Djangologie @ Ashington Jazz Club. October 5.

Jim Birkett and Giles Strong (Guitars); Emma Fisk (Violin) and Mick Shoulder (Double Bass)

"Bonjour et Bonsoir,  Mesdames  et Messieures".

The legacy of the Quintette du Hot Club de France is most surely alive and active on our North East Jazz  Scene and it was with much anticipation that we welcomed the quartet of musicians that make up Djangologie. The influence of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli  is still a musical force throughout Europe.  Now years after the Paris group was formed it has inspired and influenced  local musicians in our region allowing enthusiasts to experience the  music which our wealth of local artistes try to emulate.

Having listened to this evenings concert we have to agree that they are succeeding.   Emma Fisk was a first time visitor to our Club and the first female musician playing a full instrumental part in an ensemble.  We have had the pleasure of a number of female vocalists who have excelled here but not one who played violin throughout an  evening of superb music in this genre.

The programme was a varied selection of Hot Club favourites and a number of original compositions all played with reverence, sympathy and vigour where necessary. I shall list them  here but apologise maybe for some slight imperfections in announcements as my French has never been good and Mick’s Northern/ French  introductions were not easy on my ear.(Sorry Mick about this but you did your best to inform your audience).  This did not detract from the excellence of the concert. Improvisations from all were of the highest quality. The guitars interchanged between improvised melody and rhythm skillfully while the violin soared above the music like the lark in a well known classical piece, and the bass was performed with style.  

Programme:-Coquette, Belle Vile, Django’s Song, Lady be Good, Nuages, Autumn Leaf (?), Why do I Bother, Quick One, Minor Swing, J’Tendrai, Bolero, Beautiful, Till 3, Sheik of Araby, Sinister Drag, Stompin’,Dark Eyes, and In My Quiet Place.

Photos.

Peter S.

Ashington Jazz Club next meeting at the Elephant will be on

Wednesday, November 2nd.  at 8.30 p.m.

Don Fairley and His Friends of Jazz

SEE YOU THERE.