Royal Philharmonic Orchestra w.Martin Taylor (UK), guitar; Florin Niculescu (RO/FR), violin; Ola Kvernberg (NO), violin; Andreas Ôberg (SE), guitar; Jon Larsen (NO), guitar; Diego Imbert (FR), bass; Alexander Hanson (SE), conductor.
Cadogan Hall, I'm told, is London's newest concert hall and I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit and hear Martin Taylor playing Django's music with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra thanks to an eve of birthday treat.
It was wonderful! The orchestra gave a flawless performance blending easily with the soloists. Martin Taylor, as ever all things to all men, played brilliantly whilst the Romanian violinist Niculescu proved to be the perfect Grappelli-like foil.
For the second set we began with the original Hot Club line-up sans orchestre and it was great to see the orchestra sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the magic sounds. This was the whole mood of the evening really, nothing formal just pure enjoyment.
For the second set we began with the original Hot Club line-up sans orchestre and it was great to see the orchestra sitting back, relaxing and enjoying the magic sounds. This was the whole mood of the evening really, nothing formal just pure enjoyment.
Personally, great as Martin was, I preferred the sound of the Maccafferri guitars and in particular the Swede Ôberg - this was truly an international event! - whose sound was richer and more authentic than Taylor's.
Blue Drag, Swing 39, Manoir de Mes Réves, Nuages, Belleville just some of the numbers that we enjoyed.
At the end, the audience, myself included, whooped and holllered - we just didn't want this evening to end!
At the end, the audience, myself included, whooped and holllered - we just didn't want this evening to end!
Liz.
...and a happy birthday for yesterday.
ReplyDeleteHi Liz, I thougth the same as you about this concert! I was here (in the Cadogan Hall) the same day. Do you know if this concert was recorded? I want to have it, but I live in Argentine.
ReplyDeleteThank for your answer
Arturo
Hello Arturo, this concert was performed in several European cities with guest soloists. They include the great Gypsy guitarist Stochelo Rosenberg playing along with the wizardry of Florin Niculescu's violin.. a truly great performer. I do not know if it was recorded in the Cadogan Hall but as far as I know there is a DVD entitled " Symphonic Django" which features the content of what we experienced in London. Good luck in finding it
ReplyDeleteLiz