Ali, Helen and John perform a unique blend of jazz, folk and classical music that has astonished audiences with its fire and excitement. The music includes special compositions and arrangements. There are delicate airs, wild and earthy Irish reels with a jazz influence from John, beautiful interpretations of Irish folk tunes and folk songs with original tunes, intricately arranged.
'Thank you for a fantastic time. The unexpected rendition of "our song" made it even more special' - Amanda and Adrian
'Thank you for a lovely concert. We raised £586.34 for the disaster emergency fund.' - Publow Church
'Thank you so much for making the evening perfect.' - Judith and David
What happens when you combine the classical trained talents of two outstanding musicians, Helen James, classical guitar and Ali Nourse, folk fiddler, with the virtuoso and wide-ranging experience of a jazz pianist, John Hooper? The result is a unique and exciting combination of sounds from ‘Three Piece Suite’, a trio who perform their highly original repertoire, enhanced with vocals from all three, either in harmony or as individual solos.
A concert from ‘Three Piece Suite’ varies from classical or flamenco interpretations of ‘Cavatina’ or ‘Concerto De Aranjuez’, wild and earthy or soul wrenching folk melodies, traditional folk songs intricately arranged, through to the jazz moods of Gershwin, Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, or Louis Armstrong’s ‘It’s a Wonderful World’. Their music knows no boundaries.
As long as the song has a good melody and swings, then we will develop our own rendition’
says John Hooper.
Ali Nourse is highly qualified not only as a gifted classical violinist, but also as a classical pianist and singer having received her formal training at Dartington College. Ali is a dedicated virtuoso folk fiddler who has toured extensively particularly with the nationally known 'Pendragon’. Ali performs regularly at many prestigious folk festivals and folk clubs.
John Hooper is a jazz pianist and vocalist who was a founder member of the legendary West Country Blue Notes Jazz Band, playing with them for some 25 years. Later, he formed the John Hooper Trio with the acclaimed jazz singer, Kate McNabb. During this period, John performed over 30 TV and 200 radio broadcasts and played concerts including the Albert Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic Hall and Bristol’s Colston Hall, alongside many jazz greats such as Acker Bilk and most of the UK’s leading traditional jazz musicians.
Three Piece Suite enjoy each other’s company, have an infectious sense of humour and will excite and involve the audience when performing in concert. John, Helen and Ali have recently recorded a new CD, “Fortunes to Tell”. The CD title is from an original song composed by Helen. John and Helen, as ‘Keyna’, have recently recorded a new CD called “A Nightingale Sang” which is also on sale
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Campion Live Music
Music Samples
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Jazzy Paddy
Gypsy Girl
