Jonny Phillips' Oriole, Basquiat Strings

In May 2013 Oriole and Basquiat Strings, two of Britain's most critically acclaimed and popular instrumental groups will tour together for the first time.

Their leaders Jonny Phillips (Oriole) and Ben Davis (Basquiat Strings), great friends for many years, have much in common from classical, Brazilian, and jazz music to travel and humour. They also share the same drummer, Seb Rochford (Polar Bear). This being said the sound of their two groups, although both utilizing the earthy raw sounds of folk/jazz/classical music informed by tradition, vary greatly.

Both groups have new albums. Oriole's first album since Jonny's return from Spain - Every New Day was released in may 2012 to the usual critical success, where as Basquiat Strings, whose first album was nominated for the Mercury award, will be releasing their exceptional second album - Basquiat Strings - part II – as part of the May 2013 tour.