Hulljazz - 2007

Somerset based accordionist Karen Street has worked with the cream of contemporary British jazz artists from Tim Garland's Lammas, numerous Mike Westbrook projects to Phil Robson's Octet. Her reputation as a jazz accordionist and composer is firmly established with 'Accordion Crimes', her second CD of original compositions and arrangements. The accordion is much-maligned, the butt of many a musicians' joke, however Karen, as one of the best of the latest generation of virtuoso accordionists will convert you to the particular charms of this most expressive of keyboard instruments. Her music is a characterful blend of jazz flavoured with folk, full of subtlety and passion

"Musicians who have given the accordion a genuine voice are rare , but Karen Street is undoubtedly one of them" – John Fordham – Jazz UK

Mike Outram has developed into one of the most original and exciting guitarists in the UK and is sought after as an improviser and for his ability to contribute a unique voice to any musical ensemble. He has been heard with Herbie Mann, Stan Sulzmann, Photec and alongside guitarists John Etheridge and Martin Taylor.

Fred Baker has had a glittering and musically varied career following his invitation to join John Etheridge and Ric Sanders in Second Vision in 1980. He has collaborated on many recordings and performing projects with artists as diverse as Nigel Kennedy and John Dankworth to Harry Beckett, CourtneyPine, Phil Miller, Clive Bunker and Phil Bates.

Ben Castle, one of Britain’s most respected tenor players has played, written or arranged for Carleen Anderson, Jamie Cullum, Sting, Marillion, Kula Shaker, Stan Tracey, Lalo Schifrin, Moloko, Culture Club, Andy Williams, Quincy Jones, Jools Holland, Kyle Eastwood and Me'shell Ndegeocello, ‘The Heckler’ from his own album ‘Blah Street’ won the International Song Writing Competition, judged by Pat Metheny.