The return of Daniel John Martin!

(Preview by Russell)

Earlier this year Djangologist Mick Shoulder put together a short tour of northern venues working with Daniel John Martin. The County Durham-based Shoulder was taking a new venture on the road – Swing Manouche – and the opportunity to share a stage with Martin wasn’t one to be spurned. Swing Manouche goes from strength to strength and once more DJM will link up with Shoulder, Giles Strong, guitar, and Paul Susans, double bass.

 A run of three dates in the northeast will see Paris-based Martin entertain audiences in an archway, a café and a rural music centre. The violin virtuoso will renew acquaintance in a Gateshead speakeasy with Shoulder on Tuesday (4 October). Prohibition Bar is all things decadent; a converted railway arch space located at the Gateshead end of the Tyne Bridge exudes ‘Jazz Age’ chic. Its discreet entrance belies the 1920s’ delights hidden therein. At eight o’clock sharp guitarists Shoulder and Strong will set the rhythm. Martin will amaze those hearing him for the first time – ‘virtuoso’ scarcely does him justice. An ‘entertainer’, that’s DJM. A brilliant violinist, a singer too, and, perhaps, a whistled tune or two!

Mick Shoulder is known to many as being a fine bass player (Djangology, Paul Edis Trio and Sextet, small group, big band and more), Swing Manouche features Shoulder playing guitar alongside Giles Strong, with double bass-playing duties undertaken by another top class musician, Mr Paul Susans. Mitch Mitchell’s Prohibition Bar is likely to be busy, so, to be sure of your seat, arrive early. The Manouche caravan will wind its way into Bishop Auckland on Wednesday for a gig in the Town Hall’s comfortable café/bar. The Market Place venue should attract jazz fans from across County Durham and beyond. Tickets are available from 03000 269524. The following day DJM and Swing Manouche pitch-up in Hexham to play a set for Core Music based right in the heart of the market town at 14a/b Gilesgate.
(Also Blenkinsopp Castle nr. Haltwhistle on October 8 - see comments)

Three dates, be sure to get along to at least one of them. Daniel John Martin enjoys a high reputation in France, working regularly in prestigious Paris clubs. This short tour offers a rare chance to hear up close Manouche Hot Club and subsequent musical developments – a guaranteed (revelatory) night out!

Russell.