The Bush All-Stars at St Mary's LIVE

Guitarist Dave Plotel was recruited from Ronnie Scott’s in the mid-1970s to join Liverpool soul group The Real Thing, replacing Vic Linton on guitar. The two became friends and toured together backing David Essex in 1975. Before that, Dave had played in cult psych-rock band Icarus — his guitar solo on “Spiderman” appears on the 1972 album The Marvel World of Icarus — and between them, he and Vic have backed Ben E. King, Percy Sledge, Eddie Floyd, Arthur Conley and Jimmy Helms on UK tours.

Vic spent the 1980s touring the world with Billy Ocean through the Suddenly and Tear Down These Walls years, and went on to work with Total Contrast and on the Caribbean House Party records before returning to the Caribbean for a spell. Dave went on to lead his own jazz fusion trio in London and has been releasing solo records across smooth jazz, funk and ambient writing into the 2020s.

The two now live a few streets apart in west London and have reunited for a quieter project built around twin guitars and melodic writing.

They’re joined by bassist Nick Gordon, a Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama jazz graduate who has played the Wales Millennium Centre, Brecon Jazz, and BBC Introducing sessions, and drummer Terry Tetteh-Martey, who grew up playing in church and brings that lift and warmth to the kit.

The set leans toward mellow jazz fusion and smooth soul. A taste of Dave’s writing: listen on Spotify.

Friday 26th June

7:30–8:30 (doors 7:00)

St Mary’s Church, Acton (W3 9NW)

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St Mary’s Acton is an inclusive church in the heart of west London. The St Mary’s LIVE series on Friday nights is curated by Luca Wetherall and showcases some of London’s top upcoming acts. Bar available.