Boogie woogie piano with Ben Waters

Ben Waters is one of the world’s leading boogie-woogie / rock’n’roll piano players. Still in his 30s, he has entertained all over the world, playing alongside Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Davies, Shakin’ Stevens and many others.

The Boogie for Stu tour, with his trio, launches his tribute CD in memory of the late Ian Stewart (‘Stu’), family friend and founder member of the Rolling Stones, who, along with Jools Holland and PJ Harvey have contributed to the album, proceeds from which will go towards the British Heart Foundation.

This is hard-hitting authentic boogie and rock’n’roll at its best. Here’s Ben playing The Melting Pot solo.

And here’s a one-off performance of Ben playing with the legendary Charlie Watts, Axel Zwingenberger and Jools Holland on Later with Jools Holland.

Ben Waters Band is playing live at Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall on Friday 4 February 2011. Get tickets here.

London Sinfonietta with Beat Furrer and Naomi Pinnock

London Sinfonietta with Beat Furrer and Naomi Pinnock

On Tuesday 18 January 2011 at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London Sinfonietta presents the world premiere of Naomi Pinnock’s Words as part of the ensemble’s first concert of 2011, In Portrait: Beat Furrer.

Furrer mentored Pinnock on the London Sinfonietta’s Blue Touch Paper scheme for emerging composers, and Words is the resulting piece – an enigmatic score for ensemble and baritone, with cimbalom and harp echoing each other amid a buzz of strings. Like Furrer’s Nuun (also performed at the concert), there is a shadowlike feel to the music. It’s a spare but intensely crafted piece, and Pinnock has clearly been inspired by the older composer’s striking use of voice and text, and is influenced by a similar range of non-musical artforms, from fine art to poetry.

Beat Furrer

On a cold day in November 2010, Naomi met with the London Sinfonietta musicians to further develop a piece which had its roots in the idea of memory, poetry and language. With clear ideas about the sounds she wanted to create, this was not a rehearsal. Instead, Naomi worked with the players to experiment, toying with different playing techniques and stretching the instruments (and the musicians!) to create new sounds and effects. The ensemble filmed the workshop – a piece of music in the making – and the finished video is now available to view on the London Sinfonietta website.

London Sinfonietta with Beat Furrer and Naomi Pinnock at Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on 18 January 2011. Get tickets here.

Jimmy Webb ‘Just Across the River’ competition

 

Jimmy Webb: Just Across the River

Jimmy Webb, the multiple Grammy award-winner is one of the most celebrated songwriters in American music. His new album Just Across the River, features interpretations of the classic songs that made him a vital cultural icon including ‘By The Time I Get To Phoenix’, ‘Wichita Lineman,’ ‘Galveston,’ ‘The Highwayman,’ ‘Oklahoma Nights’ and more. It was recorded with special guest appearances from the likes of Jackson Browne, Billy Joel, Mark Knopfler and Linda Ronstadt.

To celebrate Jimmy Webb playing live at Southbank Centre, we have 5 copies of his latest album Just Across The River to give away.

To enter, just answer the following question:

Q: In which American state was Jimmy Webb born?
Email your answer to competitions@southbankcentre.co.uk with ‘Jimmy Webb’ in the subject line by 31 January. Please provide your contact number and address.

Have a listen to a selection of clips from the new album here.

Jimmy Webb + Nell Bryden are playing at Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on 7 February 2011. Get tickets here.