Young UK artists have been invited to perform at two of our major shows this season, for jazz greats John McLaughlin and Marcus Miller
John McLaughlin and The 4th Dimension + Ranjana Ghatak
Tuesday 23 April | LONDON Barbican
London-born Indian singer Ranjana Ghatak, renowned for her work with artists ranging from Akram Khan and Nitin Sawhney to the London Philharmonic Orchestra, juxtaposes the beauty of sacred Indian vocal music with the driving improvised rhythms of contemporary music.
'Her milky tones wash off over in waves like a lullaby, gently lulling you into a state of semi-hypnosis'(The Upcoming)
Working with Mercury nominated musician/producer Liran Donin and in demand guitarist and composer Jack Ross, Ranjana will be performing new material from her upcoming album, drawing inspiration from her roots in Indian classical music and observing the journey of transformation through songs written by mystic poets such as Kabir and Meerabai in addition to classical songs and prayers in Sanskrit. This trio have spent the last 2 years exploring and performing in several venues including Kew Gardens, Saffron Walden, Bath International Festival and Wigmore Hall.
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Marcus Miller + Emma-Jean Thackray's Walrus
Sunday 26 May | LONDON Royal Festival Hall
The opening act for Marcus Miller’s London show next month, on what would have been many time collaborator Miles Davis’ birthday, has been announced as Emma-Jean Thackray’s Walrus.
From the multi-instrumentalist's storming solo release Ley Lines, to composing for London Symphony Orchestra, to filling club dance floors, UK jazz rising star Emma-Jean Thackray shall open the show with her band Walrus.
Hailing from Yorkshire, Emma-Jean Thackray has developed a signature trumpet sound, as well as shining with the clarinet, flugel, drums and more, alongside being an accomplished beat-maker, composer, bandleader and remixer. All these elements culminate in her music to create an ‘hypnotic, low-end with psychedelic soul that’s cross-bred with woozy horns’ (Downbeat)
She has a monthly radio show on Worldwide FM and her remix credits include Hector Plimmer and Makaya McCraven’s CHICAGOxLONDON Mixtape. She’s also been in the Brazil in March/April collaborating and recording for upcoming projects.
Walrus are:
Emma-Jean Thackray - Trumpet
Dougal Taylor - Drums
Ben Kelly - Tuba
Lyle Barton - Keys
Walrus perform from 7.30pm, followed by an interval, leading on to Marcus Miller and his band, performing new material from his latest release Laid Black. One of the most influential artists of our time, the jazz bass star of fusion, funk, soul and jazz pursues a musical mix in this project, incorporating more modern, urban elements into his sound from trap, hiphop, R&B to gospel.
Special guest star: Sam Healey
Furthering his support of young, UK artists, Marcus Miller will be joined on stage for 1 or 2 songs by saxophonist Sam Healey of Skeltr, who recently completed our Talent Development programme Take Five. Based in Manchester, Sam spent six years as part of Beats and Pieces Big band whilst completing a degree in Classical Music at RNCM. He’s performed live on BBC Radio 3 for classical ensembles, won the Johnny Raducanu improvisation prize in Romania and spent a year as soprano sax for Ensemble Denada in Norway.
