Paddy Milner

Singer/songwriter Paddy Milner has recently emerged as one of the most distinctive new talents in the UK, which explains why Gerry Bron - legendary rock manager, producer and record label boss – has come out of retirement after fifty years in the music business to sign him to the iconic Bronze Records.

Milner’s original vocal sound, influenced by distinct genres including ska and Britpop, is underpinned by his virtuosic jazz piano playing and intricate arrangements. This innovative style and remarkable technical talent separates him from other jazz and soul contemporaries and has drawn favourable comment from many corners, not least Dave Brubeck, who commented “There’s someone who can really play the piano”. Milner is also highly regarded by some of the biggest names in Blues and recently supported both BB King and Joe Cocker.

His debut album, Walking on Eggshells, released in early 2006, received widespread critical acclaim which was matched with commercial success internationally, topping the FNAC Jazz & Blues chart and crossing over into the mainstream French charts. His new album – Based On A True Story– will be released in April 2007 and will be supported by a full UK tour.

Paddy Milner’s music defies straightforward definition. Citing influences as wide ranging as Madness, Rufus Wainwright, Stevie Wonder and Nick Drake, Milner successfully manages to straddle genres – and eras – whilst retaining his own unique voice and style. Covers of The Beatles’ cult classic Hey Bulldog and The Violent Femmes’ anthem Blister in the Sun alongside collaborations with lyricist Pete Brown, formerly of 60s rock legends Cream are testament to this.

Having been classically trained in piano from the age of 8, Paddy was introduced to artists such as Muddy Waters, Pete Johnson and John Mayall by his father David. This proved to be a huge inspiration for the young Milner, who was so inspired that he painstakingly learnt each song note for note from the audio recordings. His prodigious talent led to his first professional gigs at the tender age of 13.

Upon leaving school, he moved to London to read Music at Kings College, London, graduating with a first class degree, despite regular tours around the world supporting such Blues greats as Joe Turner & The Memphis Caravan and Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges. It was at Kings College that he put together the core members of his band The Big Sounds, who he has recorded, and toured with ever since.