Legendary UK songwriter and solo artist Mark Nevin kicks off our Soho showcase season with two acts you may or may not know – but certainly don’t want to miss – see below for info, and rsvp@karouselmusic.com for guest list places…

/// Mark Nevin ///

Without doubt one of the UK’s national songwriting treasures, Mark Nevin has worked with some of the biggest names in music, penning generation defining tracks – not least his band Fairground Attraction’s “Perfect”. Collaborators include Morrissey, David Bowie, Kirstie MacColl, Lloyd Cole and Carole King; and tonight sees him celebrate the release of his new solo record ‘Beautiful Guitars’. The album is a glorious collection of new songs and some stunning versions of a couple of classics that finally makes the songs that he wrote his again. With the delivery of a master story teller, the arrangements of a veteran recording artist, and the musicianship of some the finest players in the business it’s a must grab. And what a lyricist.

/// Pat Dam Smyth ///

Having released his debut album to a wealth of critical acclaim in the Irish press and opened for Razorlight’s Johnny Burell on his UK tour, Pat is a wonderful songwriter and performer that sits somewhere between the Black Keys, The Pogues and Lou Reed. The kind of artist you could imagine Bukowski listening to if he were in his early thirties today – raw, gutsy, honest and to the point. Playing tonight with friend, collaborator, producer and drummer Chris McComish, we’re really excited to be hosting Northern Ireland’s finest in the Phoenix. To get yourselves in the mood, check out Friends and Set In Stone… We knew were were going to like him when we saw the album cover had a striking resemblance to Bill Fay’s Time Of The Last Persecution.

/// Stephanie O’Brien ///

As if that’s not enough magic for one night, we’ve the former Puppini Sister, Stephanie O’Brien – now a tremendous solo artist in her own right. Having gone multi-platinum in the band over the last few years, and with big name fans from Prince Charles to Cyndi Lauper, Stephanie has embarked upon her new project that sees her switching from guitar to piano to violin, via all manner of pedals. One of the classiest voices out there and a truly lovely human being, which comes through in the lyrics. Harnessing a skill for arrangement and harmony honed on her journey thus far, Stephanie’s solo stuff is pure, honest songwriting. In the words of Hoxton Amp ‘Beautifully feminine and utterly captivating…’.