Live Music & Events

Tckets adv. £10.00+bf | motd >> >> >>

http://skiddle.com/e/39321963/

Drum roll please Mr Smith★★★

The boys are BACK for a cheeky matinee & we cant wait⬇️

Pete Osman – Bass/Vocals

Nigel Darvill – Keys

Rik Sandford – Guitar

Kev Osman – Sax/Vocals

Howard Smith – Drums

A ‘MUST’ for all lovers of Northern Soul & Motown grooves!

One of the most powerful & soulful musical line-ups to come out of Birmingham.

The band set the atmosphere with classic tracks such as Uptight, Seven Days Too Long, Do I Love You, Green Onions & Time is Tight.

The big sound & spontaneous excitement which they stir up on stage from the glorious sounds of the Hammond organ, tenor sax, bass, lead guitar & drums, collectively, reflects their lifelong love of soul music….

Do not miss what is going to be a Northern Soul & Motown extravaganza!

• Bar/garden/restaurant open: 12noon

• Music kicks off: 1.00pm |

www.thebluepiano.co.uk

***PLEASE NOTE***

* Bar > garden > restaurant open from 12 noon & a reservation for dining is recommended.

* Diners please call or email to reserve a table:

0121 454 6877

info@thebluepiano.co.uk

www.thebluepiano.co.uk

* This is an outdoor event.

* There is very limited seating – seats are not guaranteed.

* Seating & tables in the garden cannot be reserved.

* All dining bookings will be for the restaurant but can be moved outside – depending on availability – on the day.

★The Blue Piano LIVE: RICKY COOL AND THE IN CROWD ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY★

SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER

• Music kicks off 5.00pm…ish

• Tickets: £8 | motd

• Ticket link:

skiddle.com/e/39046067/

CD/EP Launch Party

‘ARE YOU IN?’

Five original compositions inspired by the Band’s

love of Jamaican Ska, Bluebeat and Mento. For

a sample follow this link:

https://youtu.be/gg-u-2TznhU

Be prepared for a wonderful afternoon and early evening, celebrating musical styles that have become synonymous with the very best in popular music.

You will hear Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Ska and Bluebeat, as well as Afro

Cuban rhythms, delivered in the Band’s own inimitable style.

Classics by the likes of Ray Charles, Ken Boothe, Booker T and the MG’s,

Toots and the Maytals are mixed with original numbers to create a toe

tapping musical experience, guaranteed to have you itching to dance.

As Ricky says, “Our music is timeless and enjoyed by young and old alike.

The fun we have on stage rubs off on our audience and a great time is had by

one and all.”

Ricky Cool and the In Crowd are:

Ricky Cool – Vocals, Harmonicas, Saxophone.

David ‘Deeko’ Parry – Guitar, Vocals.

Nigel Darvill – Keyboards.

Simon ‘Smudge’ Smith – Bass.

Harrison Weston-Cottrell – Drums.

• Bar | Garden | Restaurant open 4.30pm

***PLEASE NOTE***

* A reservation for dining is recommended.

* This is an outdoor event. Please come weather prepared!

* There is very limited seating – seats are not guaranteed.

* Seating & tables in the garden cannot be reserved.

* All dining bookings will be for the restaurant but can be moved outside (depending on availability on the evening)

https://www.rickycoolandtheincrowd.co.uk/

The Band members are all seasoned musicians with excellent pedigrees, who have worked with artists including Ruby Turner, The Beat, Gregory Isaacs, Carina Round, Linda Perry & Fine Young Cannibals!

Bios⬇️

Ricky Cool and the In Crowd formed in 2013 with the aim of presenting classic American rhythm and blues together with early Jamaican genres such as Bluebeat, Ska, and Reggae. This is the music that was championed by Mods in the early 1960’s here in the UK. Mods (or Modernists as they were previously known) were recognisable for their stylish dress and their love of the ‘hippest’ music coming from the States and Jamaica. Ricky Cool and the In Crowd perpetuate this through their sharp stage image and the passionate, entertaining presentation of their music.

“When we hit the stage we aim to engage the audience straight away and take them on journey covering some of best musical styles of all time. We play for dances, special events and sit down audiences. It doesn’t matter which. The music works for them all.”

As Ricky says, “The music we play is timeless and our show is enjoyed by young and old alike. The enjoyment we have on stage rubs off on our audience and a great time is had by one and all.”

• RICKY COOL – LEAD VOCALS, HARMONICA AND SAXOPHONES

The name Ricky Cool first burst onto the scene in the 1970’s, when Ricky Cool and the Icebergs became one of the first bands in the country to play swing style rhythm and blues, The name soon became established and Ricky’s reputation for delivering great, danceable music in a highly entertaining way began.

Since then he has fronted and played with a number of bands presenting authentic American and Jamaican music. He co-founded The Big Town Playboys, the band that nurtured the talent of Mike Sanchez. Ricky Cool and the Rialtos became the nucleus of Robert Plant’s first Honeydrippers line up. In Top Rankin, he worked alongside some of Birmingham’s finest Reggae musicians and Kingston legend George Nightingale.

• DAVID PARRY – GUITAR AND VOCALS

One of the most highly regarded guitarists on the Birmingham scene, David’s influences come from Jamaican music and an early passion for jazz rock guitar. He toured the UK, Europe and America with Steel Pulse founder member Basil Gabidon before settling down to session work with various bands and artists. His superb rhythm and highly original lead playing help give the In Crowd their unique sound.

• NIGEL DARVILL – KEYBOARDS

Nigel’s impeccable musical pedigree dates back to his early days as a backing musician for the likes of Duane Eddy, Johnny Tillotson and Edwin Starr. He later toured with The Fine Young Cannibals, Ruby Turner and Ranking Roger from The Beat. His wide ranging knowledge of keyboard styles interacts brilliantly with David’s guitar work.

HARRISON WESTON – COTTRELL – DRUMS & PERCUSSION

During the last few years Harry has worked on his showmanship, and stage presence. Skills that he takes very seriously. With an unresting drive to be unique, Harry is always looking for new and inventive ways to develop both his musicality and skills as an entertainer. The goal is to provide the viewer something they have never seen before.

His energy and enthusiasm shines through from the back of the stage and he is a joy to watch and listen to.

Check out Harry’s YouTube channel:

Next Level Chops

• SIMON ‘SMUDGE’ SMITH – BASS

As a professional bass player of many years, Simon has worked extensively throughout the UK, Europe and the US, including a five year stint based in Los Angeles where his recording credits included Stevie Nicks, Sarah McLachlan, Wilson Phillips, Glen Ballard and Dave Stewart.

He has worked in the live touring bands of artists as diverse as Linda Perry, Carl Barât, Carina Round and Tony Award winner Idina Menzel, performing at venues and events including Lincoln Center (New York), Ambassadors Theatre, Glastonbury Festival, South by Southwest and La Bâtie Festival (Geneva) amongst many others.

Now based in the Midlands, Simon is the bass player of choice for many artists. We are thrilled to have him in the ranks of Ricky Cool and the In Crowd.

C-JAM will be in the house delivering a varied repertoire of blues >> soul >> funk >> jazz >> latin >> dylan >> beatlesdan for your musical pleasure…

Check out this line up⬇
Brian Badhams
Bob Wilson
Frank Walker
Roy Adams

Music lovers, you KNOW this is a night not to be missed!
• Join us in the bar for some cocktails& pre gig drinks
from 5pm
• Bar/garden/restaurant/dining lounge open: 5pm
• Music: 1st set 7.00pm…ish
• Free admission.
info@thebluepiano.co.uk
www.thebluepiano.co.uk

Bios⬇
Brian Badhams: Keyboards and vocals, a firm favourite and long time member of the Elkie Brooks Band. Brian also toured with
Steve Gibbons and Ruby Turner for many years
bringing his own brand of musical excellence to the stage.
—————————-

Bob Wilson:
Lead guitar and vocals:
Many years with The Steve Gibbons Band, Bob was a founder member, he played on all the albums in the early years, also appearing on Top of the Pops performing Tulan

Friday 8th November Steve ‘BIG’ Man Clayton Trio

BP favourite & one of Europe’s most eminent boogie-woogie entertainers – Steve ‘BIG Man’ Clayton is BACK with a BIG serving of Barrelhouse Blues AND on our very own Blue Piano

THIS⬇
• 3 Times British Blues Awards Winner.
• Talkin’ Blues Award.
• South German Kleinkunst Prize.
• “Pinetop” Award for Best Boogie Woogie Entertainer 2015.

The ‘Big’ Man will be accompanied by these fine gentlemen…
Howard Smith
&
John Roy Potter

GET READY for a boogie-woogie extravaganza… #savethedate it would be rude not to!

• Bar/restaurant open from 5pm
• Music starts at 7.00pm…ish in the restaurant
• Please note seating is not guaranteed •

Bio⬇
Keeping the blues alive!

Steve “Big Man” Clayton, born in Birmingham (GB), is a highly gifted piano player and singer.

After finishing his classical studies, he decided to dedicate his musical life to his love of blues piano, and has remained true to himself and blues piano for over 40 years.

His own compositions demonstrate his love for this music; a mixture of blues, boogie woogie, gospel and rock and roll – all available to hear on 11 CDs!

He presents himself on the stage, totally relaxed and with great humour,
although from the very first note, the audience realize that Steve “Big Man” Clayton is a very serious artist, an artist of the highest calibre, an artist that is very much keeping the art of blues piano alive and kicking!

Homepage: www.steve-bigman-clayton.com
• CD REVIEW “I like it like that!” by Steve “Big Man” Clayton
Listening to the new CD “I Like It Like That!” from Steve “Big Man” Clayton,
transports you back to the days of Honky Tonks and Barrelhouses. You can taste the whiskey, smell the tobacco smoke and hear the screams and shouts of over-
indulgent couples.

This is intended to be a compliment but maybe I am doing Mr. Clayton an injustice.

His piano playing is indeed far superior to that of those crude beginnings.

The feeling, however, remains the same, Blues.
This is a very “live” CD, full of colour.
Mr. Clayton is certainly not your run of the mill blues and boogie piano player who has to rely upon endless repetitions in order to impress, he takes risks, and his solos
can reach unobtainable heights.
A good strong blues voice, tainted with humour, drives home some outstanding self-penned songs;
“Heartache Blues” and “I Feel Like Jivin'” are good
examples of the man’s song-writing talent.
With a mixture of Blues songs and Boogie Woogie instrumentals, Clayton takes us on a journey which we will want to repeat over and over again.

http://www.steve-bigman-clayton.com/

NYE: JUMP & JIVE INTO 25 WITH BIG JIM & THE ALABAMA BOOGIE BOYS★

Landing 31st December 2024

Come join us for a blazing night of live music…see in 2025 with Big Jim & The Alabama Boogie Boys at The Blue Piano – it would be rude not to!

Tickets via link

skiddle.com/e/40104263/

Enjoy helpings of blues & boogie with a side of rock’n’roll, served by seasoned musical master chefs from the Midlands.

Your hosts⬇️

Front man Big Jim Merriss is the charismatic, harp-playing former leader of the Red Lemon Electric Blues Band & Cracker & the Woodpeckers. He returns to his first love of rockin’

boogie blues & jump jive.

On guitar, for one night only, we have special guest Gaz Morris. Gaz has performed across Europe & the States with too many bands to mention – though you may be very familiar with names like Debbie Bonham, Hangman & the E Numbers.

Andy Harris is on double bass & vocals. Andy played his first paid gig aged 13 & says now he’s well into his 30s (cough!!) he’s finally got the hang of it!

Behind the front line sits Colin Edmonds (AKA Duke Delight) who, though rarely visible, has drummed with the likes of Ricky Cool, Flying Doctors, Red Beards from Texas & Delray Rockets.

Joining them from a music career spanning six decades & several exotic Black Country, UK & European hot spots is – ‘Mr Back line… make the front man sound good’ – piano man Mr Tony Martin!

Completing the line up is the latest arrival, Miss Jean Vincent. Jeannie made her name on the rock’n’roll/rockabilly circuit, touring Europe and Scandinavia with the likes of Bill Haley’s

Comets, Charlie Gracie and Screamin’ Lord Sutch. Some of her early records were produced by Brum legend Steve Gibbons. She says she’s delighted & honoured to now be ‘one of the Boys’.

Big Jim & his gang have a wealth of quality experience & a huge catalogue of songs to

choose from, but above all ooze that feel-good factor that can only happen when everyone on stage has genuine respect & admiration for each & every one alongside them.

• This is going to be a night to end the year like no other & where better to experience it than in the beautiful surroundings of The Blue Piano!

Let’s reminisce & recreate some magical musical memories….

• Swing by for a cheeky pre-show cocktail | beer or wine to get this party started.

• Music: 1st set 9.30pm •

**Please note the band will be performing in our courtyard garden & there will be a marquee covering the outside space**

• If you wish to dine with us then please book in early!

• Food will be served from 5pm – Last sitting 9.30pm.

• Diners please email to reserve your table:

info@thebluepiano.co.uk