This was the last music event at Illuminate Productions’ home on Brook Street before the building was re-developed. The location, opposite the infamous Claridges Hotel, is steeped in history and was also, for over 20 years, the headquarters of Vidal Sassoon, renowned for their iconic fashion and effortless sophistication. Members of the public were invited for an afternoon of entertainment from Billy Bones, an anarchic ensemble of musicians, the likes of which you have never seen or heard.

If The Pogues and Gogol Bordello had an illicit meeting with Arcade Fire in a dry-docked old sailing ship themed pub and the offspring were reared by The Clash and Hunter S Thompson in a caravan, decorated inside by Tim Burton, parked on some wasteground upstairs in the Hawley Arms, and… the offspring grew up into a band, the chances are that the band would be named Billy Bones.

Moondusty is a new band led by London based singer-songwriter Daniel Orcese. An artist with decades of experience making magical music, Orcese has toured with the likes of Pete Doherty, made an album with critically acclaimed jazz pianist Greg Foat and has contributed vocals for a Paul Weller track.

Moondusty’s new single The Other Place, follows the eponymous Moondusty#1, released in June this year, Orcese’s first release after an eight-year hiatus. Recorded in half a day at Karma Studios, this new tune begs the question: what would happen were we able to step inside our old selves and inhabit our past lives – if just for a moment… evoking the dog days of summer – shortening days… sun low in the sky…

This sentiment was suitable for what was one of the last shows at Brook Street. During the midst of the pandemic, with the West End eerily silent, Dan shared his lockdown demos with long-standing friend and musical collaborator James McArthur. “After many years away from making music, I was unsure of where these songs were destined” says Dan. “Having the space for the tunes to grow and develop was an essential part of theirs and what would become Moondusty’s Genesis… as the venue provided a forum for rehearsal and re-connecting with my old friends. It feels very special that we’ll be able to perform the songs to a live audience and so complete the circle…”

www.moondusty.bandcamp.com

DUTCH GRIP

Brixton-based instrumental duo Dutch Grip (Jim Willis - Guitar, Oliver Talkes - Synth) blend hymnal melody, rich harmony and dense lo-fi textures to create drifting cinematic soundscapes, taking inspiration from Boards Of Canada, Bill Frisell, Morphine and John Barry.

www.dutchgrip.bandcamp.com

The first in a series of live performances, and on the lead up to the release of James McArthur & the Head Gardeners fourth Album; Keep it Clean, Illuminate Productions showcased an exclusive live event in the heart of Mayfair. 

The intimate and ephemeral live show, enabled the audience to see the band up close and personal, whilst also experiencing the therapeutic properties of light and the impermanence of the London skyline. 

McArthur always retains his connection to the natural world and his relationship with the environment, integrating nature and nurture. McArthur’s music invites the listener to unite, connect with each other and to consider our place in the world. 

The location, opposite the infamous Claridges Hotel, is steeped in history and was also for over 20 years the headquarters of Vidal Sassoon, renowned for their iconic fashion and effortless sophistication, it is now the temporary home of Illuminate Productions, before being re-developed next year.

Keep it Clean demonstrates McArthur’s, now signature, intricate plucked guitar lines and hushed vocals that are beautifully accompanied with yearning violin from Jim Willis and haunting pedal steel guitar from Johnny ‘O, who make up The Head Gardeners. Throughout his career, McArthur has valued the overall listening experience. Past live performances include alongside ambient DJs at the Tate Modern, live shows on the top of a mountain, the top of a high rise building and miniscule gigs in a vintage golden caravan, his devotion to creating the perfect atmosphere is key to the beautifully intimate feel in his music.

“Strong and beautifully articulated, sometimes evoking the feel of Nick Drake’s Pink Moon.” – Mojo

 “Bucolic melodies, intricate acoustic guitar-picking and lazy, dusty vocals...a British answer to Iron and Wine's Sam Beam.” – Uncut

 “A Beta Band-like roots rondo with jazzy touches that a modern-day Pentangle might pilfer.” – Classic Rock

 “As close as we'll get to a modern-day Heron.” – Record Collector

 “His sound is immersive and bubble like, it felt like I was inside the music looking out.” – Jimmy Cauty (KLF, The Orb)

 “James McArthur’s music is like his gardens: intricate, beautiful and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.” – Jamie Morrison (Stereophonics)