STAR MUSICIANS FORM BAND TO PERFORM IN NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW CELEBRATING STOKE-ON-TRENT
A group of stellar musicians have come together to perform in a New Year’s Eve show which is to celebrate the City of Stoke-on-Trent.
The ‘Hootenanna House Band’ sees the experienced Tim Bradshaw – who is the keyboard player for one of Britain’s best selling artists David Gray – joined by multi-instrumentalist, singer and song writer Scott Ralph – who has written for Stoke’s very own Robbie Williams as well as a plethora of other world famous artists.
To accompany the two music maestros in performances for Claybody Theatre’s Hootenanna, are Louisa Bradbury on Bass, Danny Shaw on drums, singer Emily Williamson and rap artist JIVAH (Oliver Thomas Woodward).
Tim, who has performed at the venues such as Madison Square Garden, The Hollywood Bowl, Wembley and Glastonbury, has also played with John Mayer. Chatting about his involvement in the ‘Hootenanna House Band,’ he said: “I don’t know that many local musicians and this was an opportunity to do something more community based. I really like that side of it and being involved in the whole community arts project.
“We have a great mix of experienced musicians and those starting off and to share that is something I wanted to be a part.”
Scott – who has also worked with Michael Buble, Clean Bandit, Tom Jones, Take That and sings in Stafford’s own Climax Blues Band – adds: “If it was not for this project we would all have not been in the same room. I love the work which Conrad and Deborah of Claybody Theatre do and their vision with their projects.
“These particular projects are really important for the arts and Conrad and Deborah make them happen – they create opportunities for others – which is just great.”
Louisa is a recent graduate from BIMM Music Institute in Birmingham – where Tim is also acting head of school.
“Everyone has been working together and been so involved in this project,” said 21-year-old Louisa.
“With everyone involved being proud of Stoke it has made me feel a real part of it all – and a part of Stoke-on-Trent. I’ve also learned so much about the City as well as from the other musicians which has been an amazing experience.”
Hootenanna House Band
Band leader Scott has collaborated with Claybody Theatre’s Co-Artistic Director, Conrad Nelson to write three new songs which will premiere during the online New Year’s Eve broadcast of the show.
Conrad said: “All the songs have been specially written for Hootenanna and will be performed for the first time to the public on New Year’s Eve.
“It’s been a journey and one I thank everyone involved in the Hootenanna House Band for – as without them it wouldn’t have been able to happen. What’s been even more incredible is the different amounts of experience we have in the band and everyone has come together and been amazing. New musicians have been able to learn from experienced musicians and create something together which is quite special.”
Emily, who grew up in Staffordshire and will be singing on the new songs, said: “There are people in Stoke-on-Trent really trying to make positive changes and the arts are so important for that. Hootenanna is helping to give a real positive image for Stoke and a great way to let more people know about the area.”
