Sunday, 21st April
Zoë Schwarz Blue Commotion
“A great band. Terrific musicians all four of them.” - Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2
“Unique vocals, accomplished guitar, a classic performance, and a fresh approach to 'the blues'."
– Blues in Britain, Old Bush Blues Festival
Zoë Schwarz Blue Commotion refreshes the blues genre with eclectic arrangements, virtuosic playing, and vocal prowess.
With an exciting live set based around rootsy original songs, strong catchy riffs, and exciting grooves, they mix old-school tradition with contemporary flare and sophistication.
Zoë's unique, dynamic, yearning, commanding vocal delivery and her interpretive ability are complemented by Rob's ability to come up with catchy vibrant riffs and musical arrangements, which stretch the term 'blues' and keep it moving forward, so as to be relevant for our current times.
There’s no rigid musical template for Blue Commotion; the only stipulation is that it feels good, tastes good and sounds good. This is aided by the highly accomplished rhythm section of Pete Whittaker and Paul Robinson, who have the ability to push the music in unpredictable and exciting directions. The band prides itself on filling their 'live' and album sets with original music,
Zoë Schwarz Blue Commotion have made a considerable impact this last decade and are one of the bands that have added a fresh approach and vibrancy to the UK Blues scene, receiving many awards and nominations, including finalists in the UK Blues Awards with Female Vocalist, Band, and Album of the Year, several times.
ZOË SCHWARZ
Citing Billie Holiday, John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, Ray Charles, Etta James, Amy Winehouse and Beth Hart as influences, Zoë's musical journey started while at convent boarding school, singing sacred music in church several times a week.
Zoë broadened her musical intake by defying school rules and listening to John Peel late at night on a tiny transistor radio, and loving bands like the Stranglers. She was introduced to Billie Holiday by her uncle in her early teens, and this proved to be the crucial stepping stone to singing the blues.
Later, she went in search of like-minded musicians and was introduced to Rob; it proved to be the catalyst, and in January 2012 they formed Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion.
"Schwarz’s stage presence and vocal delivery is commanding . . . She’s a lady born to sing the blues." - Blues In Britain
ROB KORAL
A self-taught musician, Rob first came to prominence with the successful band SKETCH, featuring vocalist Sue Hawker.
Citing Jan Akkerman, Joe Pass and Allan Holdsworth among his early influences, Rob has played on more than 30 albums featuring top UK musicians such as Jeremy Stacey, Laurence Cottle, Roy Babbington, Gareth Williams, Robin Aspland, Mark Fletcher, Mike Bradley, Pete Whittaker, Paul Robinson, and Andy Gangeden.
“Innovative spark, virtuoso playing and a dare-devil attitude.”
- Pete Feenstra, Get Ready To Rock
PETE WHITTAKER
Originally a piano player, Pete migrated to the organ after listening to the classic 50s/60s Jimmy Smith recordings. As a result of immersing himself in the sound world of organ greats such as the aformentioned Mr Smith, plus Larry Young, Groove Holmes, Jack McDuff, and Jimmy McGriff, he has chosen to continue his musical journey in the Hard Bop, soul jazz, funky tradition.
An in-demand musican who toured with the Wonder Stuff in the 90s, Pete is a member of John Etheridge's Blue Spirits, Theo Travis' Double Talk and The Filthy 6.
“With Whittaker's classic approach, set alongside Koral's guitar, you get a sound that goes back to the likes of Quatermass and Atomic Rooster, but as modern as you like."
- Andy Sniper, International Music News
PAUL ROBINSON
For nearly 20 years, Paul toured and recorded with jazz legend Nina Simone and currently plays with The Eric Bibb Band. His ability to adapt to any genre has seen him tour, work or record with a diverse range of artists, including Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, Mose Allison, Zoot Money, Dame Cleo Laine, Jan Hammer, Natalie Cole, Dianne Reeves, Liz Wright, Angelique Kidjo, and Patti Austin.
"Is there any drummer who listens more and who truly converses with the lead voice, with a projection of power without volume?" - London Jazz News
Zoë Schwarz (Vocals) Rob Koral (Guitar) Pete Whittaker (Organ) Paul Robinson (Drums)