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Top Young Musicians Launch Coleraine Concert Series

22 January 2010

Three outstanding young jazz musicians will launch Ulster’s Coleraine Concert Series which kicks-off next month.The Mark McKnight Guitar Trio will perform on Tuesday 2 February at 8pm in the Octagon.

The Trio, with award-winning guitarist Mark McKnight, Scottish double bassist Euan Burton and London's James Maddren on drums, offers an exciting and original sound.Since graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2006 Mark McKnight has become one of Ireland’s leading young jazz musicians. He has played throughout Europe and performed and recorded with many internationally respected artists.  He was awarded third place in the prestigious Montreux International Jazz Guitar Competition 2008, which is open to all guitarists under 30 worldwide.

He is joined by Scottish double bassist Euan Burton, noted for his touring work with some of New York's most influential band leaders including Ari Hoenig and Jonathan Kreisberg.  Since graduating from the Birmingham Conservatoire Burton has become one of the UK’s most in demand musicians. An accomplished composer, he has recently released an album of his compositions, Collections.Drummer James Maddren completes the trio. Maddren graduated from the jazz course at the Royal Academy of Music and now regularly appears  with some of the most respected names on the contemporary music scene including Gwilym Simcock, Mark Copeland and Stan Sulzmann, and he is a member of  the Kit Downes Trio.

The Trio’s performance in Coleraine will move between reinterpretation of the standard jazz repertoire and a new programme of McKnight’s original compositions.Tickets can be purchased in advance in the Cultural Development Office, Coleraine campus or at the door on the evening.  For further information or to book please phone Cultural Development on 028 7032 4449 .