We were born and grew up on opposite poles of the planet. Nevertheless, we have led surprisingly similar lives. Both of us studied classical music from an early age, at school and at college. And later, both of us rebelled against all the strict confines, and traditions of that genre! 

 

Our early years were a hotbed of musical experimentation and experience: Tango, Cabaret, Musicals, Rock Bands, and Electronic House Music. It was only much later that we finally met - via a mutual musician friend in the City of London - and Every Inch a Gentleman was soon born. The rest, as they say, is still being written! 

 

Our very first gig (in 2004) was at extremely short notice: a double booking; a reshuffle; and less than 24hrs to get two hour-long sets together of chilled music for voice and piano. The venue was Bartok, a classical music bar in Camden Town (run by the Mean Fiddler group). We were an instant ‘hit’ with the locals, and went on to perform at Bartok for another three years. During this time, we also appeared at the Battersea Barge, Pizza on the Park in Knightsbridge, the Leytonstone Festival, St Ethelburga’s Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, on BBC Radio London, and at Pop Show in Soho. 

 

Since moving to Brighton in 2014, we have played Friends’ Meeting House, the Brighton Unitarian Church, Hotel Pelirocco, the much-missed, Marwoods, HTC in Hastings, our beloved local Italian, VIP, as well as presenting six different productions for the Brighton Fringe Festival. In 2019 we opened our home to the public for Lounge Lizards: small, intimate concerts of no more than 20 people, with two 45 min live music sets, and homemade vegetarian canapés and snacks. During the coronavirus pandemic, we entertained online via YouTube Live, raising more than £1500 for our local NHS Hospitals. This remains our main charity focus. 

 

Almost twenty years later, we are still going strong, and we still love making music together! We tend towards mostly laid-back, slow and expressive music, especially when it’s just voice and piano: folk, pop and rock ballads from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, and a  bit of classic jazz. We also love musicals and soundtracks, and have great fun creating themed playlists for Halloween or Christmas. 

 

We are NOT an uptempo party band, however, and would suit occasions and settings that are softer, more relaxed, gentle and sophisticated. 

 

We hope you enjoy exploring our new website,

Rachel & Jay 

Every Inch a Gentleman 💋❤️🎶 Xxxx