The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Sunday 15th August 2010

The band was formed in the summer of 2009 by James Beeny, a singer/songwriter who harboured ambitions to play contemporary music with classically trained musicians. James was soon joined by Mike Parkin, who sings backing vocals and plays the violin, mandolin and bass and Charlie Andrew, who sings and plays the violin. They were then joined by Tess Hardwick on cello, and Tom Gyr on bass, acoustic guitar and backing vocals. John Hinchcliffe, who plays violin and piano, completed the line-up. For a band without a drum kit, the songs have masses of energy.

The band received their first radio play on BBC Radio Kent on the Pat Marsh Show in December, and Pat Marsh said: "Virgin Soldiers are a real find - their contemporary approach, coupled with great musical production creates a unique sound that is worthy of a national audience. It's rare to find such gifted musicians all working together to create such a memorable sound."

The band hosted a Christmas gig at Matfield Village Hall in aid of Stars Foundation for Cerebral Palsy. They then went on to play their debut London gig, alongside 'Arthur Rigby and the Baskervylles' at the famous Water Rats in King's Cross. Virgin Soldiers performed at The Trinity Arts Centre in Tunbridge Wells alongside Dan Clews in February, and then have their second London gig at The Bedford in March. They recently entered the national band competition Live and Unsigned, and successfully made it through to round two, in which they will play to a capacity crowd at the Hove Centre. Hannah Northedge, one of the judges, said this: "My favourite [act] on the day were Virgin Soldiers. They had fantastic string arrangements and I had their songs in my head long after I left the auditions!"

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.

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

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.