NYE Soul & Groove Party feat. Ray Simpson
It’s New Year’s Eve and time for a big SOUL and GROOVE party with our special guest, UK soul man extraordinaire Ray Simpson (Cymande, Soul II Soul, Incognito and more) serving up two sets of stone cold soul classics and dance floor fillers as we say hello to 2018 in style here in SW16!
Ticket price includes a free glass of bubbly on arrival and a four course meal (scroll down to see the full menu below).
Ray Simpson is a British based recording artist who was inspired by the soulful sounds of Motown, Stax, Atlantic Records, Philadelphia International and others, which led him to follow his dreams and achieve a career as a musician.
Ray went on to develop a varied solo career as a vocalist, producer and songwriter, writing for himself and other popular artists such as Maxi Priest, Sugar Minott and Al Campbell to name a few.
In 1984 Ray signed recording and publishing deals with Island Records and Blue Mountain Music, and started to actively explore soul and funk music. He collaborated with Jean Paul Maunick (Bluey), of Incognito, to record vocals on a project produced by Maunick and also toured with Incognito.
In 1989 Ray was signed by Circa Records and recorded his self-titled debut album ‘Ray Simpson’, produced by celebrated American producer Michael J Powell (whose production credits include work with Anita Baker, Randy Crawford among others).
Over the years Ray has worked with Will Downing, Jocelyn Brown, Loose Ends, Maysa Leak and Caron Wheeler and was a featured soloist with Soul II Soul on their album ‘Time For Change’ on which he penned the single ‘Pleasuredome‘.
Ray’s connection with Cymande dates back to the origin of the band in the 70’s, when as a young schoolboy he would watch the band practice in their Brixton basement and thereafter follow their progress with great interest through the connection between his family and the family of Sam Kelly and Derrick Gibbs. That connection was made complete as Ray joined the newly reformed Cymande, touring the US with the band in 2016.
Joining Ray on stage will be Sam Kelly (drums, Cymande), Ray Carless (sax, Cymande, Incognito), Richard Sadler (bass, Kinks, Paul Weller Neil Cowley Trio), Paul Jobson (keys, Chaka Khan, Omar, Joss Stone), Michael ‘Lally’ Carey (guitar) and Kevin Davy (trumpet, Cymande, Finlay Quaye).
HIDEAWAY NYE MENU
STARTERS
Mixed Wild Mushroom Soup served with Garlic and Herb Croutons
White Onion and Parmesan Tart served with Shredded Iceberg Lettuce,
Broad Bean and Cherry Tomato Salsa with a Balsamic Dressing
Homemade Lamb Kofta served with Lambs Lettuce, Cumin Roasted Sweet Potato
and a Mint Dressing
Honey Glazed Goats Cheese on Toasted Crostini,
served with Spiced Red Wine Poached Pear and Walnut Salad
Crayfish and Prawn Cocktail, bound in Marie Rose Sauce,
Shredded Cos Lettuce and Guacamole
MAINS
Salmon, Cod and Baby Prawn Fishcake, served on a bed of Creamy Garlic Spinach,
with Steamed French Beans
Grilled Breast of Jerk Chicken served with Winter Coleslaw, Salad and Chips
Red Wine Braised Duck Leg served with Dauphinoise Potatoes, Steamed French Beans
and Rosemary Sauce
Homemade Vegetable Moussaka served with Chefs Side Salad
DESSERTS
Good Ol’ Apple Crumble served with Custard, Cream or Ice Cream
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce and Caramel Honeycomb Ice Cream
Banoffee Cheesecake with Brandy Sauce and Fresh Bananas
Warm Lime and Ginger Tart served with a Passion Fruit Flavoured Cream
PETIT FOURS