The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Wednesday 18th August 2010

Singer Songwriter Zoe Nicol is a maverick in the world of folk music- a storyteller with a lyrical twist, but more than that, Zoe is an artist who possesses the rare ability to leave an audience breathless. “I recall the moment I first heard Zoe sing I felt completely moved and inspired, you could hear a pin drop as the audience listened intently, everyone present was totally absorbed by her performance. Her songs are beautifully crafted, rich in both melody and creative edge” Music promoter - Paul Dunton

Zoe grew up with the influence of Joni Mitchell and Eva Cassidy who inspired her to become the sincere and heartfelt artist her fans have come to love. Her debut EP entitled ‘Walk Against The wind’ was released in the summer of 2008 and sold out by the winter of that same year. Her captivating stage presence is embellished further by her modest and enchanting persona, she is able to reach out and connect to an audience through her live performances and recordings.

Zoe hails from Tunbridge Wells in Kent and is currently attending Liverpool institute of performing arts (also known as the Paul McCartney Music School) studying performance and song writing, as well as recording her full-length debut album titled “these are the stories” to be released in April 2010.

Jennie has been writing songs for a number of years, however it is only within the last year that she has begun to perform them publicly, predominantly at acoustic venues and music events in and around Tunbridge Wells including a recent debut at Paul Dunton's showcase at The Grey Lady Music Lounge. Jennie's song writing is heavily influenced by the lives and experiences of those to whom she is closest and with great insight her lyrics provide a refreshing depth and honesty while her songs walk the tightrope between desperation and hope. Although occasionally choosing to perform on her own with either guitar or piano, Jennie's regular accompaniment is provided by Tom Heaseman (percussion) and Luke Bacon (guitar/backing vocals) who were formerly members of popular local indie rock band Tehillah Commission.

With influences such as modern day artists; Ben Folds, Anthony & The Johnsons, Burt Bacharach and composers such as Barber and Rachmaninov, Kent based singer-songwriter Paul Dunton offers something unique! Paul’s music is best described as a captivating fusion of popular contemporary and classical. He composes and performs both instrumental pieces and songs. He is due to provide the soundtrack for an upcoming international film release. For smaller intimate shows Paul (piano/vocals) performs with along side his quartet know as the ‘Crew’. The atmospheric and ethereal live sound features Cello, violins and Flute. Paul is due to release his third album at the beautiful King Charles Martyr Church near The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells on Friday June 11th. That concert will see both Paul giving away a free signed copy of his new album entitled ‘Escapism; to all who come and paul will be performing alongside his ‘full’ crew known as The Paul Dunton Orchestra which comprises a line up of 10 violins, 5 cellos, Flute, Guitar, Percussion and vocalist Fiona Keeler.

Aaron has been in various bands starting from his college days when the 'Britpop' scene was fully in bloom. He has gigged and toured extensively. His journey has included supporting Bob Geldolf, Playing the Glasgow Barfly to three people, (!) selling out the London Water Rats, busking the streets of Chichester, supporting Athlete, playing Brixton academy, supporting Dodgy (they all count), playing Shepherds Bush Empire, mass flirting with A'n'R monkeys, writing the XFM song of the week, and creating three singles and one full length album to name a few landmarks and pit-stops along the way.

Aaron's performances draw his audience into an intimate conversation even in the largest of venues. Frith's turn of phrase and observations on the struggle and wonder of life connect with the listener in personal and surprising ways. Sharing his life, ideas and adventures with a voice rich with emotion and authenticity has brought him some success and acclaim. Lyrically, he has always held his faith close to his heart but not to his chest as he uses the inspiration, challenge and experience of wrestling with man's relationship to God as a canvassing theme for his writing. 

Aaron recently counted twenty-three different jobs he has done to support his compulsion to connect with people through music. At the moment it is working for Social Services, Church Music Director and Office Furniture Installation. All this to facilitate performing material from his debut album 'Lifeline'. Visit aarondavidfrith.com to watch/listen.