Shez Raja ft John Etheridge

Virtuoso electric bass player Shez Raja and his world-class band will be performing their unique brand of powerhouse Indo-jazz funk. This evening’s gig will feature tunes from Raja's latest highly-acclaimed album, Gurutopia, his first on US label Dot Time Records, and recorded with global jazz legends Randy Brecker and Mike Stern.

Shez leads a stunning line-up tonight that features legendary Soft Machine guitarist John Etheridge and Polish folk-jazz singer Monika Lidke providing beautifully structured melodic vocals in front of a band that is completed by Vasilis Xenopoulos on saxophone, Pascal Roggen on electric violin, Alex Stanford on keyboards and Chris Nickolls on drums.

The Collective's live show is an eclectic headcharge of raw energy and always leaves audiences uplifted, inspired and asking for more. Following headline performances at international jazz festivals from Russia to New Zealand they have forged a reputation as one of the most entertaining live acts on the scene today.

Expect exciting music that’s full of surprises – a sonic kaleidoscope of euphoric jazz, thundering funk, tuneful ragas and intoxicating grooves!

"A tailor-made festival band with a unique identity" - The Guardian ????

"Shez Raja personifies the modernisation of jazz. He is fearless as a musician" - All About Jazz ????+

"I thought my head was going to explode. It sounds like it's come from the future!" - Bradford Telegraph ?????

"Multi-layered and imaginative" - Manchester Evening News ????

“The hip-shaking mix of Eastern song lines and funky Western dance-beats never wavers” - Evening Standard ????

Line-up: Shez Raja – bass guitar, John Etheridge – electric guitar, Vasilis Xenopoulos – saxophone, Monika Lidke – vocals, Alex Stanford – keyboards, Chris Nickolls – drums