PADDY MILNER

May 20, 2017

PADDY MILNER

Paddy Milner is a phenomenon” - Timeout

“Impressive and original” - The Times

"Instantly infectious...a hugely enjoyable live set" - BBC Music

“He makes the piano sing” - Jools Holland

"I love it, wouldn't change a note - there's a guy who can really play the

piano" - Dave Brubeck

“Like James Booker on acid” - Jon Cleary on album track, ‘Believe’

“Milner represents a new direction in blues and jazz”- Blues Free Press

“The best blues piano player in Europe…Liszt meets Professor Longhair” - Blues Access USA

“Milner is wonderful and ‘The Curious Case Of’ is a lovely album. I highly recommend playing it…somehow things start to feel much better!”- Jack Bruce (Cream)

WINNER OF ‘BEST KEYBOARD PLAYER’ in the 2012 BRITISH BLUES AWARDS AND THE BLUES MATTERS WRITERS POLL

Paddy Milner is recognised as one of the leading blues piano players in the world (just read the praise from Dave Brubeck and Jon Cleary), but also as a superb original songwriter and distinctive singer. As a kid growing up in rural Dorset, UK, Milner began his career playing local pubs from a very young age (much younger than the legal age of entry!). He absorbed blues & boogie like a sponge, which will always remain a fundamental part of his music, but also spent a lot of time exploring jazz, classical music and playing in his father’s folk band. Later on, he was to learn from the masters including dueting with the legendary Jonnie Johnson and learning with Jon Cleary in New Orleans.

Milner was soon touring and learning his craft with visiting American blues artists and the best of British. Then in 2000 at the age of 19, he burst on to the scene in his own right with his debut album ‘21st Century Boogie’. The album rapidly garnered international accolades within the blues world and beyond. It showcased his knowledge and respect for the blues tradition while introducing his originality. His contribution to a BBC Radio 2 session, earned him a nomination for a Sony Award.

WALKING ON EGGSHELLS

Following a music degree at King’s College he embarked on a new album co-written with iconic Cream lyricist Pete Brown. ‘Walking On Eggshells’ (released on the iconic Bronze Records) became No.1 in the official French Jazz/Blues charts and received a high level of airplay and TV exposure across Europe. Even Dave Brubeck himself became a fan of Milner’s arrangement of Brubeck’s ‘Unsquare Dance’ which led to a meeting between the two at Brubeck's 80th birthday concert in London.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY

His follow up album ‘Based On A True Story’ (also on Bronze Records) was also well received and took Paddy around the UK, Europe, Turkey and to the U.S. to perform on the prestigious ‘Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise’ alongside artists including Taj Mahal, Derek Trucks & John Hammond.

From 2008-present, Milner and his band ‘The Big Sounds’ have been collaborating with top U.S. blues/soul singer Earl Thomas on a busy international tour schedule, producing the excellent self-titled album ‘Earl Thomas with Paddy Milner & The Big Sounds’ along the way. The band continues with a ‘Live At The BBC’ album scheduled for release later in 2012.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF PADDY MILNER - REOPENED

Milner has more than paid his dues and on ‘The Curious Case of Paddy Milner’, his fourth solo record, he comes to the fore with a fresh new sound that’s roots-driven and raw with catchy hooks galore. It is as much inspired by Brian Wilson’s melodic pop symphonies as it is Deep South Delta Blues. From the uplifting New Orleans-inspired euphoria of first single ‘Going To See My Baby’ to the gritty yet playful interpretation of Rihanna’s ‘Disturbia’ Milner shows his love of the blues combined with a whole hearted embrace of popular song. As well as his unique brand of songwriting there is a mixed bag of covers (Nick Drake, Brubeck, Rihanna) and re-workings of blues songs (Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson) - all sounding unmistakably ‘Milner’. Departing from the instrumentation of his previous albums, Milner has used the very funky sousaphone and a more percussive approach to the drums. The album has been released to critical acclaim and a special edition issued by Blues Boulevard Records including bonus tracks.

As a session musician, Paddy is in high demand and also a regular member of iconic Cream bassist-singer Jack Bruce Band. He has a residency at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Club in London as a founder member of the Ronnie Scott’s Blues Explosion.

He has also worked and performed with artists as diverse as Joss Stone, McFly, Phil Manzanera, David Gilmour, Boy George, Sandi Thom, Rumer, Johnnie Johnson, Joe Louis Walker, Kim Wilson, Curtis Salgado, Michael Burks, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Saint Jude amongst many others, has supported BB King, Joe Cocker, Pink, John Mayall, and has played venues from the smallest to London’s 02 Arena.

Live, Paddy performs solo, with his Sousa Trio or with his 5 piece Sousa Band. Whichever lineup, the music is full of energy with New Orleans influences alongside more contemporary songwriting. Expect a mesmerising display of piano virtuosity, brilliant musicianship from the band members, some tender moments and lots of fun.

Paddy Milner is firmly placed to take his fresh,exciting & blues rooted music to new, large and varied audiences.