John Etheridge

An iconic figure on the UK jazz scene, John first came to prominence in the mid 70’s with the classic fusion band “Soft Machine”. During the same time - demonstrating his remarkable and now well-documented versatility - he also spent a number of years touring with the celebrated swing jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli. In recent years he has been busy performing and recording as a solo artist and with his own bands, notably the “Zappatistas” (his tribute to Frank Zappa), “Sweet Chorus” dedicated to Stéphane and “Soft Machine”, with whom he still appears. A master guitarist he includes work with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Williams, Yehudi Menuhin, Pat Metheny and John Williams on his extensive CV. The Blue Spirits Trio John is leading tonight is a classic guitar-led jazz organ trio (guitar, organ and drums), drawing on his vast reservoir of musical experience spanning over 40 years at the very top of his profession, and showcases the bluesier side of John’s musical repertoire. With Pete Whittaker on organ, a superb accompanist as well as soloist and in demand drummer Nic France, whose drive and invention is well documented, this is unquestionably live music at its very best.

“One of the best guitarists in the world” Pat Metheny; “gifted…spectacular” The Times; “…a master guitarist…brilliant” The Observer; “A virtuoso on acoustic and electric guitars” Time Out