BIMM GUESTS
Check out the latest special guest musicians and music industry professionals who have visited BIMM to talk to students and sign our Wall of Shame!
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		Madness (Dec 09) 10 BIMM musicians went to the Brighton Centre to meet UK ska band Madness. They watched the band sound check for an hour before being taken backstage for a meet and greet. Founding member, keyboardist and songwriter Mike Barson and drummer Daniel Woodgate discussed their thoughts on various subjects such as their influences, songwriting, set lists and label deals. It was very interesting to hear their answers, arguments and their thoughts on such aspects. To round off the session our musicians were invited to watch the sold-out show that night. BIMM musician Ernst Carstens said “the concert was amazing and full of energy. I’m deeply grateful to have met one of my favourite bands.”

		The Specials Legendary Bassist Sir Horace Gentleman (Nov 09) The Specials bassist Sir Horace Gentleman aka Horace Panter came into BIMM Brighton for a masterclass. He began the session with a solo performance and played 3 influential pieces. He discussed his influences, how he analyses music from a bass player’s perspective and the merits of listening to different genres. Horace gave advice on how to play effectively with a drummer and how to develop a tight rhythm section. A Q&A from the floor rounded up the session and Horace was only too pleased to answer a range of questions, including tips on performing at festivals and his favourite bands. He even indulged us in hilarious stories about The Specials most famous performances. Before he left Horace kindly signed the wall and reviewed a BIMM band’s performance.

		Night Of Vocals with Amy Winehouse’s band (Nov 09) On a cold November night BIMM Brighton warmly welcomed guests and musicians alike into the Komedia for a Night of Vocals. Compered by BIMM Director Kevin Nixon and tutor Jason Knight the evening was host to Amy Winehouse’s band. The UK’s leading session band performed with our BIMM vocalists with a series of soul classics and Amy Winehouse tracks. Lead by a Q&A with the band the guys gave insight into what it is like working with one of the most famous vocalists in the world. Backing vocalists Ade Omotayo and Zalon Thompson blew the audience away with their stage presence and vocal mastery whilst Musical Director/Bassist Dale Davis and the band spoke about their careers and songwriting. This was a truly memorable and stunning evening and many thanks to the band for taking the time out to visit us.

		Beverley Knight performs live at BIMM (Nov 09) British soul and R&B singer Beverley Knight came into BIMM for an exclusive masterclass. This included a special live performance which featured our musicians with Beverley Knight on backing vocals! Beverley has released 5 studio albums to date, received an MBE for her charitable work and the contribution she has made to British music. Widely labelled as one of Britain’s greatest soul singers she has received a host of awards, including three MOBO’s. Beverley made time during her UK tour to speak with our musicians about her career, influences and vocal technique. You can check out the performance now by clicking on the link below.

		Guthrie Govan Guitar Masterclasses (Nov 09) Guthrie Govan held a set of packed masterclasses this month. He spoke about many aspects of his guitar playing such as picking and tone. Guthrie also demonstrated the many sound options available without using external effects. Other areas discussed include his recent sessions for the Electric Proms sessions with Dizzee Rascal and his approaches to recreating the tones and textures on the original recordings. More masterclasses booked for Term 2 + an exclusive performance at BIMM’s Night of Guitars in February 2010, also featuring Adrian Legg.

		The Temper Trap (Oct 09) Induction Day at BIMM Brighton was packed with music industry guests and bands. Korda Marshall, MD of Infectious Records came down with The Temper Trap’s guitarist and songwriter Lorenzo Sillitto and discussed the relationship between artist and label. This was of particular interest to our musicians since the band’s single “Sweet Disposition” was number 6 in the charts that week. Other industry guests included Felix Howard, Head of A&R at EMI Music Publishing who talked about their sponsorship with BIMM’s BA Songwriting course and a speech about the current music industry climate from CEO of UK Music Feargal Sharkey. BIMM bands Sweet Sweet Lies and Son of Robot performed on the day topped with a electric showdown with punk rockers Ghost of a Thousand (Epitaph Records).

		Little Boots (Oct 09) At a time when her schedule is frantically hectic with her UK tour, electro pop starlet Little Boots made time to meet up with BIMM musician Sabrina Altan. Relaxing backstage before her sold out gig at the Concorde 2, Little Boots aka Victoria Hesketh, answered questions on her career, influences, collaborations, future plans, songwriting and image. Jet lagged from her Japan tour Victoria described how her gigs have taken her from a sold out tour in the US all the way to Australia. She spoke about her inspirations that included Kate Bush, Brian Wilson and David Bowie and her forthcoming session with Gary Numan. Victoria then spoke in detail about her burning ambition to produce a film soundtrack before rounding up the session on where she gets her stage outfits. Before shooting off to soundcheck Victoria gave some advice to our musicians and said “take opportunities”, “get your demos out”, “be pro-active” and “study – it’s the building block”. Sound advice!

		Funeral for a Friend (Oct 09) 20 lucky BIMM musicians were taken down to the Concorde 2 to meet UK rock band Funeral for a Friend. They spent the afternoon watching the band soundcheck and spoke to them about their careers. The band discussed label deals, inspirations, songwriting, gigs and their albums. It was an insightful talk with some very useful advice – a great start to the new term!

		Guitar Legend Jeff Beck - exclusive masterclass Living legend Jeff Beck came into BIMM Brighton for a very special masterclass. Unarguably one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Jeff’s career has spanned decades and shaped the way we think about and play guitar. He has earned international critical praise, received 4 Grammy Awards, played with the greats including Stevie Wonder and Rod Stewart and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jeff talked about some of his trademark techniques, picking up an off the shelf signature Strat going straight into a BIMM Marshall DSL 50 watt head and, with no pedals, demonstrated how he achieves one of the most recognisable tones in the world. Jamming with BIMM guitarists: Luke Machin, Sandy Buglass and Ben Poole, Jeff ran through ‘Cause We Ended as Lovers’, ‘Where Were You’ and ‘Blues Deluxe’. Gary Moore also popped into BIMM to say hello, and some lucky BIMM guitarists were invited to Jeff’s gig at the Dome that evening. Sandy even sat next to Jimmy Page!

		Carl Verheyen - Supertramp Guitarist (Oct 09) Carl Verheyen, session legend and guitarist from progressive rock group Supertramp, came into BIMM to deliver a highly entertaining and informative masterclass. Lead by BIMM tutor Andy Bray our student audience were amused and amazed with Carl’s tales. He discussed in length his band membership with Supertramp and his solo and session career. The latter which included an incredible range of projects from top Hollywood film ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ to Little Richard.