Charlie Dore (Guitar, Piano, Ukelele, Mandolin, Harmonium)
Julian Littman (Guitar, Mandolin, Ukelele, Loop Station, Harmonium)

This Spring, Charlie Dore is back in Bristol after over 5 years to share her 'Songs For The Curious,' her latest mix of music that refuses to fit categorisation. "A gift for melody lyrically brave, poignant, entertaining, original" The Guardian ****

As an artist whose music tends to invite several hyphens when reviewers seek to describe it, Charlie loves nothing more than to mix genres, often finding in the process that songs can be re-invented in unexpected and interesting ways; a true poet.....

A multi award-winning songwriter for dozens of different artists from Tina Turner, George Harrison and Celine Dion to Martha Wainwright, Ricky Ross and Paul Carrack, she loves writing but says "I still have the touring bug - in spades".

Alongside Julian Littman, her multi-instrumental, actor-musician friend since drama school, the two create a unique atmosphere, instrument-swapping, story telling, fast-moving yet relaxed and full of edgy humour.

Charlie's recent awards include Female Vocalist Of The Year (FATEA, 2020) and Best Lyrics (US Indie Acoustic, 2021) whilst her tours continue to reach new and enthusiastic audiences.

Treat yourselves to a smashing night out with Charlie Dore....

Gary Alesbrook (Flugelhorn & Trumpet)
Gary Bamford (Keyboards)
Al Swainger (Electric Bass & Soundscapes)
Jon Clark (Drums & Triggers)

Al Swainger's 'Pointless Beauty' invites you to experience a world where sound knows no limits; where a genre-fluid approach, blends spacey atmospheres, head-bobbing grooves, and immersive soundscapes. This ground-breaking ensemble pushes the boundaries of traditional music to create a fresh, modern sound that captivates and inspires.

Originally launched as a studio project in 2014, the quartet has evolved into a live powerhouse, performing together since 2023.

Described as 'Cinematic Fusion for the Emotionally Curious,' Pointless Beauty aims to do more than entertain; its mission is to gently restore mental health and emotional independence through the transformative power of music and art. A brave shout! Only experiencing it will tell us if this is an apt statement..

The band are based in the South West so can be considered a local group. On hearing the music, I think its worthy of a gig at The Lantern and hear it in that super setting. Feel the rhythms, get lost in the sound, and let your spirits be lifted..This music is truly a bit different!

Art Themen & Simon Allen (Saxes)
David Newton (Piano)
Andy Cleyndert (Bass)
Clark Tracey (Drums)

Clark Tracey is an award-winning drummer, bandleader, composer and arranger, who originally featured with the band of his late, great, Father Stan Tracey CBE,MBE. Clark has gone on to establish himself in his own right as one of the country's leading modern jazz drummers; receiving the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2019 Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to music and the promotion of jazz.

Clark formed this group in 2004 and has put together a stellar line up of established and well-respected musicians from the UK jazz scene. Art Themen & Simon Allen were both frontmen for Stan Tracey bands over the years.
The legend that is 'Art Themen' was in one of Stan's first groups, despite not being a full time musician. Art was; until his retirement, as an esteemed Doctor, indeed one of the country's leading Consultant Orthopedic Surgeons; Jazz was his sideline....some sideline, as he carved out a mighty career spanning more than five decades.

Simon Allen was in Stan's last few bands and despite being the baby of this group, is extremely well regarded across the Jazz world for his inventive playing. The prospect of these two on frontline is worth the ticket price alone.

Clark's association with David Newton (voted Best Jazz Pianist 16 times by UK jazz audiences) and Andy Cleyndert, also spans more than 40 years. The quality of this rhythm section is simply top drawer!

This new band is firmly in the Bebop and Hard Bop styling; but it brings a fresh look at some of Stan Tracey's most famous compositions along with some beloved Jazz classics.
The Jazz Champions have been playing to sell-out houses since they started playing together, as well as getting stand-out gig reviews.

A gig not to be missed!