Tim Penn & The Second Line

The much-feted singer and veteran pianist Tim Penn is one of the leading ‘go to’ musicians on the London blues and roots scene. Back in the '70s he played with the legendary Dorris Henderson’s Eclection and was in the Kevin Coyne Band alongside Andy Summers (The Police), before going on to become bandleader of one of London’s top New Orleans-influenced R&B outfits, The Second Line. Over the last few years, the band have had a string of sell-out shows at some of London's top club venues, such as the Green Note, Upstairs at Ronnie’s and Pizza Express in Dean Street.  

Returning to the Sound Lounge for a Sunday late afternoon slot, after a warmly-received show last December, Tim and the Second Line will take you on a magical journey through 20th century American jazz and blues. Along the way, they reference all the greats from Louis Armstrong through the New Orleans piano masters such as Fats Domino and Dr John, to Ray Charles and Tom Waits.  

Together with Tim on vocals and driving piano are the hugely talented guitarist Chris Proctor, Nigerian saxophonist Ayo Odia, adding his own unique palette of Afrobeat and high-life to the musical gumbo, Nigel Appleton on drums and Francis Booth on bass. Nigel is not only a longtime musical partner of Tim’s but a firm Sound Lounge favourite in his own right as a member of Keiron Marshall's Blues Matters.  

"These guys are amazing!! Their popularity and presence grow with each gig they do for us. Not surprising with the exceptional level of talent, commitment and all round positive energy they bring to every performance" – The Ram Jam Club at The Grey Horse, Kingston

“Right from the outset, the album sounds like it was recorded at a different time, sometime in the past when music was music.…..” – Dale Storr, reviewing It Is What It Is, We Are What We Are, the band’s self-produced CD from 2017

In Tim’s own words: “This is the blues, but with a great big smile on its face!"