An exclusive, funky double-bill with two brilliant performers: KEZIAH JONES and PATRICE, both with African roots and both too with a unique and exciting musical crossover.

A fine performer, PATRICE. Blessed with a supple, sensitive voice and a master in his very own genre. With all the best elements of funk, soul, folk, pop-rock and reggae very virtuously intertwined. Of course we still hear BOB Marley as a great influence, but so too the new generation reggae à la GENTLEMAN, up to and including the musical approach of say AYO or ASA or SARA Tavares. 'Free-Patri-Ation', that's the name of his latest CD on Universal (with the likes of Ayo and Seun Kuti too!). Further, Patrice takes us away on an exciting and educational musical trip. With songs like Dove Of Peace, Praise His Name and, of course, also the fine word-play on words from the CD title. The refined production was in the hands of Commissioner Gordon, who also won prizes with 'The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill'.

Patrice is the child of a German mother and an African father. His full name is Patrice Babatunde Bart-Williams and that's a name with its own story: Patrice like Lumumba, the first Congolese premier; Babatunde apparently means 'the return of father' (Patrice was born on the day that his grandfather died); and lastly Bart-Williams like his deceased father Gaston (author and activist in Siera Leone). But the world simply knows him as Patrice... and it is thanks to performers like Patrice it's a slightly happier world too!

KEZIAH JONES comes from Nigeria, but grew up musically on the streets of London and Paris. Since the start of the 90's he's been releasing his impressive CDs on the French hallmark Because (see also Manu Chao). He calls his genre 'blufunk' and it's characterized especially by his forceful 'slapping' attack on the guitar. Greats and deceased super-talents like Fela Kuti and Jimi Hendrix nod along approvingly from the rock 'n' roll heavens. This is clearly someone who does it best on his own, what we hear at the moment on his Myspace is that tasty mix of sensitive songs and and fiercer floor fillers. These tracks should provide a preview of the new material that is being finished off at the moment in the USA . The single will be the clever 'My Kinda Girl' and the witty CD title 'Nigerian Wood'. This must be about Keziah Jones' fifth CD, following on from his exceptionally successful and telling 'Black Orpheus'.

Timing

7:00 pm doors
7:45 pm Keziah Jones
9:15 pm Patrice