The hKippers

The hKippers Stephen Walbeck perform at Hideaway
Sunday, 28th Sep 2014

Jazz grooves collide with Euro folk and anarchic humour in the strange world of this much acclaimed line-up led by Paul Bradley and Oscar winning composer Stephen Warbeck.

Stephen Warbeck - accordion, piano & vocals
Sarah Homer - clarinet
Andrew Rankin - drums
Dai Pritchard - clarinet
Rob Townsend - saxes
Richard Henry - trombone
Dave Berry - bass/tuba
John Eacott - trumpet

 

A beguiling, eccentric fusion of jazz folk and world music, bolstered by anarchic stage humour, this 8-10 piece band, co-led by former EastEnder, Holby City actor Paul Bradley (lovable old Nigel!), is possibly the only act we’ll Holby star Paul Bradley singing with The hKippers at a festivalhost that manages to incorporate a swimming cap, goggles, and a roll of sellotape into their show. But don’t be fooled into thinking they’re a joke band – this extremely talented ensemble do everything in their power to ensure you’re having as much fun as they are.

Vocalist Bradley co-leads alongside Oscar-winning composer Stephen Warbeck (recognised for his work on Shakespeare in Love), and behind the comedic disposition of the act, the rest of the band are just as accomplished, including a Symphony Orchestra performer, a talented Producer and the drummer from the Pogues. Having formed in the late eighties, the cheeky public face to this band is just cunning misdirection – this ensemble is tight, talented, and when they line up to perform it’s for the sheer pleasure of being on stage together – a benefit felt by the audience, too!

The friendship and on-stage history between Warbeck and Bradley, which dates back many years to their time together at a Rep company in Manchester, made Paul the natural choice front man when The hKippers were conceived – without him, this is a band that plays great music. With him, he holds the lighter elements together and brings a touch of genius to it all. Personalities are the key to this band, but the music is always King – miss it at your peril!

“A band of friends who claim to play a fusion of jazz-folk and world music but still tackle anything that seems like fun”  Phil Daoust – The Guardian