The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Thursday 22nd March 2012

Singer-songwriter, Paul Dunton leads his own unique cross-over orchestra providing an atmospheric fusion of alternative and pop with a classical twist. Paul & his Orchestra take influences from varying modern day artists such as Pink Floyd, Elbow, ELO, Turin Brakes, Massive Attack, Damien Rice and contemporary composers such as Samuel Barber, Ludovico Einaudi, John Barry and Hans Zimmerman. The Orchestra performs Paul's own compositions and a varied selection of uniquely arranged standards from a wide range of artists. The line-up of 8 violins, 4 cellos, guitar, flute, bass and percussion accompanies Paul on vocals and piano, joined by his lead vocalists, Charlotte Andrew and Poppy Raine. Paul and his Orchestra regularly perform at concerts, festivals and private events throughout the UK and internationally, including headlining the Theatrium Wilhelmstraße Festival in Wiesbaden, Germany and an 8 state tour of the USA which culminated in a spectacular roof-top performance on top of the New York Strand Hotel. Increased attention and success led to the orchestra being featured on BBC Radio 2 by Joan Armatrading with interviews and airplay of one of Paul's songs, 'Don't Forget'. This led to Paul supporting Joan Armatrading on five occasions during her recent UK tours.

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Annaca is a Kent based singer/songwriter. She performs by herself on the piano as well as with her four-piece band that include Leo Humphries, Samuel Harrison and Ben Bashi. The music is very soulful and jazzy, with a playful electronic edge. There is a dramatic and theatrical essence about the music and performance Annaca and her band give out, having been described by the Emerging Icons as “a whirlwind of bright colours and rich, velvety sound."

In 2013 Annaca released her debut EP named, Haunted which was produced by the talented Jim Lowe (Stereophonics). The first single from the EP, 'Delilah' achieved record of the week status on BBC Kent Introducing. In Dec 2013 Annaca won a competition hosted by Dawsons Music and Yamaha Pianos whereby she was chosen by Jools Holland himself to open up his live show at the O2 Apollo in Manchester. 

Hunger Magazine illustrates  Annaca as "every inch the star her incredible voice promises". 2014 should be an exciting year for her having been working away at a new EP with electro producer Mike Joyce (IDNTY),  hoping for release in the Spring of  2014. 

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Coca Jem is a unique vocalist and lyricist, based in London and Kent Coca has collaborated with several other musicians including renowned guitarist Andy Vickery to create a vibrant contemporary blues/rock style. Her most recent collaboration is with Laurence Hobbs, songwriter, producer and co-founder of Major Music, who has worked with 100's of artists. Together they have created a refreshingly new tribal pop sound with Coca’s soulful voice providing a distinct 80’s feel. CocaJem performs locally and in London with Andy Vickery and Max Pepe from ‘Intraverse’ and has recently been joined by Jack Greenwood from ‘The Pretty Things’ on percussion.

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Fire Fly - the Tunbridge Wells based trio have been playing together for 4 months, after a chance meeting whilst working at The Tunbridge Wells Forum.

Joe Stapley first picked up the djembe at the age of 15 and has more recently started playing the guitar. He has performed locally with fellow family musicians. Eddie Mulvey heard the sounds of Jimmy Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan and by the age of 10 had developed a love of rock and blue's which has transposed to his playing style. Eddie currently studies music at West Kent College. Jasmine Tribe has been recording since the age of 11 when she won solo singing competition IDiva at Grassrootz festival.

Between the 3 of them, they have performed at Madame Jojo’s, Long bar, Barfly, The Forum and other local pubs and shows. Inspirations include: Led Zeppelin, Springsteen, The Noisettes, Delilah, Jason Mraz and Lenny Kravitz.

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