Mick Shoulder (contrabasse), Emma Fisk
(violon), James Birkett (guitare) & Giles Strong (guitare rythmique)
(Review by Russell).
Monsieur M.Shoulder ‘Sur contrabasse et les announces
inutiles.’ So said the programme notes written by the man himself. Francophile
Djangologist Mick Shoulder is getting into all things Django in a big way.
Impenetrable notes, incomprehensible announcements (in pigeon French), whatever
next…berets? Come to think of it, a beret-wearing fan took his seat in a
packed-out Lit and Phil, no doubt leaving his bicycle outside, onions drying
out under a strong September sun.
The man Django kick-started the one hour set in the
salon-setting of the Loftus Room as Minor
Swing proved a major hit. James Birkett took the opening solo to huge
applause and at the tune’s conclusion the decibel count went off the scale. So
much so it prompted Shoulder to advise everyone to calm down as there was one
hour’s worth of this stuff! An original Shoulder composition – Blues for DR – began with a lazy swing
feel (a vocalist could have stepped-up) until the quartet switched gear with
yet more dazzling playing. A second Django number (one of only two in the
programme) , the classic Swing 39,
made this a gig to die for. Ma Premiere
Guitare (comp. Brousolle and Distel) followed, as did the old warhorse China Boy. Monsieur Shoulder’s Cigano Bolero heard master rhythm maker
Giles Strong at his best and a new one from the bandleader – Silapa Swing – is sure to take its place
as a regular in the pad.
Is Mademoiselle Emma Fisk the best Hot Club violinist on the
planet? You bet she is! If there is anyone better I’ll give you a fiver of LL’s
money. Dark Eyes is one helluva way
to end a gig and Djangologie know how to go out on a high. They flew so high –
soloists and ensemble. Monsieur Birkett played the impossible and Mademoiselle
Fisk kept LL’s fiver safe. Grab your beret and head down to the Globe on Railway Street in Newcastle ’s West End on
Saturday 4th October to hear the band again. £9.00. admission and as a bonus
you get a Lindy jazz dance set from those who can dance (as opposed to those
who think they can but can’t). Très bon!
AND THEY’RE AT THE CHERRY TREE TONIGHT! (Monday Sept. 15) Allez
Vite!
Russell.
Great comments and a great band.
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