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Invisible Landscape
Chris Allard releases ‘Invisible Landscape’ on 10th June through Perdido Records [DOR-1601], his fourth album as a leader. Regarded as one of the UK’s finest contemporary jazz guitarists/composers, he has performed and recorded with Jacqui Dankworth, Gwilym Simcock, the BBC Big Band and Jamie Cullum, amongst others. A guitar-led contemporary jazz group firmly rooted in and informed by jazz tradition, yet encompassing elements of rock, world, classical, blues and folk influences, the Chris Allard Band has performed all over the UK and in Europe, including the International Guitar Festival and Ronnie Scott’s. Critical acclaim has included 4 stars in Guitarist Magazine.
Returning to the open yet challenging guitar trio format, ‘Invisible Landscape’ features top musicians Oli Hayhurst on double bass and Nick Smalley on drums. After laying down the main guitar parts on Gibson 335 electric guitar live with the trio, extra guitar parts were added to a number of the pieces – dimensions and colours of various different guitars; steel-string acoustic, classical guitar, other electric guitars with differing textures and effects.
‘Invisible Landscape’ features seven original tunes, plus a trio version of Wayne Shorter’s beautiful ballad ‘Fall’, and two songs with very special guest; Memphis legend Charlie Wood on vocals and keys: ‘Let’s Get Lost’, and ‘Was’.
Il Divo arena tour 2016
Chris is playing guitar in the orchestra for the UK Il Divo arena tour in May 2016, with venues including the O2 arena in London
Charlie Wood WON the 2015 USA Songwriters’ Competition, Jazz category
Charlie Wood’s song Promised Land won the ‘World’s Leading International Songwriting Competition’, jazz category, 2015. Reporting this rather late as I only just heard about it… Very proud to play on this record.
Here we are in studio recording it:
Highgate Jazz with Soul Festival – Charlie Wood
The Gatehouse Theatre, Highgate, London – 31st August at 2pm. £20/£18.
Playing Charlie’s latest album New Souvenirs – with all the musicians from the album.
Charlie Wood (piano/keys/vocals), Tom Walsh (trumpet), Ben Castle (tenor saxophone), Mark Nightingale (trombone),
Chris Allard (guitar), Dudley Phillips (bass), Nic France (drums).
Russell Watson Tour
Currently on 80+ date tour with the UK’s biggest-selling classical artist, multi-platinum singer Russell Watson. Very eclectic programme, and fantastic lineup of piano, string quartet, and Chris is playing classical, steel-string acoustic and electric guitars, and also electric bass and mandolin. And there’s a choir. Too many dates to put on gig list – come along if near you!
Feb 08th Ronnie Scott’s with Charlie Wood
Looking forward to playing the main show at Ronnie’s with Memphis legend Charlie Wood – music from his recently-released album ‘New Souvenirs’, which has has received critical acclaim including:
★★★★ Jazzwise
★★★★ Jazz Journal
★★★★ R2 Magazine
“Remember the first time you heard Dylan, or Springsteen, or Costello, or Waits? Charlie Wood delivers that same jolt.” – Jazz Times
Check out this video recorded live in the studio when making the album:
Il Divo arena tour
18th – 31st October touring with Il Divo as part of their orchestra, playing at the O2 London, arenas all over the UK, and the O2 in Dublin.
Alison Balsom Tour
Chris is touring the UK with gramophone award-winning trumpeter Alison Balson, 28th september – 14th October, dates including the iTunes Festival, London, numerous venues across the country to Edinburgh, and back again to the Royal Albert Hall. http://alisonbalsom.com
Charlie Wood – new album
Proud to be on the new album by incredible Memphis legend Charlie Wood, which is being released this autumn. It features all-original fantastic compositions and arrangements by Charlie, with a great band, horns, strings, and Charlie on piano, vocals, rhodes, hammond B-3.
See charliewood.us
Highgate Jazz with Soul Festival – 24th August
Chris Allard Band are playing at this great festival at 8.30pm 24th August at Lauderdale House, Highgate. Will be premiering some brand new music, playing a few tunes from recent album Jupiter Island, and one or two old favourites. Tickets now available here:
http://www.brandonallen.co.uk/highgate-jazz-festival