Bob Knight With Special Guests Mark Stephens & Tariqh Akoni

A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music’s jazz performance course, London-based drummer Bob Knight has made a serious impact on the popular music scene over the last 15 years or so. He was Musical Director of the live Charlotte Church Show for three seasons, worked on the Justin Lee Collins show, plays in Alison Moyet's and Nik Kershaw’s bands, is the drummer and Musical Director for Rumer and if all that wasn't enough he also manages to be one of the UK’s top session fixers. A powerful and impressive player Bob is widely considered to be one of the UK's leading musicians whose skill and musicality has led to his working with a veritable who's who of musicians and bands, including the likes of James Taylor, Cee Lo Green (MD), Incognito, Bette Midler, The Pogues, Michael Bublé, Alison Moyet, Kirsty MacColl, New Kids On The Block, Josh Groban, Gareth Gates, Michael Nyman & Will Young. Tonight Bob, an old friend of the Club, will be bringing in his "All Star" band that features two great US (LA) based musicians, pianist Mark Stephens and guitarist Tariqh Akoni along with UK bass player Julian Cox in a band he likes to call “Bob Knight and his Intergalactic Transatlantic friends”. I'm not entirely sure that's supposed to be a serious name but there is no doubt whatsoever that the players are all very serious indeed. Pianist/keyboard player Mark Stephens is considered to be one of the leading musicians of his generation. With work alongside the likes of Diana Ross, Larry Carlton, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Michael Brecker, Alanis Morissette, Stanley Clarke, James Ingram, Kirk Whalum, George Duke and Josh Groban he has established an enviable reputation in the "business", but he is probably best known to the general public for his long association with the iconic singer Chaka Khan (ah, that piano player!). A brilliant musician it is with great pleasure that we welcome him to the Club tonight. And if that wasn't enough the other half of the "Transatlantic friends" is the brilliant guitarist Tariqh Akoni. A giant of the LA session scene, Tariqh is an alumnus of Berklee College of Music and the current Chair of the Guitar Department at the L.A. Music Academy. MD for the platinum-selling artist Josh Groban, Tariqh's CV is remarkable, including recording or touring work with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Elton John, Herbie Hancock, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Tom Scott, Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross, Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, Dianne Reeves, Ronnie Laws, Smokey Robinson, Alicia Keys, Natalie Cole, Kenny Rogers, Aretha Franklin, Backstreet Boys, George Duke, Kirk Whalum, Donna Summer, Lou Rawls & Carlos Santana....(you have to admit, that is impressive...). And last, but certainly not least, the quartet will be completed by the terrific UK bass player Julian Cox who has toured the world with numerous high profile performers, including performances with the likes of Michael Bublé, Rumer and Alison Moyet. An All Star band if ever there was one, this promises to be a terrific night of great music making from four friends at the height of their music making powers. And if all that wasn't enough you can expect some very special Special Guests, including Bob's brother, the wonderful saxophonist James Knight and at least one singer who has promised to come down to add some vocal spice to the proceedings. As Bob puts it, the music will be "...an evening of West Coast/West London grooves and music from their respective careers including original music by Mark Stephens and members of the band". And if all that wasn't tempting enough, Bob has said he "might even tell one of his 3 jokes!". A remarkable night from some remarkable musicians. Booking advised.

"Mark Stephens...bristles with energy, enthusiasm and great playing....Mind-boggling stuff!” Smooth Jazz Vibes;
"Mark Stephens...something special" George Duke;
"Mark Stephens ....Unpretentious and sublime." Kirk Whalum;
"Tariqh Ako