit - and unable to find a genre that fits their music they have created their own, Strock.

Formed in the summer of 2009 by singer/guitarist/songwriter James Beeny the band creates a unique sound. James loved the idea of combining contemporary with classical instruments and had a head full of violin, viola and cello parts, but like many self-taught musicians was unable to put the music down on paper. He was lucky enough to meet Mike Parkin, a classically trained violinist, who was able to write down James’ sometimes unorthodox ideas and together they started gigging in London and the South of England with a girl singer, a bass player and a number of cellists and violinists. In 2010 they were joined by bass player James Luke, singer/pianist/songwriter Gina Georghiou and viola player John Hinchliffe. But it wasn’t until 2011 that the line-up was finally complete when James met cellist Hannah Masson on a station platform and asked her if she wanted to join the band. Hannah, who was studying at the Royal College of Music became the final piece of the puzzle. They now all work together to produce the sound that is uniquely Virgin Soldiers.

Virgin Soldiers will be appearing live on the main stage at the Good Weekend Festival in Hampshire on Saturday July 23 and at Local & Live on Monday August 29.

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The songs bounce from upbeat & funky to downright moody, with a smattering of foot stomping and tantrum in between. Tunes pour out of Matt's head in a weather-beaten type style, earthy, wind-bashed and raw as Francesco Bonini (lead guitar) and James W Griffiths (bass) wend their wily magic, mixing all the ingredients into a big indie-folk rock cake. Motivated by a need to increase the depth and range of his songs, Matt brought in Francesco in 2006 after being awarded a place on an exclusive music development course at prestigious live venue - 'The Stables' in Wavendon. Funded by the Arts Council and Leverhulme Trust, the course involved working with artists such as David Knopfler (Dire Straits), Boo Hewerdine (Eddie Reader) and Cara Dillon (Transatlantic Sessions). In 2007 the band got into the regional finals of South Coast Idol and Matt was awarded 'Best Male Act' by the judges. He cites some major influences as Bowie, Blur, Lennon, Marvin Gaye and Elton John. 'Some Elsewhere' is the band's first EP.

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Described in one review as ‘the Jeff Buckley of jazz’, Richard Navarro (formerly known as Richard J Lewis) is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Canterbury fusing powerful lyrics and soulful melodies with a strong jazz sensibility and swing.

The breathtaking energy and atmosphere of Richard’s live shows have won the songwriter a growing following and coverage on regional television and local, national and digital radio. As well as playing festivals, theatres, clubs and pubs across his home county of Kent, Richard’s performances have included Bush Hall, Water Rats, the Troubadour, Pizza Express and Folkestone’s newest concert venue Quarterhouse.

Richard Navarro is a singer and songwriter fusing sharp-witted lyrics with a strong jazz sensibility and swing.

His new EP, produced by Laurel Collective’s Charlie Andrew, features his exceptional live band that includes Rees and Glenn Bridges on drums and double bass. He is appearing solo at this year’s Local & Live Music Festival in Tunbridge Wells.

Live strings and brass underscore the songs, and Charlie Andrew’s producing talents (which are winning him a growing roster of bands including Man Like Me) come to the fore in the sumptuous strings of Navarro’s love struck ballad ‘Sober’ and the punchy brass on his lovesick ‘Strange Ways’.

‘Classy’ – Robert Plant

‘An outstanding performer, with a unique sound that moves from the epic soundtrack to the intimate with ease’ – Bern Leckie, Controller Chill Radio/ Core Radio

‘Deeply talented’ – Fiona Green, The Troubadour, London

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Until fairly recently Luke sang and played guitar in local band ‘Tehillah Commission’ who over a six year period performed throughout the South East (and occasionally further afield). Since their final performance in the summer of 2009 Luke has taken time working on new material, collaborating with a number of local artists and also writing songs to perform as a solo artist. Drawing from extremely diverse influences (from John Mayer to Usher), Luke sets out to write songs that interrogate the highs and lows of life, often imbedding insightful questions within carefully crafted toe-tapping melodies.

Luke is accompanied by Barnabus Shaw on piano.

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