Joscho Stephan (guitar), Gunther Stephan (guitar) & Max Schaaf (double bass).
The Studio space in the Customs House hosted a return visit to South Shields by the German born Django disciple Joscho Stephan.
A smattering of applause from a disappointingly small audience welcomed the trio to the stage. From the start Django Reinhardt was at the heart of the performance; Django's Tiger and Minor Blues proved to be excellent vehicles for Joscho to demonstrate his total command of the idiom. Swing News was the first of several original compositions to feature throughout the evening. The trio never strayed too far from the familiar and the audience was treated to Caravan and Charlie Chaplin's Smile. Stephan cites Chet Atkins as an influence and concluded the first set with a dazzling take on Main Street Breakdown.
The second set offered more of the same; Take the A Train, a gypsy waltz La Gitane and a vigourous workout on Honeysuckle Rose. No concert with such inextricable links to the Hot Club era would be complete without Nuages and so it was we got it. The closer was Sweet Georgia Brown with a finger-style intro from Joscho - I can hear this tune any time and in the hands of this virtuoso trio it didn't disappoint.
A two-tune encore followed and then it was all over. The lack of applause for each and every one of Joscho's brilliant solo excursions was perplexing, disappointing and at times, embarrassing (although applause was plentiful at the end of each number). Gunther Stephan's Hot Club-style rhythm accompaniment was first rate (the occasional solo would have been welcome) and bassist Max Schaaf's unobtrusive, authoritative performance was as good as it gets. The next time Joscho Stephan visits the north east treat yourself.
Russell.
Yes he put on a great show last year and I almost went this time around but I felt my batteries needed re-charging so I didn't even make it over to the Chilli.
ReplyDeleteI think he's the best I've heard in that idiom.