MATT AND HARRY’S ALL-STAR NEW ORLEANS QUARTET
Matt King Smith and Harry Whitty make up a third of Dom Pipkin’s ever-popular New Orleans inspired supergroup , The Ikos, and between them have a deep love and knowledge of New Orleans RnB, soul, jazz, and funk. Pipkin has been a mentor to Harry, who scarcely needs it with his talent - adept at piano, bass, trombone and more, and Matt King Smith manages to blend country, blues, world music and heavy metal into a unique guitar style beloved of audiences worldwide. Both are superb frontmen, and, along with Ikos regular star dummer Jimmy Norden, and special guest multiple blues award-winning Marcus Praestgaard swapping his guitar for bass for this occasion, promise to bring that New Orleans blues and soul with red hot intensity to Nightjar on this Saturday night.
Drawing inspiration from Professor Longhair, Huey “Piano” Smith, Lee Dorsey and James Booker, Pipkin brings the heart and soul of New Orleans jazz, blues and funk piano to the stage.
For more than two decades, Pipkin has been recognised as the UK’s leading exponent of the New Orleans sound. Described by Blues in Britain as “one of the world’s greatest exponents of New Orleans piano,” he has performed at prestigious festivals including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the legendary “Piano Night.” His career spans thousands of concerts worldwide, with appearances on radio, TV, and theatre stages.
Pipkin’s unique style blends driving blues rhythms with rhapsodic classical flourishes, particularly influenced by maverick pianist James Booker. His performances are renowned for their energy, warmth and authenticity, winning fans from Jonathan Ross and Hugh Laurie to Jamie Cullum. On stage he mixes compelling original songs with Big Easy classics, creating a “steaming musical stew” (Classic Rock Blues Magazine) that always has audiences dancing.
Alongside his solo work, Pipkin leads his band The Ikos, bringing the New Orleans tradition to life with drums, sax and rich vocal harmonies. They have headlined at Ronnie Scott’s and lit up the R&B club scene across Europe.
“I LOVE YOUR PIANO PLAYING.”
Paul Weller“YOUR MUSIC WARMS MY HEART.”
Hugh Laurie
With a glittering session career alongside artists such as Paul Weller, Paloma Faith, David Byrne and Morcheeba, Pipkin continues to push boundaries as a performer, songwriter and educator. This East London performance is a chance to experience his extraordinary artistry up close – a night of life-affirming, infectious music that celebrates the true spirit of New Orleans.
EXPECT THE FUNK OF THE METERS, THE RHUMBAS OF PROFESSOR LONGHAIR AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.
LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULEZ!
Cover Charge: £10
+ Late Set from 00:00 - 01:00 (£6 on the door or £5 for those staying on)
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