Songs & Stories Pride Special with Ian Shaw and guests Deirdre Cartwright and Alison Rayner
Two pioneers of British jazz join Ian to talk life on the road, collaborations, composing and playing live.
British jazz guitarist Deirdre Cartwright is known for her innovative style and contributions to the UK jazz scene. Deirdre plays in ARQ with this show's other guest, the hugely popular bass player and composer - and the band's leader - Alison Rayner.
Deirdre gained prominence with her band, Painted Lady in the 1970s and was a key member of The Guest Stars - an all-women biggish band, one of the first to champion a much-needed non-male band. Cartwright later co-presented the BBC's ground-breaking programme, Rockschool, bringing her unique approach to a national audience.
Alison's career equally spans several decades, featuring collaborations with numerous artists and contributions to a range of projects. ARQ is multi-award-winning, and their album 'Short Stories' won Alison an Ivor Novello award.
‘Songs & Stories’ places UK music luminaries centre stage, alongside multi-award winner, singer, pianist and broadcaster, Shaw, up-close and personal. Shaw has interviewed (and often performed at the club with) the likes of Van Morrison, Monty Alexander, Frank Sinatra Junior, George Benson, Madeline Bell, Claire Martin, Pee Wee Ellis, among many others.
The (often) legendary artists we have invited will perform songs that have marked their rich and varied careers, often taking their unique artistry all over the world. With a Q&A section, the stories will flow around the live performances, as Shaw invites you into the peculiar, challenging and exciting world of the recording and touring artist.
Come and enjoy this unique, relaxed, revealing, funny and fascinating new Saturday Ronnie’s special, with Ian and guests.
If there is a more complete guitarist in contemporary music than Deirdre Cartwright – I’d like to know who it is.
Rayner's early collaboration with guitarist Deirdre Cartwright in the 1970s [date back to] the days when it was uncommon to find the words "woman" and "musician" in the same sentence. They still play a pivotal role in campaigning to raise awareness and provide support to women jazz musicians.
Related shows
View all shows
Black Lives in Music presents CHERISE
Join one of the UK’s most exciting new voices in soul and jazz for an intimate evening of music and storytelling, presented in collaboration with Black Lives in Music.
Avishai Cohen Quintet
This hand-picked line-up will perform new Avishai compositions, fan favourites and a few surprise tunes.
Simon Moullier Quartet
"The unchallenged new star of jazz vibraphone" Simon Moullier has distinguished himself as one of the leading voices of his generation.