Dave Bainbridge & Sally Minnear

Award winning multi-instrumentalist Dave Bainbridge joins forces with Lord of The Dance vocalist, instrumentalist Sally Minnear to bring a spellbinding evening of music that will, in equal measure have you jigging in (or out of!) your seat or bring a tear to your eye. A compelling mix of powerful and ethereal vocal songs (including the occasional emotive Gaelic ballad). instrumental tracks (jigs / reels / slow airs / evolving soundscapes and virtuoso improvisation on keyboards, electric guitar, bouzouki and cowbell!

Such were the incredible reactions to Dave and Sally’s first duo tour in 2015, that they continue to work together whenever their busy schedules allow, bringing their magic to audiences far and wide. ‘Live in the Studio’ (2018) received amazing reviews. The duo now have an enthusiastic following on both sides of the Atlantic following several tours in the UK, Germany and appearances at ProgStock Festival in New Jersey (2023 and 2024) and a ‘by public demand’ late night set on the iconic ‘Cruise to the Edge’ in the Caribbean in March 2024, which had the packed atrium (including many famous musicians) transfixed.

QUOTES

"Dave Bainbridge, Thank YOU! ..it was a stupendous evening. Absolutely brilliant and beautiful performance. Sally's singing is incredible, we loved every minute! Everybody go and see this duo, they are something very special indeed, we can't wait to have them back.”

Debs Earl, www.folkinthebarn.co.uk

"Great show last night with Dave Bainbridge and Sally Minnear." Simon Nicol (Fairport Convention)

“A magical evening in so many ways and a testament to the emotional power of storytelling of music. Quite Wonderful”

Gary Mackenzie, Prog Magazine

“Quite possibly one of the most engaging and concerts I’ve been to in recent months.”

Grace Hayhurst, proghurst.co.uk

“The whole concert was a joyous celebration of the music of Iona and much more.” Sally’s use of pipes, percussion and wind chimes complement Dave’s soaring guitars and expressive piano and keyboards throughout the evening, and together they really created a rich and ethereal sound. Wonderful stuff indeed.”

David Edwards – TheProgressiveAspect.net

“The ability of the pair to use music to change the mood from reflective to joyful was quite amazing. The way they closed the set with two Iona classics was another demonstration of this…they returned for Minnear to give a spine-tingling rendition of ‘Beyond These Shores’ which I think generated quite a few moist eyes in the house. Two consummate musicians at the top of their game playing an eclectic two-hour set of songs. Perfect!”

Paul Whimpenny, velvetthumder.co.uk

“I'm not sure I have the words to say how much I enjoyed every moment from 3pm to pack down – Sally (what a voice!) and Dave were a joy to work with and absolutely fantastic throughout. As for the gig one word – Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!”

Steve (promoter)

Dave Bainbridge

(Piano, keyboards, electric & acoustic guitars, bouzouki, looping, vocals)

Best known as co-founder of pioneering Celtic folk/rock band IONA and more recently with Lifesigns, Celestial Fire, DBA (with Geoff Downes of Yes), Strawbs, The Colin Blunstone Band and as a solo artist, Dave’s multi-faceted career has led him into many musical genres and work with numerous artists including; Chris Braide, Jack Bruce, Troy Donockley, Buddy Guy, Gloria Gaynor, Mae McKenna, Moya Brennan, Paul Jones, Phil Keaggy, Robert Fripp, Nick Beggs, Damian Wilson and many others.

Dave gained several performance awards during his time at Leeds College of Music (including BBC Radio 2 Best Jazz Soloist Award). He has been in the top 4 in Prog Magazine’s Reader’s Poll Best Guitarist category several times. As well as recording 13 albums with IONA and numerous collaborative albums, Dave’s 5th solo album ‘On the Edge (of what could be)’, will be released in April 2024. Special guests include Sally, Simon Phillips (Toto/The Who/Mike Oldfield), Randy McStine (Porcupine Tree), Troy Donockley (Nightwish), Iain Hornal (10CC/ELO), Rachel Walker, Ebony Buckle and more.

“Bainbridge has always been known as afantastic guitar player, with

his trademark soaring and searing leads.However, he is an equally accomplished keyboard player….On Celestial Fire, he
really shows off his ivory chops….The instrumental parts are some of the
coolest I've heard in years.” David Taylor – www.spiritualprog.com

“Dave Bainbridge is a a genius of
immeasurable proportions…If you are unfamiliar with him it’s time to make
amends. Trust me.” Nick Beggs (Steve Wilson, Steve Hackett, Kajagoogoo etc)

‘Bainbridge’s guitar playing is superb; his
electric solos conjure Eric Johnson and Allan Holdsworth.….Looking deeper, the
music is genuinely touching, possessing a spiritual quality that speaks to the
soul and inspires various states of positivity, from peaceful tranquility to
breathless exhilaration.’ www.progressiveworld.net

Sally Minnear

(Vocals, vocal loops, acoustic guitar,
drums, percussion, tin whistle, recorder, keyboard)

Daughter of multi instrumentalist Kerry
Minnear of the hugely respected and influential ’70’s progressive band Gentle
Giant, Sally has been steeped in music throughout her life, having a minor hit
with the song “For You” aged just 18. After completing a music degree, during
which time she played fiddle and sang in a popular traditional Irish band,
Sally secured the featured vocalist role in Michael Flatley’s hugely successful
dance spectacular ‘Lord of the Dance’. Sally toured for two years with the
production, performing in concert halls, theatres and arenas all around the
world.

Since then Sally has kept busy contributing
vocals to projects and live performances with artists such as Pendragon, Dave
Brons, Lifesigns, Dave Kerzner, John Holden, I Am the Manic Whale, Pablo Ortiz,
Dan Avidan, Peter Gee, Zopp, Misty’s Big Adventure and many others. Sally has
also featured on 4 of Dave Bainbridge’s

solo albums and as lead vocalist, multi
instrumentalist in Dave’s band Celestial Fire.

“Sally Minnear’s angelic vocals….I could
listen to her all day and never lose interest” www.seaoftranquility.org”