Lorraine Ayensu

Lorraine Ayensu, singer songwriter of Ghanaian and English descent, is influenced by British, African, Latin and American music. Her music reflects rootsy as well as modern and popular sounds and she gives equal attention to the music as well as the lyrics in a song.

Lorraine has performed for many years, having started out as backing vocalist for Delroy Ogilvie, former Black Roots frontman and vocalist. She also spent three years working as a vocalist and percussionist with Congolese Master Drummer Koko Kanyinda Mukala in the mid 90s. She now performs her music in solo, trio and full band format, with recent UK and international tour dates such as Glastonbury, Brampton and the Singapore Riverside Festival.

Lorraine has recently returned from Ghana where she studied with Koo Nimo, the legendary folkloric palm wine guitar master. Expect to hear some upbeat African as well as soul, rock, folk, jazz and Latin rhythms in her forthcoming shows.

"Like most songwriters she can turn a good lyric - but what makes her music exceptional is her wealth of knowledge and insight that she brings to bear on the music. Steeped in African, Caribbean, Latin and American influences as well as jazz, each number has it's own provenance as new world music from a global musician who respects her roots. It's a remarkable achievement" Tony Benjamin - The Venue - Jazz World Jan 09

Lorraine's album recordings include 'Remembering' and 'Last Conversation'. (See the audio gallery for sample tracks and the CDs page for further info and online purchase).

Norma Daykin: Alto Sax and Wind Synthesiser

Norma started her music career playing in Keith Tippet's Seedbed Jazz Orchestra. She went on to study music at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and has since emerged as a well respected composer, arranger and bandleader. Norma has been a longstanding member of Lorraine's band. She also leads her own projects: salsanova, a nine piece afro-cuban dance band(www.salsanova.co.uk) and latin jazz ensemble Paraty (www.myspace.com/paratyuk).

Tim Robinson: Kit Drum

Tim is well known for his extensive drumming knowledge and ability. He is particularly known for his African and World rhythm styles. Tim regularly tours world wide with Baka Beyond and has worked with many artists including Jim Moray and Daily Planet. In addition to playing live he is highly regarded as teacher of Kit drum and he is currently completing a PhD at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London.

Ben Groenevelt: Double and Electric bass

Ben took up double bass after a chance hearing of a recording by Viennese virtuoso Ludwig Streicher.He made rapid progress, soon playing electric bass in bands such as Automatic Dlamini with John Parish and PJ Harvey.

Ben has also studyied with noted virtuoso and teacher David Hayes. Ben has played in a large number of West End shows and tours including West Side Story, Miss Saigon, Chess, Chicago, working with artists as diverse as Tommy Steele, Alison Moyet, Elaine Strich and Hayley Westenra.

Nii Tagoe: Percussion

Nii Tagoe was born in Ghana, into a royal family of master drummers and dancers, where he learnt drumming, dancing and singing. He has spent many years travelling, learning, teaching, performing and leading productions throughout the world. Nii has toured and performed as percussionist, singer and composer with world music chart toppers Osibisa, Baka Beyond, African Headcharge and Asian Dub Foundation. He also runs his own music and dance project - Frititi (www.frititi.com).