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Rowan Piggott & Joe Danks were introduced in 2021 and bonded over a shared passion for Old-Time Appalachian music. An initial campsite session turned into living room jams, sharing lifts to sessions and ultimately the creation of a new touring duo – Old Spot.

​Expect Old-Time Appalachian music made with modern audiences in mind – stomping fiddle tunes and lazy banjo backbeats giving way to close harmony singing. Old Spot sees two musicians from strong traditional backgrounds exploring a shared musical love, creating new music that is bursting with joy and imagination.

Presented by Live & Local

Emily and Hazel Askew have become known as two of the foremost performers and interpreters of traditional music from England. Their live performances brim with the depth and connection not only of two sisters, but also of two musicians who have been immersed in folk music all their lives.

Together, they rework and reinterpret songs and balladry, creating breath-taking arrangements, which allow words that are hundreds of years old to resonate profoundly with contemporary audiences.

In 2019, the duo returned to the studio with a fresh vision. After months deep in rehearsal, reconstructing and re-exploring their sound, unearthing old songs, as well as composing and creating new music, their fourth album ‘Enclsoure’ emerged, which was released to widespread critical acclaim…

‘Gifted multi-instrumentalists, singers and writers’
Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2

‘Beautiful, uncanny and subtly political songs’
The Guardian

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Multi-award-winning trumpeter, bandleader and composer, Henry Spencer has numerous acclaimed albums to his name.  His quintet plays music of “astonishing dynamic variety” (Manchester Jazz Festival) drawing on jazz, rock and minimalism.

Bold and evocative compositions showcase Henry’s “spectacular technique” (The Guardian).  His well-established band do justice to music that spans passages of raw energy to intimate, emotionally-led lyrical melodies – almost as if there were words being sung.

Book now to hear this impressive band with Ant Law on guitar, a familiar and popular musician with Bonington audiences, adding to the strong mix.

Reviews of his album The Defector:

“…an ambitious album … [whose music] … is bold and dynamic and is also rich in terms of colour, texture and compositional intelligence.” – The Jazz Mann ★★★★

“Trumpet and flugelhorn are always centre stage, showing off dazzling technique, but the sidemen never falter… An impressive work” – The Guardian

Line-up: Henry Spencer trumpet & flugelhorn, Ant Law guitar, Matt Robinson piano, Andrew Robb bass, Jamie Murray drums

Presented by Jazz Steps

Joy Ellis is a jazz pianist, singer and composer whose long-time collaborators Henrik Jensen on double bass and drummer Adam Osmianski produce music whose compelling melodies have “an introspective north European feel; delicate, intimate – no notes are wasted in its pared-back sound” (London Jazz News).  Her stage presence is easy and engaging and performances draw on music including albums with different feels.

Of her second album Dwell, BBC Radio 3 jazz critic Kevin Le Gendre noted: ‘Fantastically wistful ambiance and beautiful voice.’  Her 2017 album Life on Land was ★★★★ rated by the Guardian who praised the “Fiery improvisations from Ellis …[and] well-structured hard-bop solos on piano and Fender Rhodes.’   Her most recent album Peaceful Place is solo piano, having a relaxed and minimalist vibe in keeping with the album’s title.

“Variously reminds of Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau and Bill Evans” about MOJO Magazine about album “Peaceful Place” MOJO Magazine

Line-up: Joy Ellis piano & vocals, Henrik Jenson bass, Adam Osmianski drums

Presented by Jazz Steps

The richness provided by the accordion, powerful rhythm guitar and bodhran give a fullness of sound that belies the number of people on stage and with a repertoire encompassing fast and furious Celtic songs and tunes, gentle ballads and quality contemporary numbers by the likes of Christy Moore, Eric Bogle and Ewan MacColl as well as some original material, this East Midlands based band are one of the most sought after on the circuit

Presented by Live & Local