The life of widely respected arranger Robert Kirby is set to be honoured with a memorial concert.
Robert Kirby studied music at Cambridge University, where he became friends with a young folk influenced singer named Nick Drake. Together, the pair would craft some truly spell binding music.
The partnership lasted for two albums, with Robert Kirby supplying ornate orchestration for Drake’s music. Adding a lush yet deeply English palette, the arrangements add a cushion for Nick Drake’s gentle voice.
In addition to this, Robert Kirby worked on Vashti Bunyan’s debut album ‘Just Another Diamond Day’. Disappearing under the radar at the time, the record has gone on to become an enduring cult classic.
Going on to work with a vast number of acts, Robert Kirby never forgot his roots. Consistently paying tribute to the memory of Nick Drake, the arranger became re-acquainted with Vashti Bunyan after her re-discovery.
Sadly passing away last year, Robert Kirby’s final project included work on The Magic Numbers new album. A new memorial concert is set to take place at Cecil Sharp House in London on October 3rd.
Amongst the performers confirmed on the bill are Teddy Thompson, Ben & Jason, Steve Ashley and Vashti Bunyan. A close friend of Robert Kirby, the pair last worked together on the Nick Drake tribute show ‘Way To Blue’.
Alongside this, organisers have arranged a one off appearance from Fab Cab, Robert Kirby’s choral group in his Cambridge days. All the artists involved will perform songs using Kirby’s own arrangements, stretching throughout his career.
The Robert Kirby memorial show:
October
3 London Cecil Sharp House
