Pizza Express Maidstone, Thursday 15th April 2010

The Charlie Rivers Band, combine catchy melodies and intertwining vocal harmonies that simply refuse to leave your head, with songs that range from the blissfully acoustic to the all out rock 'n' roll!

One time solo singer/songwriter Charlie Rivers has witnessed an entirely natural and organic growth in his music which started when he enlisted the help of local guitarist Steve McCormack to join him in some acoustic shows. The duo became joined at the hip and it was not long before they produced the debut album “1⁄4 2 3” in late 2008. After the release of the Album it was evident that live a fuller sound was required, this came in two forms - bassist Jamie and later, drummer Ashley Rushman.

Since finalising the line up, CRB have had an incredible 12 months, including two sell out shows at The Royal Victoria Hall and Trinity Theatre. Another 2009 highlight saw the boys support Maddness, Mutya Buena and Skye Edwards (Morcheeba) aboard HMS Belfast at the launch party for the Busking Cancer charity.

2009 finished on a high as CRB spent 3 weeks in California, playing intimate acoustic shows in venues such as Lestats (San Diego), Biscuits & Blues (San Francisco) and the prestigious Viper Room (Los Angeles). The tour was a great success and has only given them a taste of what will follow.

We are now only weeks from the release of the debut album as a band, Tender Chaos. The Band are holding a launch for this album at the Royal Victoria Hall, (Tunbridge Wells, 8th May) and would love everyone to come and listen to what promises to be a cracking album. See www.charlierivers.co.uk for ticket information.

In the space of only 11 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. Playing sell out gig after sell out gig in the UK and around the world, audiences soak up Charlie’s sensitive lyrics, supported by his band who never fail to provide breathtaking harmonies and stunning charismatic performances. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the real deal!

Watch Out!!

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.

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.

Currently wowing audiences with her stunning voice and impassioned live performances, local singer/writer Sorrel Nation is definitely a girl on a mission.

With a string of gigs already behind her in the short while since becoming a solo artist, Sorrel has opened for the likes of John Otway, folk legend Martin Carthy and Canadian Vocal Group of 2009, Madison Violet, and has a debut EP being released shortly.

Writing songs with a passion and maturity beyond her years, Sorrel’s bewitching voice is an eclectic mix of Norah Jones and Priscilla Ahn, with a splash of Shelby Lynn and Aretha thrown in for good measure.

Sounds impressive ?  Come and hear for yourself. Check out her myspace!