FUNKESSENCE FEAT. LILY DIOR

Bar 7:30 pm / music 8:30 pm

FUNKESSENCE FEAT. LILY DIOR

Expect blues, soul, sweet beats and funky grooves from this exciting band featuring sultry vocals from Lily Dior. Bringing a jazz twist to classic material including Ray Charles, Gil Scott Heron and Aretha Franklin, Funkessence deliver a punchy sound and a laid-back feel to entertain both the heart and soul.

Lily Dior is one of Australia’s most captivating singers possessing a warm lyrical voice that lends itself equally to the cool subtleties of jazz, and the passionate styling of rhythm and blues. Whether singing a tender jazz ballad or a soul classic Lily brings heart and depth to every song she sings.

The daughter of professional musicians who met and married in London, Lily spent the first five years of her life touring the world with her parents before they settled in Australia. Discovered by the great king of groove Jackie Orszaczky as a teenager performing her self-penned show on the life of Billie Holiday, Lily became a seminal member of Sydney’s hottest Soul/Funk outfit, The Godmothers, wowing audiences with her electric stage presence and powerful voice.

Josh Kemp, is a musician with a unique approach, a rich, melodic and lyrical sound whatever the context. A saxophonist deeply rooted in the tradition, Josh cut his teeth playing jazz standards and the blues is always a central reference in his playing. A unique sound, combining both contemporary inflections and deeply swinging playing has made him a regular at jazz clubs and festivals around the UK, from Ronnie Scott’s, to St Ives and Newcastle. As band leader and composer, Josh leads a variety of projects across many styles, united by a common communicative and melodic approach.

“Dior’s voice has the depth, control and clarity of Gregory Porter” – Kind of Jazz

“Jazz and soul coexist in Lily Dior’s repertoire, and in her vocal style… sassy, soulful, passionate and strong” –Rhythms Magazine

Line up:

Lily Dior - vocals

Josh Kemp - tenor sax

Al Cherry - guitar

Dan Drury - electric bass

Saleem Rahman – drums

www.joshkemp.com/funkessence

Host or Publisher Polish Social & Cultural Association