QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“Just remember that William Blake wasn’t even published in his lifetime. You gotta keep creating.”- Kris Kristofferson
Following the death of Kris Kristofferson, the one thing that is so apparent, apart from his prodigious output, activism, work ethic and stunning song writing, is that he was a very, very nice guy, universally loved, admired and respected not only within the music industry but everywhere. That vision of creating for the sake of creating is one we see every single day here. It’s not just about the record deal, the gig, the tour, though these things are a big reason why artists and bands come here, but also just to create. Our resident producers are constantly working on stuff that may or may not turn into something the wider world will hear, but they never stop creating. So keep creating. And come do it here, for we love the sound of music, from you lot. And now, onto the business of creation….
OCTOBER VOICE JAM
It’s getting on for that time of year again, half term, which means Clive Brown is running his always magnificent Voice Jam choir, made up of mostly secondary school kids in Hackney but also other boroughs. All that is needed is a love of singing, and a desire to have a great time rehearsing and singing two songs and recording in our state-of-the-art recording studio. We are running from the 28th- 31st of October, from 2:30-4:30 on the first three days and 11-5 on recording day. We’ll have a party at the end and a bit of free-styling on the mics, always great fun. There are a VERY few spaces left so please sign up now. More information and sign up, here
TOMORROW’S WARRIORS AT HACKNEY CARNIVAL
Was great to see Tomorrow’s Warriors Junior Band at the Hackney Carnival in September, playing the stage organised by our partners at Hackney Music Services. They sure got the crowd moving. Aran Thomas of HMS said the feedback on the band was really positive, “The sound technicians were especially blown away by all the talent in the band.” The musicianship and professionalism of the young band was testament to how brilliant Tomorrow’s Warriors is at training up young musicians to be, you know, the people you’re gonna pay cash money to see at Ronnie’s and other venues in a few year’s time. We hope all involved are rightfully proud of this stellar performance.
NU CIVILISATION ORCHESTRA - BLACK SAINT AND THE SINNER LADY
At the Barbican, a small contingent of Premises staff took in the ground-breaking performance of Nu Civilisation Orchestra’s collaboration with the achingly graceful and athletic Clod Ensemble dancers. The NCO has come up through Tomorrow’s Warriors and have been coming to The Premises for ages. It was fascinating to hear how Peter Edwards transcribed Charles Mingus's masterwork by ear, a painstaking process. For most of the performance the professional dancers gently invited us civilians to take to the dance floor, shimmying, gliding, hip swivelling and yes, dancing like nobody was watching. Truly an electrifying evening, to the point that when it was over, we stumbled, dazed (stone cold sober) into the cool Autumn air, rendered speechless, lost in the magic and reverie of the performance. If they perform it again and you don’t go, we’re no longer friends, because you MUST!
NEW SUPERGROUP SHAPES UP HERE!
We must confess, we who work here, not known for our public displays of fan worship, do sometimes find our awes getting struck when members of bands we saw as punters, back in the cigarette fog of time, come in as a new formation. All great artists in their own right, now joining up to make something perhaps even MORE than the sum of their parts. We give you, Brix Smith, Cait O Riordan, Linda Pitmon and Kathy Valentine. As American Dream Syndicate guitarist Steve Wynn posted “This is my new favourite band and I have yet to hear a single note.” We think they are going to be ma-hoosive!
NIKKI YEOH’S NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION 3-DAYER
Nikki Yeoh, who runs our always sold out Live Piano sessions and Premises Piano Week, is adding a new short course for those players whose New Year’s Resolutions include: Play More Piano. Part refresher for who those who’ve let practice slide by the way of the universal Christmas slump of good intentions, it’s also a great course to skill up with new styles and techniques to get that much better than you already are. The course will run from 31st January to 2nd Feb. As well as Nikki Yeoh, tutors include Jason Rebello, Dian Gasper and special guest, acclaimed jazz trumpeter Byron Wallen to teach about transcription, comping and soloing. Early Bird price (think of it as a cool pressie for the pianist in your life) of £250. For initial queries or to get on the list, write: michele@premiseseducation.org
PLUS! If you want to catch Nikki in performance with Café Oran at Ronnie Scott’s, and of course you do, book here
Very sad to hear that Tony Haynes, founder and maestro of the Grand Union Orchestra, has died at the age of 84. Tony was a close friend of the Premises for thirty years, a visionary composer and organiser, bringing together musicians from every part of the globe. Tony was a pioneer, an alchemist of world music long before anyone called it that.
Always jovial and larger than life, Tony will be sorely missed by all who loved and worked with him. More here.
WHO’S BEEN IN?
Amongst other luminaries, during September we welcomed…Black Country New Road, Wasia Project, The Milkmen, Charlotte Planke, Pacifica,The Weil Things, Guildhall, Midtown Funk, English Teacher, K.T. Tunstall, TIEKS, Two Another, Meg Watson, Marc Almond, Folded Wing, The Heuristics, Josh Flowers, The Funk Soul Brothers, Caity Baiser, London Voice Academy, House Gospel Choir, Now Ex, Chloe Quisha, Asha Parkinson, Alicia Davies, Prima Queen, Elephant Kind, Kym Mazelle, Malibu Hot Flush, Liam Hicks, Isobel Waller-Bridge, Triggerfish, Terry Miles, Moonshine Heavies, Fossils, Asian Dub Foundation, Celeste, Baby Rose, Ashley Cooper, Naked Brunch, Kathy Valentine, The Flints, Kurupt FM, Nubya Garcia, Dystopia, Trinity Laban, Adrian Corker. Britain’s Got Talent, Miraculous Mule, Spearmint, Matt Felix, Sweet Sticky Jam, Nicky Rubin, Sid James Experience, Tendai, Trans Siberian Marching Band, Berklee College, Kingsland-ites, The Jam, Kamal, The Divine Comedy, Cymande, and many more.
MRS. DORIS WATKINS
Viv may have thought he was the boss but Doris ruled the roost here, we all know that. Until she retired two years ago, off to live a life of luxury with the lovely and devoted Iona. Now she's gone to the big studio in the sky although we anticipate her popping up in some other gaff to enjoy her other eight lives. RIP Doris. The mice won't miss you but we do. x.
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