John Ethridge- Christian Garrick

John Etheridge - guitars, Christian Garrick - violin

Read Guardian critic John Fordham's review of their latest album "Men on a wire" here

There was a moment of alchemy in the early 1930's when a French violinist and a Belgian gypsy guitarist blended their music with American jazz. The combination of violin and guitar remains utterly distinctive, utterly Continental and utterly compelling. The creators of the style, leaders of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France, were guitarist Django Rheinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli. To imitate them requires great instrumental virtuosity.

John Etheridge and Christian Garrick have the virtuosity not to mention phenomenal powers of improvisation and the musical elan that characterised Rheinhardt and Grappelli's music. John Etheridge played with Grappelli towards the end of the violinist's long career, and has a command of his instrument so complete that he seems to know no limitations. But even his fastest runs make melodic sense and are filled with emotion. Violinist Christian Garrick is equally exceptional. His solos take technique to Paganini like extremes, but they, too, are full of meaning. The duo's repertoire also contains some more contemporary pieces such as the intriguing "Nothing Personal".

This is graceful music which ignores (rather than breaks) the usual boundaries which organise our musical understanding.  Yes, it draws upon folk, jazz, rock, and other traditions, but it isn’t a fusion.  Primarily this is about improvisation and interpretation between two well-schooled musicians whose backgrounds overlap but remain distinctive.

John Etheridge and Christian Garrick got two standing ovations at the 2009 Scarborough Jazz Festival and were called back to the stage for a number of encores. Seeing them in the intimate surroundings of Seven Arts  will be a treat. 

 Hear their music here

John Etheridge and Christian Garrick play at Seven Arts on Thursday 8th April 2010. Tickets are £15/12 concessions in advance from Seven Arts bar or Jumbo records www.jumborecords.co.uk.

Calling all guitarists! John Etheridge will be taking a jazz masterclass at Seven Arts before the gig on 8th April between 6.15pm-7.15pm - tickets £8/6 concessions