Bruce Hornsby, Christian McBride, and Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers

An incredibly talented musician and a multi instrumentalist, Bruce Hornsby’s performances ranging from elements of classical piano, to jazz, right through to folk, and jam band are always something spectacular. The multi-genre musician has picked up many awards for his original fusion of styles, and is accredited for his talent internationally.
My favourite of all of his music has always been the incredible piano playing his offers to his audience. Live performances by Hornsby never disappoint, whether he’s behind the piano, on the banjo, or taking a solo vocal spot, the energy he brings to each craft is unique and passionate. The music is an innate part of his being, and his talent to translate it to a mesmerised crowd is something that few musicians are capable of.
Seeing Hornsby play with Ricky Skaggs is also an amazing element to his music. Their folk blend washes over the audience, and their playful puns with each other encourage the playful dynamic of the performances. As a live musician, Bruce’s talent resonates and empowers the spectators, and it is evident how much he enjoys his craft and ability to please a crowd. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the most talented musicians of this generation perform live.

Ever heard of a "double double bass"? No? Me neither. That was until I had the pleasure of experiencing two of the greatest living artistes of the double bass play at the packed Komedia deep in the famous Lanes of Brighton. Jazz man - soon to be labelled jazz great - Christian McBride and folk/bluegrass master Edgar Meyer joined their considerable forces for a night of joy and artistry by the Seaside.
The truth is that it was really Christian McBride who I had come to see. I'm a long time fan and, to be honest, I was a little disappointed that I wasn't going to see him in his now familiar excellent trio setting. When I realised that the person he was going to play with, Edgar Meyer, was a bluegrass master I consoled myself with the thought that my wife Kate would be very happy having a real affection for that music that I, as yet, have never fully acquired.
What happened next, after we bagged front table seats where it was physically impossible to be nearer to the performers without joining in, was sheer magic. Anyone subjected to me droning on about the best music gigs I've ever seen will possibly recall me praising a performance of jazz legend Sonny Rollins at the Umbria Jazz Festival, the maestro Yo Yo Ma entering a trance like state playing his cello in London and sitting in box seats with Kate at the famous Apollo in Harlem when the brilliant Lizz Wright made me cry and the other performances left me breathless. McBride and Meyer will now be added to the very select list that I will, no doubt, endlessly bore people with.
As I've already said I'm a fan of McBride, but I'm not generally a strings man - with the exception of the superb Esperanza Spalding. That's likely to change after watching at close quarters the skill and artistry of these two amazing performers. Each musician, as the very best seem to do, just became one with their instruments.
The interplay between McBride and Meyer, especially the effortless way that they swopped lead roles mid tune was something to behold. I've never seen such a thing even in jazz gigs where band interplay and improvisation is the order of the day.
McBride has a funky deep jazz feel to his playing that clearly flows from his days backing The Godfather James Brown. He shows a real passion for his instrument that washes over his audience. Meyer, no less passionate than McBride, and certainly no less skilful, played his double bass with his whole body. It seemed at times that the swaying movement of his body was the principle mechanism by which his fingers glided effortlessly up and down his double bass.
There are lots of things I don't know and there are a few things I'm certain of. I'm certain that no matter how bad my football team Aston Villa get that we will always be better than the lot from Small Heath. I'm certain that bears do in fact shit in the woods. I'm also certain that McBride and Meyer should record an album together and go back on tour to play it. I'm also certain that if there are any better double bass players than these two then I'm going to see them! Wherever they are in the World. Like Kate - I have a credit card and I'm not afraid to use it!
Roger McKenzie

I consider myself very lucky because I was one of the 800-900 fans that attended The Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers concert on Saturday July 5th 2014 at The Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre in Wilmington NC. The crowd simply exploded when Bruce and his band opened up with a kickin' version of "Big Rumble" which was followed by two more songs to complete this opening medley. Not only is Bruce a phenominal piano player and an extremely talented musician, he is an all around nice guy as well. After delighting the crowd with the first few hits he broke into a pumped up "What A Time." Chessboxer, the outstanding opening act, were jammin' with him and The Noisemakers throughout the entire 1 hour and 45 minute set! He closed the set out with a rippin', burnin "White Wheeled Limosine." Not only did Bruce show us his skills on the piano but also on songs that he tore apart on the accordion and the dulcimer as well. The most amazing thing about the show for me and quite a few fans was that we were thoroughly enjoying ourselves singing and dancing right in front of the stage. I was informed that the show wasn't a sellout but you could have fooled me. I turned around numerous times to see everyone not only right in the center area standing but also it appeared that every seat was taken! This amphitheatre is certainly an awesome venue to see a show. One can choose to remain in their general admission seat that no one fought over or to stand in the area in front of the stage. If you weren't here I feel sorry for you because it was definitely a wonderful experience. But there is no excuse not to see Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers sometime in the near future.