Emily Burridge & BJ Cole

Together, BJ Cole and Emily Burridge produce a dynamic energy that has evolved from their complimentary musical perspectives.

BJ Cole / Emily Burridge from Untied Artists on Vimeo.

Emily, the classically trained virtuoso 'cellist with a talent for improvisation honed to spontaneous perfection by the demands of top flight session work, and BJ, who's 35 year long session CV adds weight to the conviction that the Pedal Steel Guitar, his chosen means of expression, is long overdue for a re-evaluation as an orchestral instrument that demands a sophisticated repertoire.

Photo: Kenny Laurenson

The unique combination of Emily's 'cello and BJ's Pedal Steel Guitar create orchestral sounds in a new and refreshing context; weaving around one another in a sinuous dance of infectious sound and rhythm.

In 2011 they released their second album "The Gnossienne Suite" as a digital download.

	Extracts from "The Gnossienne Suite"
	Gnossienne No 1 (arr. Cole / Burridge)
	Gnossienne No 2 (arr. Cole / Burridge)

Their first album was 'Into the Blue'. A limited edition release which can be bought from the shop

	Music from the album "Into the Blue"...
	BJ Cole & Emily Burridge - Out of the blue 2
	BJ Cole & Emily Burridge - Dido's Lament

In their concerts they combine to perform their own Compositions alongside works by Erik Satie, Debussy, Purcell and Copland amongst others. These pieces then provide a window through which they enter a world of intuitive improvisation and sonic adventure.

Over the past few years, BJ Cole and Emily Burridge have established a strong reputation with their unique musical interpretations.

Highlights include: Glastonbury Festival 2011 "Spirit of '71" stage. The Sage, Hall 2, Gateshead. A number of Guitar Festivals including The Wirral International Guitar Festival, Birkenhead, The Lewes Guitar Festival, East Sussex. Aldeburgh Festival. The Rochefort En Accordes Festival, France. St Firmin's Church, Lincs (as part of the 'Music In Quiet Places series) and regular appearances at the Royal Festival Hall Foyer.

The 'chamber music' quality of Emily and BJ's music is especially suited to more intimate settings. The rise in the popularity of 'House Concerts' has seen the duo become more active in this area, with performances at such intimate venues as Otterton Mill, Devon and several performances organized by Secret Concerts (www.secretconcerts.co.uk) and in 2011 had a very successful Rural Tour of Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire.

Review from Rural Tour 2011: "What a stunning combination a classical cello and a pedal steel guitar makes! A packed and appreciative audience in Maplebeck village hall were enthralled by the orchestral interpretations of Satie, Debussy, J S Bach, Ravel, Copeland and several own compositions by Emily Burridge and BJ Cole. A wonderful musical journey to be remembered and savoured."

You can see Emily & BJ performing Aaron Copland's 'Adagio From Appalachian Spring' on YouTube

"Music is not meant to be static, real music takes flight; it is an expression both within and outside time. Few musicians appreciate this as much as BJ Cole and Emily Burridge. When they perform established pieces of music they don't just recite them; their interpretations have the all important extras: poigniancy, conviction and weight. Their delicate but powerful duets carry emotions that haunt you. They play with poise enough to take your breath, stop time and speak to you directly."

For enquiries regarding concert booking please e mail: admin@emilyburridge.com