“Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.” Elton John
OK, we’re not talking out of body experiences, but your humble newsletter servant can totally relate to being enormously, importantly and delightfully distracted from regular work when the honey voiced legend PP Arnold is rehearsing in the room next door. No, you don’t get it. I mean, even when she talks, it’s like the singing of talking. My knees go weak, my heart flutters and my mind wanders from actual work to just tuning in to the tunes next door. So what stellar singer has been distracting you from doing your day job? Answers on a postcard please. PP Arnold plays Union Chapel on May 14th and other UK dates: https://pparnold.com/tours-gigs
We were delighted that this course, our first run by pianist, arranger and musical director Janette Mason, was sold out and all participants got to record their songs in Studio A. There was a real mixture of types of songs, from jaunty and upbeat to heartfelt and moving – and all moods in-between. It was a pleasure to watch basic tunes and structures blossom into fully formed songs. The atmosphere was electrifying and we even had one participant who gave everyone free chair massages. We’re definitely having HER back. If you’ve got the music in you, but don’t quite know how to express it, register your interest here and we’ll let you know when we run the next one. michele@premiseseducation.org
JAZZ PIANO PERFORMANCE COURSE
As we go to (ahem) press, there are just two places left on this month’s three-day piano performance course with Nikki Yeoh, Robert Mitchell and Tim Richards. The course runs from May 20-22 and ends with a gig-to-remember in Studio 1… featuring YOU on piano with a stellar band (Denys Baptiste, Winston Clifford and Dominic Howles). Invite your friends and family to watch you play… drinks and nibbles on us! Email: michele@premiseseducation.org and grab one of the final places on this unmissable course!
And speaking of Nikki Yeoh, we highly recommend catching her gig at Lauderdale House on 12 May. Tickets going fast so get in. It’s in the beautiful grounds of Waterlow Park for their Jazz in the House series. Book here: https://www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk/whats-on/jazz-house-nikki-yeoh-solo-gemini
IN THE RECORDING STUDIO
When Hollywood Royalty met actual Royalty. We’ve had to keep this under wraps for a while but Audible’s new ‘Climate of Change’ podcast series featuring Prince William and Cate Blanchett is out now… and it was recorded right here in our suitably solar-powered recording studio! I mean, we’ve had some big names recording here but this was truly momentous. Here’s a clip
NU CIVILISATION ORCHESTRA
And whilst we’re on a Royal tip, you may not know this but in October 1958, Duke Ellington got off the A Train to The Leeds Festival to meet Queen Elizabeth and the OTHER Duke (of Edinburgh) to mark the centenary of that event. This inspired Ellington to write The Queen’s Suite, which was kept hidden from the public until Ellington died. The Nu Civilisation Orchestra, led by Musical Director Peter Edwards, will play this in full as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations with Tomorrow’s Warriors’ co-founder Dr. Gary Crosby on double bass. Friday, 3 June at Queen Elizabeth Hall. https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/gigs/nu-civilisation-orchestra-queens-suite
WHO’S BEEN IN? (apart from A list Hollywood stars and Royalty)
We’ve been craaazy busy last month, studios rammed with the likes of PP Arnold, who we might have mentioned before. And… Ash, Vashti Bunyan, Ezra Collective, Bearcubs, Kokoroko, Miles Kane, Soul II Soul, Tommy Le Froy, Black Country New Road, Tim Burgess, The Compozers, Ben Marc, JP Cooper, Lianne La Havas , Bow Anderson and Zoe Rahman, Black Country New Road, FKA Twigs, Rachel Chinouriri, Nick Mono, Gabrielle, Sam Eastmond Orchestra, Deyaz, Amy Michelle, Jack Garrett, Oliver Sim, Lurine Cato, Liberty Church, Shez Raja, Alissic, Red Clubs Black Hearts, The Playmaker Group, Boy Bleach, Matilda Cole, Phoebe Axa, Winnie Raeder, Mae Muller, Blue Lab Beats, Sports Team, Perhaps Contraption, Beka, Louise Dunford, Iraina Mancini, Michelle John, Yaz Ahmed, Prep, Priya Ragu, Emeli Sande, Kaamal, Lady Blackbird, Poppy Ajudha, Creation Trust, Jay Goldsmith, Ider, Anna Meredith, Azure Ryder, Nu Civilisation Orchestra, Nubya Garcia and Omar Puente. Phew…
FRIENDS IN NEED
Two of our oldest friends at the Premises are currently struggling with health issues. Neville Malcolm is one of the UK’s most in-demand bassists. Known to all as Level Neville, he’s on the mend but unable to work. Help if you can, there’s a benefit gig at the 606 Club on Mon 9th May or donate here: https://gofund.me/1a4b5dcc.
John Fisher is a stalwart of the gospel scene and founder of IDMC Choir. John recently suffered a severe stroke and is still in hospital but recovering slowly. Donate if you can to: Mrs MD Fisher, sort code 23-05-80. Acc 10766966.
Healing vibes on their way from all of us at The Premises. We look forward to seeing you guys back in action again soon x
AND LAST BUT DEFINITELY NOT LEAST…
Our beautiful and friendly studio cat, Doris Watkins, who has been with us some 16 years, has let us know that all this wild and crazy rock’n’roll stuff is getting a bit too much these days. She’d be much happier in a quieter flat or house, sunbathing and grazing on Dreamies. Loves music, napping and being spoiled. Has some wild gossip about all the pop stars she’s ever met. If you think you could offer a loving home for Doris, please contact michele@premiseseducation.org