Pizza Express Maidstone, Thursday 15th April 2010

One time solo singer/songwriter Charlie Rivers has witnessed a truly organic growth in his music which has slowly but surely taken on a full band sound, spurred on by Steve McCormack (guitar), Steve Bassett (bass) and Ash Rushman (drums). In the space of only 16 months, The Charlie Rivers Band has morphed from the 'hear-a-pin-drop' sounds of one man and his guitar, to an uncompromising full band musical experience. 2009 saw the guys play at the "Busking Cancer" launch event alongside "Madness," and attained duo slots at Hyde Park and Wireless festival. Last year the band launched their much anticipated debut album 'Tender Chaos,' playing a host of sell out shows both in the UK and abroad including a storming headline set at the the Local & Live Music festival. Their single "Crazy" received a great deal of local radio play and recent support sets have included Newton Faulkner, Matt Berry and Toploader. The band are currently working on their follow up album, having previewed some of their new material throughout the course of 2011, set for a release in early 2012.

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Sarah Sheldrake & Oli Scheuregger are one of the leading acts at the show, with divine vocals and outstanding piano.

Having learned to play the piano at the age of 5, Oli has been teaching himself for the last 5 years. Though classically trained, he draws inspiration from jazz, ambient and electronica artists such as Little Feat, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Athlete, E.S.T, Richard J. Lewis, Aphex Twin, Trio Elf, M83, MoodBungalo and Yoav. Oli has just finished secondary school and hopes to study sound recording at the University of Surrey.

Fusing his creativity and musicianship with talented singer/songwriter Sarah Sheldrake, the duo actively write and perform together offering a distinct live sound which encompass soul, pop, folk, jazz, electronic and blues influences. Sarah is studying music in her first year at Southampton University and comes back to Kent to collaborate with Oli between their studies. Some of Sarah's influences include Jeff Buckley, Bon Iver, The Cinematic Orchestra, Catherine Feeny, Madeline Peyroux, John Martyn and Sufjan Stevens. Paul recently awarded the duo free studio time at Audio Sorcery Studio's in Wadhurst providing the opportunity for Oli & Sarah to record their debut CD with local producer Paul Midcalfe in August of this year.

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Paul’s music is best described as a captivating fusion of alternative/pop and classical. He composes and performs both instrumental pieces and songs. With influences such as modern day artists; Ben Folds, Elbow, Turin Brakes and composers such as John Barry, Samuel Barber and Rachmaninov, Paul is an artist that offers something different. Following his 3 previous album releases; ‘Ordinary Guy’, ‘Train of Thought’ and live album ‘Escapism’, Paul recently released his first EP entitled ‘The Sirens ‘which is available for purchase at live performances and downloads are available at Itunes and all good online retailers. The EP features Paul’s larger ensemble known as The Paul Dunton Orchestra, which comprises a line-up of up to 12 violins & 6 Cellos, guitar, double-bass and flute.

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Only 18 months into her career and with a voice and performance that belie her tender years, local girl Sorrel Nation, is a girl on a mission. Born to sing into a household of eclectic musical influences, Sorrel was first onstage at the age of 8 with a Beatles tribute band in France, and has now opened for the likes of folk legends Martin Simpson, Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick as well as John Otway, Canadian Vocal Group of the Year Madison Violet, folk-punksters 3 Daft Monkeys and the incomparable Jackie Leven. The release of her debut EP, First Sight launched to a packed house at The Grey Lady, has made a clear statement of intent and will undoubtedly ensure that the next 12 months brings very good times, combining as it does a subtle layering of sound from acclaimed producer Nigel Lowis (Dina Carroll, Eternal, and collaborations with Carole King, Burt Bacharach amongst many others) to match her exquisite and versatile vocal range. Writing songs of her time Sorrel's beguiling voice is very much her own but with influences ranging from Norah Jones, Laura Marling and Priscilla Ahn, with a splash of Shelby Lynne and Dusty thrown in for good measure. Coming off the back of months of hard work gigging at venues such as The Bedford Arms and legendary Troubadour Club in London, as well as headlining The Grey Lady and a spine tingling performance at The Pizza Express show in Maidstone, not to mention fantastic debut performances at the Create Festival and the recent Local & Live festival held on the Pantiles. "See her now before she becomes a huge star" - The Troubadour Club, London

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