Classical and Jazz: Latest News > June 23
Published: 23 June, 2011
Don’t forget Hampstead guitarist John Etheridge is venturing over the Heath tomorrow evening (Friday), to play an open-air gig of swinging acoustic jazz at Parliament Hill Café.
He’s playing with his Sweet Chorus band formed 12 years ago as a personal tribute to his mentor and inspiration Stephane Grappelli, with whom he worked for five years in the 1970s and early 1980s.
The band takes its cue from the legendary Hot Club of France Quintet that featured Grappelli and guitarist Django Reinhardt.
On Friday evening, John Etheridge’s dazzling guitar work will be complemented by the scintillating violin playing of Chris Garrick backed by the propulsive drive of Dave Kelbie on rhythm guitar and Andy Crowdy on double bass.
Singing with the group will be Kate Daniels.
• Two workshops at Kings Place on Saturday afternoon may take your fancy.
For singers, a Bulgarian voice workshop is being introduced by Dessislava Stefanova, leader of the London Bulgarian Choir.
The unique style of Bulgarian singing involves fiery rhythms and unusual harmonies allied to a powerful vocal technique and special vocal effects, somewhat like shaking and hiccoughing.
No experience is needed to join the workshop.
The second workshop focuses on music from across the Balkans and Eastern Europe, looking at different ethnic backgrounds including gypsy and klezmer music.
The workshop is being led by clarinettist Merlin Shepherd and percussion specialist Vasilis Sarikis.
Bring your own instrument.