Events at Presto Music
Wednesday 15th April - Roderick Williams & William Vann - Rise, Heart album Launch
Featuring works for voice arranged with string quartet, string quintet and piano, the recording offers a fresh perspective on some of the composer’s most evocative music — and every track is a first recording in the form presented here. From the rarely heard version of Five Mystical Songs to early songs, folk-song settings and Willow-Wood, this is a fascinating exploration of Vaughan Williams’s vocal music. A rare chance to hear these celebrated performers introduce a distinctive and beautifully imagined new release.
Thursday 30th April 2026 - Timothy Ridout; ‘Alto Appassionato’ album launch,
Our events are free to attend thanks to the generosity of the artists. Please support them directly by purchasing the album, helping us to continue bringing world-class musicians to Leamington.
Sunday 26th April 2026, 1pm - 4pm; A Workshop with Paul Harris
The workshop will include:
- Opening talk on the topic
- Workshop with woodwind players
- Short break for refreshments
- Performances from the workshop participants and Paul Harris
- Shopping time
Friday 15th May 2026 - Helen Charlston; 'A Poet's Love' album launch,
Our events are free to attend thanks to the generosity of the artists. Please support them directly by purchasing the album, helping us to continue bringing world-class musicians to Leamington.
Tuesday 26th May 2026 - Donny McCaslin & Dave Stapleton in conversation - 'Lullaby for the Lost'
Across the evening, McCaslin will reflect on the creative journey behind his new album, from the visceral chemistry of his long-standing band to the sonic world crafted with producer Tim Lefebvre and mixer Dave Fridmann. The conversation will also explore McCaslin’s experience working on Bowie’s final masterpiece Blackstar, offering rare insight into one of the most talked-about recordings of modern music.
Lullaby for the Lost pushes McCaslin’s sound further into a bold, rock-influenced aesthetic where saxophone carries the intensity of a lead vocal. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Neil Young, Nine Inch Nails and Rage Against the Machine, the album channels raw emotional energy into nine expansive and deeply expressive pieces.
This special event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of contemporary jazz’s most influential voices about creativity, collaboration and the evolving language of modern music.
“The throbbing hook of KID, the elegant spirals of Celestial and the resonant rock of the title track work their way inside your skull and stay there.” The Times –
The Best Jazz Albums in 2025 so far “Future-proof and intense, this is art-jazz-rock at its most cathartic.” ★★★★ MOJO
“The album stands out immediately through its fusion of studio precision, high-energy raw performances and sophisticated improvisation.” ★★★★ All About Jazz
“It sounds like McCaslin’s sound has outgrown the language of fusion – now fully possessing its own organic logic, emotional force and sense of wild beauty.” The Wire Magazine “Bold, brave, and very much of the now.” ★★★★ UK Vibe
