The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Sunday 4th July 2010

Formed in 2010, Kent based folk/country artists The Breretons are set to emerge on the London music scene this year with a string of live dates and a debut album scheduled for release in the Autumn. Born from the ashes of London based rock outfit The Original Sinners, the brother/sister duo Marc and Charlotte are returning to their folk roots, playing heartfelt story telling songs of rare poetic quality. Their haunting harmony vocals are accompanied by Alex Metcalfe (piano), Kirsty Mangan (violin), Jim Cox (drums) and Pete Clements (bass).

Show full profile »

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

Show full profile »

Jennifer Ridley established her passion for writing and composing music at the age of thirteen. Filmic, folky and ethereal, her music is a reflection of listening to many poetic and musical influences of both “Romantic” lyrical composition such as Shakespeare, Keats and Blake to more modern folk artists such as Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tori Amos and Damien Rice. Her dark warm vocals combined with her individual folk sound mirrors the poetic lyrics which explore the many facets and emotions of the human soul. Jennifer has more recently formed a group with the instrumental ensemble “The Dead Poets Society” who bring a new expressive depth to her music and other poets work. They hope to be playing more locally as the year develops.

Show full profile »

“Phoebe Katis is a deeply talented singer songwriter. Her versatile tracery on the piano complements her enchanting vocals.” – Paul Dunton, Music Promoter. Classically trained in the piano, cello and voice Phoebe started writing her own material at the age of 13. Her style encompasses indie pop through to contemporary folk and jazz and she cites her main influences as Alicia Keys and Eva Cassidy. In addition she pulls certain musical aspects from artists such as KT Tunstall, Nerina Pallot and Norah Jones.

Phoebe began performing her music professionally at the Bull in Benenden Music Nights and has subsequently taken up a place on Paul Dunton’s rostra at the prestigious Grey Lady music lounge. She thoroughly enjoys every chance she gets to play at the lounge and hopes she will have more to come! “She is a compelling live performer and conveys passion and honesty through her lyrics and crafted melodies. She has that rare ability to make you just simply ‘sit and listen’, her music effortlessly drawing the listener into her world” – Paul Dunton

Phoebe is enthusiastic in all aspects of music especially musical theatre and composition. She has been a keen actress in countless school productions and is hoping to continue this throughout her education and beyond! However she has always had a passion for songwriting and hopes that one day it could become her career. She says “Christina Aguilera said ‘The rockiest road often leads to the top’ … well I’m up for that!”

Phoebe recently received an recording award from Paul Dunton to work with esteemed producer, Paul Midcalf of Audio Sorcery Studios in Kent. The award which translates to free recording time is specifically given to 4 acts per year who are displaying great potential and have yet had the opportunity to work with a professional producer. The 4 acts are chosen from Paul’s roster of 200 artists who perform at his shows at The Grey Lady Music Lounge. This award will allow Phoebe the opportunity to release her debut EP with a launch showcase due to take place at The Grey Lady in the summer of 2011.

Show full profile »