Derek Nash Funk Experience plus special guest Noel McCalla The Derek Nash Funk Experience is the opportunity for top British Jazz Award winning UK saxophonist Derek Nash (Jools Holland/Ronnie Scotts Blues Explosion/Sax Appeal) to play the funk and groove hits that have influenced him throughout his career. The Funk Experience draws from a back catalogue of hits by Bill Withers, The Crusaders, The Average White Band, David Sanborn, Grover Washington Jnr, Herbie Hancock, the JBs to perform crowd-pleasing, spirit-lifting funk tunes and creating a night of foot-tapping, hand-clapping good times! With the addition of the mesmeric vocalist, Noel McCalla (Dereks long time partner from The Wonder of Stevie" Show) they can pay tribute to Soul artists such as Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Bill Withers. Noel McCallaslong association with the brilliant Morrisey Mullen Band earned him acclaim as one of Britains best Soul Singers (Blues and Soul Magazine) and,for more than 19 years, Noel's searing, soulful vocals were featured with the iconic Manfred Mann's "Earth Band". He also provided vocals on Mike Rutherford's highly acclaimed album, Smallcreep's Day, and is often featured with jazz funk band, Mezzoforte.He is also on tour with Paul Jones (Do WaDiddy Diddy, Mighty Quinn) and the Manfreds in 2025. Derek Nash has played in Jools Hollands Rhythm and Blues Orchestra since 2004 and is also a member of the Ronnie Scotts Blues Explosion. He has won several British Jazz Awards throughout his career fronting Sax Appeal, his Acoustic Quartet and the funk band, Protect the Beat. Derek has performed live, on record and on television with Gregory Porter, Chaka Khan, David Sanborn, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Amy Winehouse and many, many more. At the forefront of the British jazz movement, Derek Nash is "one of the most versatile saxophonists in the UK today" (The Guardian) The all-star band features Neil Angilley piano, Tim Cansfield guitar, Jonathan Noyce bass, Nic France drums. Musicians whose credits include Bill Withers, The Bee Gees, Gary Moore and Boy George . Rarely have I heard this music interpreted with such finesse, energy and all round brilliance The House of Soul Our Audiences comments A superb trawl through an eclectic and vibrant songbook, played with real elan and gusto. A thrilling show. Go see... Amazing first class musicianship and Noels vocals were simply stunning. You left me wanting more.