Heligan Kitchen, Heligan GardensWednesday 17th October 2018 20:00 (doors open 19.00)
Lorraine Baker – drums
Paul Michael – electric bass
John Turville – piano
Alex Merritt- tenor saxophone
Lorraine Baker is a drummer, percussionist and bandleader. Originally from Kent, she started playing the drums for a local swing band when she was 14 years old. She gained a great deal of valuable experience here and went on to graduate from Trinity Laban with First Class Honours in 2009.Lorraine is embarking on an 19 date UK tour funded by Arts Council England to support the launch of her debut album “Eden,” released on independent jazz label Spark!, and funded by the Jazz Services Recording Support Scheme along with a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.Inspiration for this album came from a unique experience, when Lorraine gained the opportunity to perform the Don Cherry tune “Guinea” with international bassist Dave Holland, who had played and recorded with Ed Blackwell himself.Lorraine has always admired the dance-like quality of Blackwell’s playing, and has crafted her latest project with the drums at the centre, re-arranging tunes that Blackwell famously played and adding exciting modern compositional twists.Tracks include ‘Dakar Dance;’ a drum-heavy, infectious riff-based tune, ‘Thumbs Up;’ a raw fusion of progressive rock and afro groove, and ‘Blues Connotation;’ with an agitated, edgy introduction exploding into hard driving swing.Critically acclaimed pianist and mentor Liam Noble features on the album, who will be replaced by the award winning John Turville for the tour. Lorraine’s lifelong musical partner Paul Michael features heavily on electric bass and the quartet is completed by virtuosic saxophonist Alex Merritt.Lorraine has performed at many prestigious venues including Tokyo Opera House, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the Royal Albert Hall amongst many more, as well as recording at Maida Vale studios and for BBC Radio 4. She has performed a series of gigs with accomplished vocalist Christine Tobin and her band, featuring Gilad Altzmon. She features on Christine’s latest recording, ‘Pelt.’“Lorraine has a magical quality in her playing which is perhaps the rarest of all things musical.” Jeff Williams – Drummer/composer/educator“I had a wonderful time playing with Lorraine Baker while recently in London. She swings hard and plays in a style deeply rooted in the tradition of the great drummers of jazz.” Gary Smulyan – award winning NY based baritone saxophonist“I have no doubt that Lorraine Baker will make a valuable contribution to the musical landscape of the jazz scene and I am excited to follow her career.” Christine Tobin – internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist“Lorraine Baker’s dynamic range and musical concept is mature and advanced for someone so young.” Christine Tobin – internationally acclaimed jazz vocalistHeligan Kitchen Supper MenuChicken and chestnut mushroom pie with a puff pastry top, buttered new potatoes, seasonal veg. £10.95 / Heligan’s rare breed shredded beef stew with wilted greens and fresh Heligan bread. £10.95 / Mixed English beans marinated in herbs & spices, Khobez flatbread, raitha and Salad (Vegan). £9.95 / Seasonal vegetable lasagne with toasted garlic bread and mixed salad. £9.95 (Vegetarian)Doors open and Licensed bar from 7.00pm. Suppers available until 8.00pmBook Tickets – 01726 879500 on online HEREOr buy at Tourist Offices in Falmouth, Truro, Bodmin, Liskeard, Launceston etcTickets in advance :Standard : £12.00 (£14.00 On The Door)Under21s : £7.00 (£8.00 On The Door)
