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Sunbeams Music Festival Review 2011 Tirril is on the edge of the Lake District National Park, with a population of 397 souls, a sleepy village with no shop, a Garage but most importantly a Village Hall. On the evening of the 25th of February 2011 the Sunbeams Music Festival started: not just an event you would associate with a small village in Cumbria but, of the standard and class of a major County event! These are not empty words; these are not inflated claims, as with so many things, you need to know who the best are, and then you need to hear them! The festival lasted for three nights, starting with the Chris Laurence Jazz Quartet, Chris Laurence, Frank Ricotti, Martin France, and John Parricelli. I have to say they sound like half an Italian dessert but in the words of Tina Turner they are “Simply the best”. On the evening of the 26th of February we had the honour to present the Locrian Ensemble of London, who delivered an evening of classical music second to none. Justin Pearson our Musical Patron and founder of the Locrians presented Rita Manning - Violin, Hannah Dawson - Violin and Morgan Gossff - viola. Due to the distinct diversity of the programme it was decided to divide the evening into three parts. This was not an old Dublin custom from whence Justin hails! The standard was as ever sublime and Justin’s enthusiastic empathy with the audience was at its zenith. On the evening of the 27th of February our final Quartet of the Festival was Aquarelle, four guitarists as one! Michael Baker, Vasillis Bessas, Rory Russell and James Jervis. Aquarelle just get better and better. Their music taken from Europe and South America shows an empathy with their instruments born of practise and devotion. As with any art form perfection is hard won, Aquarelle are achieving it and have left room to develop and expand. A must now, but what about the future? Thanks to the support of the wonderful people of Tirril , Sockbridge and surrounding area as well as the generosity of Pride in Penrith Lottery who donated £300 towards the running costs, the Festival was a huge success and we hope can be repeated next year. Michael Lawson-Johnson Annie Mawson’s Sunbeams Music Trust
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Chris Laurence, Frank Ricotti, Martin France and |
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Tirril and Sockbridge Village Hall CA10 2JE Friday 25th February 2011 7:30pm DON’T MISS OUT - BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW CALL SUNBEAMS ON 017684 83035 |
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Frank (Vibraphone) was voted Melody Maker’s Top Vibraphone player back in his teens. Since then he has remained constantly in demand for his work on records, film scores, jingles and TV shows and is the first choice percussionist for many artists, valued for his creative input. John (Guitar) began his professional guitar playing career in 1982, and has since worked in various areas of music. He was one of the founder members of Loose Tubes in the 80's, touring and recording three albums. Since then he has pursued a varied career, working with Kenny Wheeler, Andy Sheppard, Iain Ballamy, Norma Winstone, Lee Konitz, Paul Motian, Julian Arguelles, Tim Whitehead, Eddie Parker, WDR Band with Peter Erskine and Vince Mendoza, Mark Lockheart, Martin Speake, Annie Whitehead and Gerard Presencer amongst others.Alongside this, John also works in other areas of music, having recorded with M People, Judy Tzuke, Shara Nelson, Mike Oldfield and has played on numerous TV and feature films.
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Chris (Double Bass) was born in London and studied at the Guildhall school of music. Since then he has maintained a dual career in both jazz and classical music. In the classical world he was principal double bass with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields until 1995, playing on many of their famous recordings ranging from the film "Amadeus" to Benjamin Britten's "Curlew River". Jazz artists he has recorded with include trombonist J.J. Johnson, Tony Coe, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, Norma Winstone and Johnny Mathis. As well as jazz and classical music Chris has also featured on albums with many stars including Elton John, Sting, David Gilmour and guitarist John Williams. Martin (Percussion) has played with many of the world's finest musicians. He has performed in all five continents including concerts and tours in over forty countries worldwide. Martin began performing at the age of twelve backing singers in Working Men’s clubs with Organ Trios in and around Manchester, and in 1983 he began his recording career performing on several records for ECM. He is an active studio musician working on TV and Film soundtracks and is involved in programming and composing for many projects and artists, including his own band, Spin Marvel. |
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