SkunkS

Presented by Friends Of Thimblemill Library in association with Jazz At Wolverhampton.

SkunkS is a newly-formed ensemble based around the remarkable story of one our most treasured jazz artists on double bass, Mick Hutton, who has returned to playing after a near fatal accident.

Mick Hutton – bass

Julian Nicholas – saxophones

Mark Edwards – piano and keyboards

Tobie Carpenter – guitar

Corrina Silvester – percussion and drums

This veritable supergroup performs Mick’s tunes, as well as quirky arrangements from Ennio Morricone to Duke Ellington, Paul Robeson to Miles Davis.

As the bassist to most of the progressive jazz scene in the UK and a member of Django Bates’ and Iain Ballamy’s ground-breaking quartet before Loose Tubes, as well as a key part of Bill Bruford’s Earthworks, Mick was a central pillar in the new sound of British Jazz in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s - as well as Ronnie Scott’s standby first choice for international visiting artists.

Julian Nicholas has pursued a highly engaged, broad portfolio across the music scene over the last four decades. From Loose Tubes, Brotherhood Of Breath, to London Jazz Composers’ Orchestra, Julian has also appeared alongside Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison, Stan Tracey, Bobby Wellins, Claire Martin OBE, Carleen Anderson, Dudu Pukwana and Chris McGregor. He ran the famous Chichester Jazz Course for eight years and the South Coast Jazz Festival for four.

Julian is currently touring, recreating ‘Charlie Parker With Strings’.

Pianist Mark Edwards has worked with pretty much everyone at the top of the UK contemporary and mainstream jazz scene, as well as many commercial acts. From the Bryan Spring trio, Jim Mullen, Jo Harman to Marc Almond and Katie Melua, he has wowed audiences world-wide.

He is currently touring his Ellington Piano Project with Arnie Somogyi.

At the vanguard of the new UK sound, Tobie Carpenter is a uniquely gifted guitarist with his own identity. His project ‘After Party’, with Nadim Teimoori, Jamie Safir and David Ingamells shows what company he keeps!

Corrina Silvester, is an accomplished and versatile percussionist, with a career spanning West End theatre, major film soundtracks, television, jazz and live performance. Renowned for her dynamic musicianship and creative approach, she has performed and recorded with an exceptional range of artists including Yazz Ahmed, Hans Zimmer, Ariana Grande, Monty Python’s O2 show, Mike Lovatt's Brass Pack, Mo Foster, and Jacqui Hicks.

Don’t miss this ridiculously skilled and inventive outfit, as they subvert expectations about what jazz is and can be!