The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Sunday 22nd July 2018
This is a past event.
Headline Act: Jono Harrison
Whether turning his hand to the studio or the stage, it can be hard to pin Jono Harrison down. It is fair to say that he lives and breathes music in a way that borders on obsession.
Formerly a session musician playing in various bands around London, a mystifying back injury forced him to put away his guitar for nearly two years. He taught himself recording techniques, and delved into albums such as Jeff Buckley’s ‘Grace’ and Nick Drake’s harrowing ‘Pink Moon’. Upon recovering, he set about writing own song ideas and recording demos, playing dingy bars around London and Brighton to whoever would listen. Six years on, he signed a deal with boutique label ‘Which Wolf Wins’ and released his eponymous debut album.
Jono subsequently toured the US and and the UK. He co-founded a 28 piece orchestra and joined 80s legends Cutting Crew on keyboard duties, all the while producing other acts and quietly writing in his home studio. As he gathers up influences from wherever he lays his hat, including electronica, trip-hop or post-punk - Jono has been developing a wider, beat-driven sound, soaked in warm synthesisers and chiming guitars, moving on from his former acoustic leanings but still embracing his love of heart-warming melodies.
Leanie Kaleido
Once labelled by Play Music magazine as ‘audio ganja’, Kent/Sussex-based singer-songwriter Léanie Kaleido interweaves soothing vocals and quirky lyrics with infectious melodies that will indelibly worm their way into your head and take up residence permanently.
Her unique style is mellow and wistful but slightly warped; sometimes gentle, often dark songs, peppered with tongue-in-cheek ditties about exploding breast implants, a travelling witch, Doctor Marten boots and recurring dreams.
Influences have come from a variety of paths, including the blues music played by her father (Top Topham of The Yardbirds), and from a childhood diet of Bob Dylan, Joan Armatrading, Kate Bush and Elton John, to the Stone Roses, the Cocteau Twins, Tori Amos and PJ Harvey, as well as her love of classical music, and her study of literature and philosophy that have helped shape her lyrics along the way.
Her début album, Karamelién, and the brand new follow up, Quicksands & Shadows, have both received national airplay and excellent reviews in the press.
R J Ellory, musician & international bestselling author, sums up the new album: “Quintessentially English and beautifully-constructed, these tracks invoke the very best of our homegrown singer-songwriters. Think Beverley Craven, Lily Allen and Dido, and you're on the right road, but Léanie is never anything but fresh and original. Listen, then listen again, and you’ll be captured...’
Katy Virgoe
Katy Virgoe is a songwriter that has always had a passion for performing, particularly with other musicians. Starting off as a solo artist she performed at small festivals and music events around the South East with her voice and a guitar, but since studying at BIMM she has found the joy in playing with other performers, giving her songs a new sound.
Katy’s music is now constantly changing from having an electronic feel to an open acoustic sound depending on the musicians she’s playing with.
An EP is currently in progress, but you can find Katy on Facebook.
Danny Bridle
Danny has been performing locally as a singer and guitarist for many years, both as a solo act and with bands (most recently with Flock Of Birds and The Crooked Teeth). More often seen out with an acoustic guitar these days, Danny performs his own songs as well as covers by acts such as Radiohead, Kelly Joe Phelps and Bob Dylan. His set usually features some fingerstyle guitar playing, alternate tunings and occasionally lap steel numbers which support a rich, heartfelt vocal performance.
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