Jazz great in new piano night at historic hotel

One of the world's greatest jazz and blues musicians is to launch a series of lounge music piano nights at one of Scotland's most historic hotels.

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

Piano player and songwriter Dom Pipkin has been signed up for the opening by the new owners of the Golden Lion in Stirling.

Pipkin has been described by Blues in Britain as "one of the world's greatest exponents of New Orleans piano" and will be performing today (Wednesday, July 9).

Hotelier and entrepreneur Gary Atkinson said: "We're thrilled to have a true British jazz legend tinkling the ivories as we create Cronies Piano Lounge a new home for superb music and classic cocktails.

"My partner Ros and I have had the pleasure of seeing Dom perform initially in Ronnie Scotts in London, with Morcheeba in Cologne and, of course, in our Aberdeen hotel a few times. Once he dons that iconic hat and starts to play his unique mix of Big Easy sounds and songwriting with blues, it simply takes your breath away.

"The Golden Lion is the oldest building on King Street and has famous connections to Rabbie Burns and we hope that we can create our own piece of history and culture by introducing a vibrant music and arts scene for a modern discerning local clientele.

"We are already eagerly awaiting the appearance of Rebus creator Sir Ian Rankin at this year's Bloody Scotland crime-writing festival in September. He will be joined at the hotel by singer-songwriter James Yorkston, Mull Historical Society's Colin MacIntyre and author Natalie Jayne Clark for 'The Whisky Night - a late-night dram with a blend of lively banter and songs."