06 January 2008

Stephen Dell


The society’s chairman will be presenting the first concert of 2008. Funds raised during the evening will help us to pay for 2008’s recitals.

Stephen began learning the guitar at the age of 8, his fast progress helped by 3 extraordinarily effective tutor books that his father Chris had just written, which utilised a new method of teaching music using colour.

Having attended around 200 concerts and taken part in dozens of guitar workshops hosted by his father during the 70’s and early 80’s at the Old Malthouse Music Society in Hertfordshire, Stephen realised that although he loved the guitar very much, he would never have the drive and determination to become a professional player, as he soon realised the many hours of assiduous practise it involved. Growing up reading the somewhat ruthless concert reviews within the pages of Guitar magazine also contributed to this feeling!

Tonight's programme will hopefully please those who enjoy a varied and eclectic mix of quality music, from 16th & 17th century rock’n’rollers Dowland and Bach, to the fiery and impassioned music of Spain’s Granados, Torroba and Albeniz, to the darkness of Chopin and the lightness of Joplin.

Please come and support the society this evening – you’re assured of a warm welcome and you’ll be fed and watered too.

02 December 2007

the Oddfellas


We play acoustic folk music - tunes and songs from England, Ireland, America, Scotland, France - basically wherever we find a tune we like. The main motivation for the band is the fun of creating/performing music, ie taking a tune, devising an arrangement that makes it something we like and is 'ours', and then putting it in front of an audience.

The Oddfellas are: Bob Little, mostly banjo - Glyn Hatherall, mostly recorders - Jerry Alleguen, mostly guitar - Robert Underwood, mostly mandolin - Paul McKenna, mostly guitar.

Some of the tunes we play: Liberty. An American old-time tune. Also known as 'The Reel de Ti-Jean'. Angeline The Baker. Originally a Stephen Foster song, but Bob learnt the tune from the West Virginian banjo-picker, Dwight Diller. The King of Leix. An favourite Irish tune of Glyn's. The Horses Bransle. An old French dance tune. (Although I understand the word 'bransle' has a rather rude meaning in French today). Blackberry Blossom. Originally an Irish tune, but now heard often in American old-time and bluegrass circles. Da New Rigged Ship. A tune from the Shetlands, where Robert is encouraged to speed-up. The Long Black Veil. Jerry goes to the gallows rather than revealing his (married) love.



04 November 2007

Branco Stoysin Trio


Born in a university town Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, and entirely self-taught, Branco began playing guitar at the age of 15 and very soon found a love of jazz and Brazilian music, influenced by Joe Pass, Charlie Parker and Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Branco has been composing his own music since he was 18, inspired by the Sun, Jazz, Traditional Folk music of Yugoslavia, Brazilian and classical music. The interest in these compositions led to recordings for radio and TV Novi Sad. Following this, Branco formed his "Sad Nova Trio" whose success led to numerous concerts and broadcasts on TV.

As an avid reader of the Sherlock Holmes series, he began to hanker after a different life and wider musical opportunities. in the nineties he set off to England with little more than his guitar and has since become a fixture on the London and UK music scene, actively composing and performing solo, in various duos and with his NEW trio featuring the elegant Leslee Booth on 6 string contra bass and and imaginative Buster Birch on percussion. Branco composes and plays sensual music of great beauty, coloured by many world influences.

The trio has performed at many popular venues including the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall and Barbican Arts Centre. Branco has also appeared with his trio on Sky TV "Arts World", BBC Radio 3's "In Tune"programme and is regularly featured and a favourite on Sarah Ward's show on Smooth FM.

07 October 2007

Ben Kearsley


Ben Kearsley was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He began classical guitar with Norman Quinney, then later with Ian Smith. Ben studied with Simon Dinnigan at the Birmingham Conservatory where he graduated B. Mus (Hons). Ben has performed in masterclass for Alirio Diaz, Jose Tomas, David Russell, Elliot Fisk, Roland Dyens, Nigel North, Ben Verdery and Carlos Bonnell.

Ben has studied and lived in La Paz, Bolivia and Madrid, Spain. Performing at SIART-99 and teaching at the Conservatorio in La Paz. In 2004 Ben gave his first Scottish tour and in 2005 he undertook a 40 date UK tour and recorded his debut CD, ‘Sunburst’.

In 2006 Ben completed a second 40 date UK tour and recorded his second CD, ‘Koyunbaba’. He is currently playing a third UK tour with some new pieces which he will record later in the year as his 3rd CD – ‘Sakura’.

02 September 2007

September - Steve Christmas


Steve began playing the guitar at the age of 14, and quickly progressed, receiving tuition from John Mills, Raymond Burley and more recently, Craig Ogden. He attended the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama to continue his studies with John Mills, graduating in 1999. In master classes, he has performed for Nigel North, Simon Dinnigan, Carlos Bonnell and Gary Ryan.

Steve performs regularly as a soloist, as one half of guitar duo Duende Guitars and as part of a guitar trio with Raymond Burley and Debbie Haeck. He has recently been working with a flautist and with baritone Stephen Willis performing lute songs by John Dowland.

Alongside his performing commitments, Steve is in demand as a guitar teacher. As well as being a regular tutor, he has co-directed on the National Youth Music Camps and writes guitar courses for primary school pupils.

Steve’s programme will include Variations on a Theme of Handel by Giuliani, Usher Waltz by Koshkin, Suite Castellana by Torroba, The Earl of Essex’s Galliard by Dowland, and La Catedral by Barrios.

01 July 2007

July 1st - El Moreno


El Moreno (aka Richard Smith) continually tours the country presenting programmes that mix romantic classics with flamenco and Latin-American style pieces.

In his early career he took part in master classes with John Williams and later studied with Argentine Guitarist Jorge Morel in New York. He has performed at the West Dean International Guitar Festival and has recently written and presented the
‘Absolute Beginners Classical Guitar’DVD for publishers Music Sales Ltd.

His performances often include guest appearances with his wife, Australian Soprano - Carol Oliver.

The programme includes works by Tarrega, Beethoven, Mozart and Villa-Lobos.

03 June 2007

Philip John Lee

Philip John Lee is a genuinely exceptional Flamenco guitarist. A guitarist of the ‘old school’, he learnt in the traditional way at a time when Flamenco was generally considered the sole province of Andalusians and the Gypsies.

Philip’s debut album was released in 1969 and received wide critical acclaim selling over 250,000 copies. Since then, Philip has given many concerts in Britain and Europe including recitals at London’s world famous Wigmore Hall and Purcell Room. He has also broadcast on radio and television. During a ten year residence in Los Angeles Philip was regularly heard on KPFK Radio LA and was resident soloist and accompanying guitarist at Hollywood’s renowned El Cid restaurant. Other appearances include both the LA and Fresno Convention Centres. Philip has recently returned to England and has settled in West London where he is concentrating on teaching and recording.

01 April 2007

Ed Renshaw and Petros Andreou

Edward Renshaw.

Born in London in 1981, Edward Renshaw began to play the guitar at age 10 before going on to study Jazz at Goldsmiths and Classical Music at the Guildhall and University of Sussex. Whilst Attending the Guildhall, Edward studied Classical Guitar under the direction of Antonio Albanes and graduated with the universities highest award for performance. Edward Renshaw’s repertoire embraces a wide range of styles and approaches, from the standard classical repertoire to contemporary music, jazz and flamenco.

In parallel to classical performances, Edward has developed as a jazz performer and currently works along side British Jazz par prize-winning saxophonist Tony Coe at a variety of London Jazz venues.

Granados, Enrique (1867 - 1916)-Danza española No. 5Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685-1750)Excerpts from the Lute Suite No. 4, BWV 1006a- Prelude- Loure- Gavotte En Rondeau- Bouree- GigueVilla-Lobos, Heitor (1887-1959)- Prelude No 2 in E major and Prelude No 3 AminorWalton, William (1902 - 1983)-Bagatelles No 2, Lento and 3 Alla Cubana

and ....


Petros Andreou

Greek Bouzouki player Petros Andreou will be playing music by M. Theodoratis and Greek traditonal music and Petros' own transcription for Bouzouki of J.S. Bach's Cello Suite BWV 1007.

Petros Andreou is an Associate and Licentiate of the London College of Music (Classical Guitar) and has been teaching classical guitar in the London Borough of Barnet for over 15 years. He is a regular performer and supporter of Ealing Guitar Society.
In recent years, Petros has twice performed bouzouki at the Royal Festival Hall’s Purcell Room in London.

03 December 2006

Jeff Rodrigues


http://www.jeffrodrigues.co.uk/


Born in Toronto, to Portuguese parents, Jeff Rodrigues commenced his guitar studies at the age of 15, studying classical, jazz, and flamenco guitar with Richard Summers, Rob Bulgar and Pepe Haro respectively. After receiving his RCMT grade 8 and 9 diplomas, both with first class honours, he was admitted for full time studies to the faculty of music of the University of Toronto in 1993. There he studied with renowned Canadian guitarists Norbert Kraft and Jeffrey McFadden, and in 1997, graduated with his Bachelor of Music in Performance. He has also studied privately and in master class with Alberto Ponce, Alex Garrobe, Paul Gregory and Marco Socias.

Possessing a vast range of repertoire from the 16th to the 20th century, he has performed in Canada, Portugal, Spain and Italy, as well as given numerous recitals throughout the UK, where he has resided since 1998. A fine flamenco guitarist in his own right, he also performs in flamenco group DeCasas with acclaimed British flamenco guitarist, Steve Homes. Performing original compositions by Steve and Jeff, they are one of the most exciting and refreshing acts on the UK flamenco scene today.

In 2005, he released his debut CD, '20th Century Guitar', a disc where Jeff performs some of the guitar`s finest modern repertoire, featuring works by Henze, Berkeley, Ohana, Bennett and Rodrigo, among others. A second CD, dedicated to Iberian and Latin American music for guitar, is due for release in late 2006, and will feature music by Ponce, Asencio, Villa-Lobos and Lopes-Graca.

He lives in London, where he balances an active performing career with a busy teaching schedule at the Spanish Guitar Centre.

05 November 2006

Christopher Evesham


Christopher was born in Halton in 1982. He was given his first guitar at the age of four. At ten, he began to study with american guitarist John Dunn of the Mons conservatoire in Belgium. later he studied with Andrew Barrett as an external student of Wells Cathedral school.

In 1998 he won a DfEE scholarship to study there full time. Christopher reached the semi-finals of the BBC Young Musicians 2000 competition. In this year he became a student of Carlos Bonell at the Royal College of Music. In 2004 he graduated and he continues to live in London. Christopher performs regularly as a soloist. He has also played in various ensembles including the group 'tonic fold' and with flautist Laura Smith.

He has played in diverse venues such as the 'Spitz' in London, various arts centres around the UK including the Tacchi-Morris arts centre in Taunton and the Ritz acoustic club and a recent recital in Stuttgart, Germany. He has also performed as a soloist with orchestra in Alba, Italy performing a new work by composer Gabriele Roberto.

Christopher has performed as a soloist with orchestras in London and elsewhere in the UK. He recently performed Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with the Dulwich Symphony Orchestra. He performs a wide variety of music and his programmes usually include a balance of older music transcribed for guitar, such as Bach and Scarlatti, and works by 20th century and contemporary composers, such as Britten, Walton, Brouwer, Piazzolla, Barrios, Turina, and Rodrigo.

Sunday 5th November’s concert will include Johann Sebastian Bach’s Partita BWV 996, Joaquin Rodrigo’s Tres Piezas Espanolas, and some of Barrios’ works, including his famous tremolo piece Una Limosna por el amor de Dios.

01 October 2006

Doug Turner + The OddFellas


Doug Turner

Doug has played the guitar since 1957. In 1961, he was in a guitar shop in Charing Cross road when he met Roger Dean, who showed Doug how to play in Chet Atkins’ style. Doug acquired some Chet Atkins records and learnt his music by ear.

Doug was given a job 2 years later with Selmers, makers of amplifiers and the distributor of the UK’s Gibson guitars. In 1964 Doug played with Housten Wells and the Marksmen, who were England’s first recording Country music group.

In 1965, Doug played with the Outlaws, who later became Chas and Dave. Doug went on to tour as a soloist, playing Chet Atkins style in folkclubs around Britain.

In 1997, Doug formed a jazz duo with Rod Davis, who was a member of John Lennon’s first group, the Quarrymen.

Programme.

Tiptoes through the tulips
China Town
St. Louis Blues
Arkansas Traveller
Oh by Jingo
Hello my Baby
Medley: Villia – Tchaikovsky’s piano concerto, Ain’t Misbehavin’
Medley: Poor People of Paris, Three Little Words, the Third Man theme
Medley: Estrelita, Let it be Me, Greensleeves, Air on a G string
Medley: Liza, Nagasaki, Johnson Rag
Medley: One Mint Julip, Frankie & Johnnie



The Oddfellas


The oddfellas will be playing:

Liberty. An American old-time tune. Also known as 'The Reel de Ti-Jean'

Angeline The Baker. Originally a Stephen Foster song, but Bob learnt the tune from the West Virginian banjo-picker, Dwight Diller.

Si Bheag Si Mhor. An Irish harp tune from O'Carolan about a battle between the big and little faeries.

The Horses Bransle. An old French dance tune. (Although I understand the word 'bransle' has a rather rude meaning in French today)

Blackberry Blossom. Originally an Irish tune, but now heard often in American old-time and bluegrass circles.

Da New Rigged Ship. A tune from the Shetlands, where Robert is encouraged to speed-up.

The Long Black Veil. Jerry goes to the gallows rather than revealing his (married) love.

The oddfellas are:


Bob Little, mostly banjo, has been playing banjo ever since he went to college and discovered how many others were playing guitars. Now smugly retired from IT and struggling to learn the fiddle. An enthusiast for American Old Time music.

Glyn Hatherall, mostly recorders. A retired academic, Glyn on recorders lives for legato and 3/4 time. Keener than Bob on jigs. As a Welshman, has been singing and involved in music longer than he can remember.

Jerry Alleguen, mostly guitarAcquired his first bass guitar overseas in order to join his (RN) ship's band. Veteran of a number of blues and rock and roll bands, has just bought a bouzouki and is not afraid to use it.

Robert Underwood, mostly mandolin. The one with the day job and irrepressible energy/enthusiasm - for badminton and the band. Started in his teens on violin and classical guitar, has recently progressed(?) to the bodhran.


03 September 2006

Gerard Cousins

Born in Wales, Gerard initially studied the guitar with local teacher Jeremy Herbert achieving Grade 8 with honours. Gerard then went to Leeds University to study music, where he won a scholarship for a further year of study at Enschede Conservatory in Holland

Since graduating, Gerard has won prizes in National and International competitions and performed extensively in Europe. Earlier this year he played in Portugal with the 'Operababes'.

Gerard made his Purcell Room debut last year where a reviewer for Musical Opinion wrote of his “beautiful playing and subtle phrasing”.

Cecilia Rodrigo has written "we have enjoyed hearing and congratulate you on your performances. I appreciate your kind words about my father's music and wish you continued success with his works. We will be sure to follow your career with great interest."

His debut CD of Spanish music entitled “Una Leyenda” has been played on Classic FM and BBC Radio and has received good reviews:

Gerard is currently preparing his 2nd CD and a teaching DVD.

The evening's programme include works by Brouwer, Taverner, Tarrega and Yoshimatsu, and new works by Gerard Cousins.

Hear live extracts:~

http://www.myspace.com/gerardcousins

04 June 2006

Tomás and María José


FLAMENCO FIESTA.

Tomás Jiménez (guitar) and María José García (castanets and dance).

An evening of flamenco guitar and duets with castanets and dance.

Admission: £10, £8 children & OAP’s. Wine and tapas included in ticket price. Book now to reserve a seat.

Flamenco is pure passion and expresses each and every human emotion. This concert of guitar solos and duets with castanets will be exceptionally varied and will cover the whole range of emotions.

Tomás and María José prefer to freely choose their programme according to the mood of the moment. Their repertoire includes sensitive, gentle and fun tunes from South America (Guajira, Colombiana, Rumbas), introspective and sorrowful: Seguiriyas, Soleares, Tientos, Farrucas & Granaínas, and pieces showcasing complex virtuosic guitar playing such as Rondeña, Zapateado, Alegrías and Bulerías.

María José may dance according to the inspiration of the moment.

REVIEWS OF TOMÁS JIMÉNEZ' CONCERTS:

These reviews are taken from Classical Guitar, Guitar International, Guitar and other specialist classical and flamenco guitar publications.

“At times unexpectedly lyrical, at times tragic and broken, with chords almost shaken from his hand.”

“In his deft hands, the guitar was able to communicate the joy and sadness, the strength and gentleness of each message”.

“Here is a flamenco guitarist of tremendous passion and virtuosity”.

“The fingers of his left hand fluttered with the delicacy of butterfly wings, spiralling descending and rising again in musical ornamentation above the insistent demands of the right”.

To hear examples of Tomás Jiménez playing visit his web site www.flamencotomas.com

07 May 2006

Modern Guitar Trio.



Three of the UK’s most outstanding Spanish Guitarists; Roland Chadwick, Vincent Lindsey-Clark and Roland Gallery joined forces in 2001 to form the Modern Guitar Trio. 5 years later and an impressive number of live performances under their belts they have released their new self-titled CD this year to huge critical acclaim. The CD uniquely features compositions by all three members; Roland Chadwick’s beautiful and highly emotive The Wendy House, Vincent Lindsay-Clarks epic Sonata Melodica, and Roland Gallery’s wonderfully melodic 2 Fusion Pieces.

Asked about the origins of the Modern Guitar Trio Roland Chadwick said; “In 2000 I needed a couple of guitarists for the recording of my guitar trio, "Letter From LA". I’d met Roland Gallery and as he lives just 2 blocks away from me in Ealing, is the same age and has the same first name with the same spelling - well, he had to be the man! He recommended Vincent Lindsey-Clark who turned out to be a bit good. Once the CD was released it seemed a good idea to get Roland and Vincent to do the odd concert here and there. Eventually we needed more material and I arranged Three Kisses for Jenny from my CD, The Revealing and Vincent mentioned that he'd written a piece called Cymmetry and Roland G produced 2 jazz fusion pieces. By this point we were being asked to do full concerts and so with the addition of a solo each we had a full program. It was only later that we realised that we had formed an actual trio and that something special was happening regarding the program we were currently playing and the future direction that a trio of guitarist/composers might take. There are quite a few guitar ensembles that have a resident composer but to have all three of us being composers struck us as being something quite unusual.”

02 April 2006

Anne Lister


Anne was born a Londoner, but the family moved several times before settling in Cardiff, South Wales when Anne was ten years old. She was given her first guitar when she was thirteen, and taught herself to play. She was an active member of the Cardiff and Newport folk club circuit for many years, until she went to the University of Warwick to study French. At Warwick she specialised in medieval French and Occitan literature - mostly the stories of King Arthur and the poetry of the troubadours, and stayed on to complete an MA in medieval studies.

Her current career includes storytelling, workshops on voice (for those who think they can't sing), creativity and storytelling (for those who lack confidence) and songwriting as well as concerts. She has finally left her full time teaching post and is hoping to tour more widely and more frequently in the US, as well as in the UK and Europe. The singing, storytelling and workshops have taken her to an enormous variety of venues and audiences, from small intimate folk clubs and house concerts to much bigger events at folk festivals and larger concert halls, and to France, Italy, Greece and Spain as well as the US.
Anne's work always attracts attention - songs which take myths and legends and weave them into a new relevance. Songs which pack a surprising emotional punch through the ancient tales. A simple, direct approach to performance, laced with liberal doses of humour and a close rapport with the audience. Entertaining and informative, with a careful blend of traditional and contemporary references. Celtic, Saxon, Norman and European plaited into one variegated braid.