Josh Kemp’s Funkessence feat. Lily Dior: blues, soul, and deep grooves plus sultry vocals! Get up and get down to the rare groove of these funksters. With a repertoire from Ray Charles to Aretha Franklin, Motown, Funk, and Blues, they deliver a punchy groove from the heart and soul!

Lily Dior – born to professional musicians who met and married in London, Lily has been steeped in music her whole life, traveling the world from the tender age of two weeks with her parents as they sang and played their way through Europe, Asia and eventually Australia.

Recognised as one of Australia’s finest singers, Lily Dior has shared the stage with a remarkable list of outstanding musicians from Australia and around the world including, Oscar Castro Neves, Airto Moriera, Don Grusin, Dave Matthews, Abe Laboriel, Alex Acuna, Mike Nock, Paul Grabowsky amongst many others, and has performed at many of Australia’s best venues including The Opera House Concert Hall, The State Theatre, Lyric Theatre and the Sydney Town Hall.

Returning to her roots, Lily has spent the last years in London building her reputation and has already established herself as an in demand performer appearing at iconic venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, The 606 Club and Pizza Express Soho as well as The Royal Festival Hall.

Josh Kemp – a jazz saxophonist with a mellow swinging sound, Josh has a vast experience working on the London Scene as well as touring the UK with various bands including his own projects. His unique approach combining a lyrical and melodic style with a deep groove playing has made him a regular at jazz clubs and festivals around the UK including Ronnie Scott’s.

With a funky sound and a communicative style, Josh is a musician who connects immediately with audiences, delivering high-energy and thoughtfully crafted solos. After winning several awards for his playing, and a Philosophy first from Oxford University, Josh was awarded scholarships to study jazz at the Guildhall School of Music and Trinity College of Music. He has released 5 CDs of original music and completed 4 UK Arts Council tours, as well as performing with many musicians on the London Scene including Liz Fletcher, Steve Fishwick, Martin Shaw, Gareth Williams, Ross Stanley, and Tim Lapthorn.

Tickets: £15.00

’Smokin’ – Robert Downey Jr

‘A Fierce Talent’ – Jazzwise Magazine

’A Subtle, Highly Nuanced, and Original Sound’- Time Out

Line up:

Lily Dior – vocals

Josh Kemp – tenor sax

Al Cherry – guitar

Dan Drury – bass

Saleem Rahman – drums

https://www.joshkemp.com/