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.

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.

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.