Aaron is fresh back from playing and partying in Monte Carlo. The star studded band performed brand new musical “Horray for Hollywood” with the full dancing and singing cast, and then kicked the party off big time after midnight. Dame Shirley Bassey was in our audience (she lives opposite the club).  Le Sporting is touted as the number one place to be seen on NYE in the famous principality of Monaco where Ferraris and Lamborghinis are more common than Fords or Renaults. Click here to see the photos

“These walls are not walls, but infinite space, this sound is not sound but infinite vibrations, these words are not words but infinite expressions, this time is not time. but the infinite now.” Zee Gachette     Z-Star’s live shows are quite simply, unforgettable. You have to physically experience them to understand the infectious nature of her magical energy. She can be still as a slow burning candle or as explosive as a Molotov. A gifted vocalist, musician and bandleader, with a talent for creating deep dynamic soundtracks that mix Soul Jazz Bossa Blues Roots n Rock into one unmistakable sound.     “I never know what’s going to happen at a gig, its all about the energy, when I’m onstage the only thing that matters is where I’m taking them and how we’re getting there”.     Its that spirit of spontaneity that makes Zee so compelling, she has a penchant for improvisation, entertaining and energizing her audience. In a recent live review Latest 7 writer Mark Ede rated 5 stars for her “uninhibited showmanship & genre-defying musicality”.     “Mesmerising live performer” – TIME FM “Outstanding talent and phenomenal live performer whose every note and nuance is drawn from the deepest well of sincerity” – RADIO REVERB “It’s a question of intensity, Z* has a voice that goes straight to the stomach.” – MARIE CLAIRE “Range, power and style a soul jazz diva to watch out for” – EVENING STANDARD     The press have communicated this genre-defying musicality through their vast comparisons of Z* to; a female Hendrix, the musicality of Terry Callier and Meshell Ndegecello, the vocal resonance of Sade, Joan Armatrading and Tracy Chapman.

Z-Star.com

Whilst seeing the sights in Paris, Aaron couldn’t help finding a stage for a jam. The stage was the Duc de Lombart and you can see pictures here

London seems to have shrugged off the recession and become the capital of Summer parties. I’ve had a string of dates with The Rock and Roll Society, The Star Gazers, Strong Sensation, The All Stars, and some amazing DJs.

Recording rhythm sections for my forthcoming album DrumCake. So far we’ve recorded Andy Hamill, Simon Wallace, Marc Parnell, Tim Cansfield, Matt Steele, Myke Wilson, Robert ‘Skins’ Anderson and Otto Williams. And the styles we’ve laid out include Funk, Jazz and Drum’n'Bass. Looking forward to getting back into the studio….

The Cream Horns have been in the studio recording for various artists.

Paul West and I have a duo to play theraputic music sessions. We’ve been visiting schools and hospitals all around the capital. Its amazing the connection that can be made with music and an open mind!

I had a wacky workshop backing up poet Ian McMillan at the BBC Proms.

I continue as jazz professor at the Blackheath Conservatoire. And I have begun teaching 1-2-1 at home, so email me if you would like a lesson.

Any Swing Goes does from strength to strength. Jay Craig played baritone with us recently. Jay toured USA with Buddy Rich for 3 years. Roy Willox was lead sax with Ted Heath for years from 1950, so it was a great honour and learning experience to sit next to him with the Reunion Big Band. My clarinet (or misery stick to use its slang name) has been playing Woody Herman covers and also entertaining Princess Anne and the British Legion at Westminster Abbey.

Amongst the party atmosphere, some truly outstanding and unique gigs have included sharing the Pizza Express stage with Andy Shepperd, Gilad Atzmon, Abram Wilson in the Shez Raja Collective. And jamming with Robin Jones and Roberto Pla as they performed with DeLatin Sound.

Sadly, in July, we lost Amy. I’m thankful for the chance I had to know her. She has left a great legacy in popular music.

Click Here for more information. After you have a venue, chosen the food and invited your guests, Music is the most important addition to a party. It sets the mood and helps your guest to relax. Live music adds class and is a talking point, and reminds people this is an outstanding day.

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Click here to see a the published albums on which I’m featured