Tony Orrell - Drums, Batman Cymbal, Skull Cymbal, Percussion, Sampler, Loopstation, Video Projection

Raph Clarkson - Trombone, FX Pedals

"The Last Minute Meter Readers (christened at the time of the imminent energy price rises in a cheekily ironic reference to improvisation) feature the ever inventive drummer and bandleader Tony Orrell and his partner in crime and creativity ace trombonist Raph Clarkson. Their debut gig delighted and surprised both themselves and the audience to such an extent that they now couldn’t resist planning more mayhem with electronics, acoustic, samples and flat out improvisational flair." (Nod Knowles)

“any risk of this...being a serious affair was demolished early on by support act Last Minute Meter Readers cheerfully haphazard presentation and the resulting evening was splendidly entertaining….The combination of drummer Tony Orrell’s relentless ebullience and trombonist Raph Clarkson’s enigmatic stoicism makes Last Minute Meter Readers a classic comedy double act, something flagged up by their hi-vis vests. The fact that both are amazing improvisers, however, means that their spontaneous performance combined wit and musicality in equal measure. Using a mini library of samples and a few bits of percussion Tony provided a continuum of musical surrealism to which Raph responded in a wide range of ways, whether a layered trombone counterpoint for a dreamy interlude or some down and dirty gravelling against a sudden provocative drum & bass sample. When the distinctive loop of the Maytals’ Monkey Man slipped in Raph slipped into Rico gear for a spell, then drifted off into his own abstractions only to be brought to book by some more insistent grooves from the drummer. But even Raph’s sure-footedness could be thrown and the set eventually collapsed when Tony threw in a ludicrous Loony Tunes-type sample.” (Tony Benjamin, Bristol247)

Entry requirements: no age restrictions (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult over 21yrs, 1:1 ratio) — Read more — Read less