Review of
Le Quecumbar, London
by Chris from Horsham
Le Quecumbar is the Paris of the 1920s in London now. A small, intimate venue brings the audience close to musicians playing accoustic Gypsy Jazz. This is an establishment dedicated to the memory of Django Reinhardt and numbers amongst its patrons John Etheridge who toured extensively with Stephane Grappelli, one... [more]
Le Quecumbar is the Paris of the 1920s in London now. A small, intimate venue brings the audience close to musicians playing accoustic Gypsy Jazz. This is an establishment dedicated to the memory of Django Reinhardt and numbers amongst its patrons John Etheridge who toured extensively with Stephane Grappelli, one of the founders of the Hot Club de Paris. Le Quecumbar seems unique as a flashback to a different time and a different pace. It hosts many of the top performers playing Gypsy Jazz/Swing, including such as Angelo Debarre, Lollo Meier, Biel Ballester (who did much of the soundtrack to Vicky Christina Barcelona) John Jorgenson and others, as well as young vocal talents. The atmosphere is relaxed brasserie meets indulgent Parisian over-the-top style of a bygone era. Tuesday nights are always open Gypsy Jazz Jam Nights. Where else will you find six or more guitarists playing together? This place is special. [less]
Live Review of
Django a la Creole: Evan Christopher @ Le Quecumbar - June 15, 2009
by Chris from Horsham
Evan Christopher and Django a la Creole played a stunning set high on emotional intensity on Monday night. What a way to finish this GB tour before heading off to record their next album! This was Le Quecumbar par excellence: as the music took hold, you could have been in... [more]
Event Date: June 15, 2009
Event Venue: Le Quecumbar
Evan Christopher and Django a la Creole played a stunning set high on emotional intensity on Monday night. What a way to finish this GB tour before heading off to record their next album! This was Le Quecumbar par excellence: as the music took hold, you could have been in simmering '30s Paris one moment, sweltering New Orleans the next. The combination of maestro of the clarinet Evan Christopher backed by such an accomplished rhythm section as Dave Kelbie and Sebastian Girardot with virtuoso guitar from David Blenkhorn provides a wonderful musical texture.
This is a wonderful match of Louisiana jazz and Carribbean influence to the Django Gypsy style with Duke Ellington and Hoagie Carmichael thrown in. The musical nuances are underpinned by a deep knowledge of the genre and deft musicianship. The whole event storms into life with the deep feeling and utter enjoyment of the music from all members of the group. [less]
Live Review of
John Jorgenson
by Chris from Horsham
The John Jorgenson Quintet have just played two stunning sell-out nights at Le Quecumbar in London. These were the opening shows of a short UK tour, with dates to follow in Scotland, Wales and the North of England. Theirs is musicianship of an exhilarating level in an accoustic set... [more]
Event Date: February 23, 2009
Event Venue: Le Quecumbar, Battersea, London
The John Jorgenson Quintet have just played two stunning sell-out nights at Le Quecumbar in London. These were the opening shows of a short UK tour, with dates to follow in Scotland, Wales and the North of England. Theirs is musicianship of an exhilarating level in an accoustic set that samples the flavours of music from many countries: Balkan, South American and of course the core Gypsy Swing of Django Reinhardt. Many of the songs are John's own compositions ranging from the lyrically haunting to the wildly passionate, evocative of a spirit of dancing to abandonment. Two guitars, violin, bass and drums are the main line-up; with occasional contributions from clarinet, bouzouki and vocal This is a set that is so uplifting in its sheer exuberance and joie-de-vivre that it is not to be missed. [less]
Live Review of
John Etheridge's Sweet Chorus @ Le Quecumbar - June 14, 2009
by Chris from Horsham
John Etheridge brought Sweet Chorus to Le Quecumbar in London for a Summer's evening of musical brilliance. This marked the London launch of the album 'A Small Hotel' with the set including much of the new material. John Etheridge's guitar versatility is showcased here, straying at times from the Django-style... [more]
Event Date: June 14, 2009
Event Venue: Le Quecumbar
John Etheridge brought Sweet Chorus to Le Quecumbar in London for a Summer's evening of musical brilliance. This marked the London launch of the album 'A Small Hotel' with the set including much of the new material. John Etheridge's guitar versatility is showcased here, straying at times from the Django-style into other jazz idioms with the occasional musical joke: this has to be a debut for 'Minor Swing' diving into Clapton/Cream's 'Sunshine of Your Love' led by Andy Crowdie on bass!
The counterpoint to the stunning guitar work is the flamboyant genius of Christian Garrick on violin - living up to the heritage of John's previous long-term musical partner Stephane Grappelli. That history permits such anecdotes as Grappelli on Django Reinhardt "He was my guitarist.... when he was there!"
This was such a special evening. Newcomers to Le Quecumbar were left stunned by the atmosphere and exuberantly eclectic joie-de vivre of a mesmerising performance. [less]
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