606 Club Special: The Elysian Trio at 606 Club

Well, this is is something a little special, an International trio led by Canadian bass player Duncan Hopkins featuring one of the UK's finest pianists, Nikki Iles, in combination with the wonderful French singer Thierry Peala. Duncan Hopkins is widely considered to be one of Canada's leading acoustic bass players. After studying in Montreal and then in the early 90's at the Banff School of Fine Arts with Rufus Reid, Kenny Wheeler and Steve Coleman, Duncan has gone on to establish himself as a first call player for some of the finest musicians on the International jazz scene. Musicians he has performed with include the likes Diana Krall, Peter Appleyard, Warren Vache, Rob McConnell, Robert Farnon, Mark Murphy, Lester Bowie, Sam Rivers, Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, Bobby Watson and Scott Hamilton. A regular visitor to Europe these days, Duncan has also established an impressive reputation with a wide array of European based musicians. On one of his more recent visits he was inspired to create a number of original compopsitions, including lyrics, a project that eventually led to the recording of his most recent album, "Voyageur" with two of the finest musicians in Europe, UK pianist Nikki Iles and French singer Thierry Peala, A performer, teacher and composer and multi award-winning musician, including winner of the 2017 British Jazz Awards, Nikki Iles is widely regarded as one of the finest modern jazz pianists in Europe. After establishing her credentials as both performer and educationalist in the North of England Nikki moved to London in the late 90’s. Since then her adroit and creative playing has been heard with a wide variety of the finest UK musicians, including the likes of Peter Erskine, Kenny Wheeler and Art Farmer as well as with her own trios and quartets. A greatly respected teacher she is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Royal Academy of Music. Thierry Peala is one of France's leading jazz vocalists, including work with the likes of Kenny Wheeler and Norma Winstone on an impressive cv. His work is characterised by a warm and unique personal tone, exceptional phrasing and a real grasp of melodic vocal improvistaion. The programme this evening will feature selections from "Voyageur", an acoustic delight of thoughtful music, from Duncan's gentle compositions through to the haunting spiritual "Wayfaring Stranger". Beautiful and creative music from three of the finest musicians on the International jazz scene. ...

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Well, this is is something a little special, an International trio led by Canadian bass player Duncan Hopkins featuring one of the UK's finest pianists, Nikki Iles, in combination with the wonderful French singer Thierry Peala. Duncan Hopkins is widely considered to be one of Canada's leading acoustic bass players. After studying in Montreal and then in the early 90's at the Banff School of Fine Arts with Rufus Reid, Kenny Wheeler and Steve Coleman, Duncan has gone on to establish himself as a first call player for some of the finest musicians on the International jazz scene. Musicians he has performed with include the likes Diana Krall, Peter Appleyard, Warren Vache, Rob McConnell, Robert Farnon, Mark Murphy, Lester Bowie, Sam Rivers, Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, Bobby Watson and Scott Hamilton. A regular visitor to Europe these days, Duncan has also established an impressive reputation with a wide array of European based musicians. On one of his more recent visits he was inspired to create a number of original compopsitions, including lyrics, a project that eventually led to the recording of his most recent album, "Voyageur" with two of the finest musicians in Europe, UK pianist Nikki Iles and French singer Thierry Peala, A performer, teacher and composer and multi award-winning musician, including winner of the 2017 British Jazz Awards, Nikki Iles is widely regarded as one of the finest modern jazz pianists in Europe. After establishing her credentials as both performer and educationalist in the North of England Nikki moved to London in the late 90’s. Since then her adroit and creative playing has been heard with a wide variety of the finest UK musicians, including the likes of Peter Erskine, Kenny Wheeler and Art Farmer as well as with her own trios and quartets. A greatly respected teacher she is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Royal Academy of Music. Thierry Peala is one of France's leading jazz vocalists, including work with the likes of Kenny Wheeler and Norma Winstone on an impressive cv. His work is characterised by a warm and unique personal tone, exceptional phrasing and a real grasp of melodic vocal improvistaion. The programme this evening will feature selections from "Voyageur", an acoustic delight of thoughtful music, from Duncan's gentle compositions through to the haunting spiritual "Wayfaring Stranger". Beautiful and creative music from three of the finest musicians on the International jazz scene.

"Canadian double bassist Duncan Hopkins with lyrical strings. A moment of grace distilled with talent and finesse" Côte Sud 90.3 FM; "Iles is a pianist of extraordinary imagination” The Observer; “Iles.... intelligent, sharp and very musical” Guardian; ".. singular....voice...Thierry reminds us of the adventurous and creative phrases of.....Kurt Elling" Côte Sud 90.3 FM; "Like a Symphony For The Senses the album "Voyageur" leaves me totally breathless... a style of jazz that has....brilliance!" The Count UK

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