LONDON: The Bedford

Thursday 4th July, 2024

7:00pm

Event information

Award winning multi-instrumentalist Dave Bainbridge joins forces with Lord of The Dance vocalist, instrumentalist Sally Minnear to bring a spellbinding evening of music that will, in equal measure have you jigging in (or out of!) your seat or bring a tear to your eye. A compelling mix of powerful and ethereal vocal songs (including the occasional emotive Gaelic ballad). instrumental tracks (jigs / reels / slow airs / evolving soundscapes and virtuoso improvisation on keyboards, electric guitar, bouzouki and cowbell!
Dave and Sally first toured together as a duo in July 2015. Such were the incredibly positive reactions that they have continued work together whenever their busy schedules allow, bringing their magic to audiences far and wide. ‘Live in the Studio’ (2018 - DVD) received amazing reviews and audience reactions. October 2023 saw the duo gain many new fans after their first USA appearance, at the iconic ProgStock Festival.

Dave Bainbridge (Piano, keyboard, electric & acoustic guitars, bouzouki, looping): Best known as co-founder of pioneering Celtic folk/rock/ progressive, ambient band IONA and more recently Lifesigns, Celestial Fire, DBA (with Geoff Downes of Yes), Strawbs and as a solo artist, Dave’s multi-faceted career has led him into many musical genres and work with numerous artists including; Jack Bruce, Troy Donockley, Buddy Guy, Gloria Gaynor, Mae McKenna, Moya Brennan, ‘Snake’ Davis, Paul Jones, Phil Keaggy, Robert Fripp, Nick Beggs, Damian Wilson and many others. Dave gained several performance awards during his time at Leeds College of Music (including BBC Radio 2 Best Jazz Soloist Award). He has been in the top 4 for the past 3 years in Prog Magazine’s Reader’s Poll Best Guitarist category. As well as recording 13 albums with IONA and numerous collaborative albums, he is soon to release his 5th solo album, which includes guests Simon Phillips, Randy McStine, Troy Donockley and many others, including of course, Sally!

Sally Minnear (Vocals, vocal loops, acoustic guitar, drums, percussion, tin whistle, recorder, keyboard): Daughter of multi-instrumentalist Kerry Minnear of the hugely respected and influential ’70’s progressive band Gentle Giant, Sally has been steeped in music throughout her life. She had a minor hit with the song “For You” aged just 18, before forming the acoustic duo ‘Creatures of Habit’ as a vehicle for her own songs. After completing a music degree, during which time she played fiddle and sang in a popular traditional Irish band, Sally secured the featured vocalist role in Michael Flatley’s hugely successful dance spectacular ‘Lord of the Dance’. Sally toured the world with the production for several years, before leaving to start a family. She has recorded with many artists, including Misty’s Big Adventure, Dave Brons, John Holden, Peter Gee & Pablo Ortiz. Sally is also lead vocalist, multi instrumentalist in Dave’s band Celestial Fire, and sings backing vocals with iconic prog band Pendragon.

"Dave Bainbridge, Thank YOU! ..it was a stupendous evening. Absolutely brilliant and beautiful performance. Sally's singing is incredible, we loved every minute! Everybody go and see this duo, they are something very special indeed, we can't wait to have them back.” - Debs Earl (promoter)
"Great show last night with Dave Bainbridge and Sally Minnear." Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention)
“I'm not sure I have the words to say how much I enjoyed every moment from 3pm to pack down - Sally (what a voice!) and Dave were a joy to work with and absolutely fantastic throughout. As for the gig one word - Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!” Steve (promoter)
“Thank you Dave and Sally for a brilliant gig in Rayleigh last night. Your guitar playing is a wonder to behold and the guitar tone sounds amazing. Sally sung beautifully and did the songs proud.” Joel
“What a wonderful evening we had last night watching Dave Bainbridge & Sally Minnear perform in Nottingham. Absolutely beautiful music!” Aaron

CHAS CRONK is best known as the bass player and acoustic guitarist for the Strawbs from 1973 to 1980 and again from 2004 to 2023. Chas also toured and recorded with Steve Hackett and Rick Wakeman (appearing on ‘Six Wives of Henry VIII’) in the 1980s and Cry No More in the 1980/90s. He released a solo album, Liberty, in March 2022. Appearing with him tonight are his regular collaborators, guitarist Martin ‘Wulfrun’ Taylor and singer Betty D.