Nic France's Birthday Gig Featuring The Charlie Wood Quartet at 606 Club

One of the most respected drummers of his generation, it is with great pleasure that we welcome 606 Club regular and great friend Nic France to the Club to celebrate his Birthday (not saying which one, but...). A “first call” player for so many musicians, Nic first came to London in the early 80’s and was quickly immersed in the jazz scene, working with the likes of Ian Carr’s “Nucleus”, the iconic big band “Loose Tubes” and the Ronnie Scott Quintet. However his powerful playing and impeccable time and approach was soon picked up on and it wasn’t long before he was working and touring with the likes of Bill Withers, Working Week and Tanita Tikaram. Since then he has worked constantly in an eclectic variety of musical settings, an excellent Jazz drummer he is also a brilliant Groove player, a skilled Latin player and one of the few modern jazz drummers who can also play authentic Brazilian rhythms, both on kit and percussion. As well as constant work on the Club, Festival and Concert circuit he also has had a formidable career in the studios and includes the likes of Pete Townsend, Thomas Dolby, Annie Lennox and Nigel Kennedy on a massive CV. And of course he is best known at the Club as the regular drummer with the Jazz/Brazilian band “Samara”. Tonight Nic has asked his friend and musical compatriot, award-winning US ex-pat singer/pianist CHARLIE WOOD to join him to help celebrate. Charlie is a talented and versatile musician whose eclectic musical style incorporates elements of popular music, jazz, blues and traditional R&B. Born and raised in Tennessee, he learnt his trade touring with iconic blues guitarist Albert King before settling back in Memphis. For over fifteen years Charlie performed nightly at the King’s Palace Café on Beale Street, becoming the 136th recipient of a “Brass Note on Beale Street”, the Memphis equivalent of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Charlie moved to the UK in 2009 and rapidly attracted attention from some of the finest players around, including Cleo Laine and the late John Dankworth who asked him to perform at Wavendon with them. Charlie has recorded eight albums, including his latest “New Souvenirs”, featuring all new originals and co-produced by his frequent collaborator (and wife) Jacqui Dankworth. And making up the last part of the trio will be another long time associate of Nic's, the wonderful bass player Dudley Philips. Nic has invited a host of musicians to join him tonight to help celebrate, so expect plenty (and I do mean plenty!) of Surprise Guests (including this writer…) for what promises to be a very special night from one of the most liked and respected musicians on the UK jazz scene. Booking advised....

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One of the most respected drummers of his generation, it is with great pleasure that we welcome 606 Club regular and great friend Nic France to the Club to celebrate his Birthday (not saying which one, but...). A “first call” player for so many musicians, Nic first came to London in the early 80’s and was quickly immersed in the jazz scene, working with the likes of Ian Carr’s “Nucleus”, the iconic big band “Loose Tubes” and the Ronnie Scott Quintet. However his powerful playing and impeccable time and approach was soon picked up on and it wasn’t long before he was working and touring with the likes of Bill Withers, Working Week and Tanita Tikaram. Since then he has worked constantly in an eclectic variety of musical settings, an excellent Jazz drummer he is also a brilliant Groove player, a skilled Latin player and one of the few modern jazz drummers who can also play authentic Brazilian rhythms, both on kit and percussion. As well as constant work on the Club, Festival and Concert circuit he also has had a formidable career in the studios and includes the likes of Pete Townsend, Thomas Dolby, Annie Lennox and Nigel Kennedy on a massive CV. And of course he is best known at the Club as the regular drummer with the Jazz/Brazilian band “Samara”. Tonight Nic has asked his friend and musical compatriot, award-winning US ex-pat singer/pianist CHARLIE WOOD to join him to help celebrate. Charlie is a talented and versatile musician whose eclectic musical style incorporates elements of popular music, jazz, blues and traditional R&B. Born and raised in Tennessee, he learnt his trade touring with iconic blues guitarist Albert King before settling back in Memphis. For over fifteen years Charlie performed nightly at the King’s Palace Café on Beale Street, becoming the 136th recipient of a “Brass Note on Beale Street”, the Memphis equivalent of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Charlie moved to the UK in 2009 and rapidly attracted attention from some of the finest players around, including Cleo Laine and the late John Dankworth who asked him to perform at Wavendon with them. Charlie has recorded eight albums, including his latest “New Souvenirs”, featuring all new originals and co-produced by his frequent collaborator (and wife) Jacqui Dankworth. And making up the last part of the trio will be another long time associate of Nic's, the wonderful bass player Dudley Philips. Nic has invited a host of musicians to join him tonight to help celebrate, so expect plenty (and I do mean plenty!) of Surprise Guests (including this writer…) for what promises to be a very special night from one of the most liked and respected musicians on the UK jazz scene. Booking advised.

“...this kind of music is critically dependent on pulse and Nic France’s drumming really floats the boat.” Jazzwise;
“Remember the first time you heard Dylan, or Springsteen or Waits? Charlie Wood delivers that same jolt…brilliant” Jazz Times

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