TUESDAY OCTOBER 16 7:30 $15 CLAUDE BOURBON
Born in France in the early 60’s, Claude Bourbon grew up in Switzerland, where he was classically trained for many years. This finger picking guitarist has performed and studied all over the world; he has crafted an unbelievable fusion of classical and jazz, with ethereal Eastern influences, Spanish and Latin elements with strains of Western folk.
The unique Monsieur Bourbon is a formidable performer. He may have his roots in the blues, but he is inspired by music and song from all around the world, taking these sounds and weaving them into a performance of blues, rock, jazz, songs and melodies that defy a label, all delivered with a gravely voice.
Claude’s inimitable style incorporates all five digits on each hand dancing independently but in unison, plucking, picking and strumming at such speed and precision that his fingers often seem to melt into a blur. Some influences: Paco De Lucia: Deep Purple’s Richie Blackmore; Joaquin Rodrigo; JJ Cale, Monty Python; JS Bach and Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks. This accomplished artist offers tender, compelling performance through highly developed precision. His sound instantly creates ambience – from haunting Spanish moods to lyrical, romantic jazz.
“Do you know what Medieval guitar sounds like? I didn’t either ‘til I hooked up with Claude! This is some cool stuff, and he’s French and everything!” Dolores River Brewery, Dolores, CO
“ Claude Bourbon is a unique figure today… his playing is almost indescribable“,
FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 8:30 $10 HAYNIE & SAMUEL
As innovative and refreshing as this duet’s instrumentation is, it is there mostly to support the real heart of their music, the songs themselves, and Don and Sheryl’s unique, powerful vocal harmonies. Don Haynie’s songs can make you laugh, cry, or dance as he ranges in topic from the absurdities of modern life (Chaplain of the Mall) to the poignance of family (My Grandmother’s Piano) to the mysteries of mortality (When I Cross the Great Divide). Their excellent individual voices combine in well thought-out arrangements to sound sometimes like one incredible voice, and sometimes like more than two. Their songs and arrangements may be the result of studying their craft (and a healthy dose of inspiration) but their vocal blend is one of those acts of nature or magic that can never really be crafted, or duplicated, only appreciated. And it’s this vocal quality, along with great songs and arrangements, that makes them unique.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 20 8:30 $10 RAYNA GELLERT/Satchel Paige opens
Rayna (of the “all g’Earl” stringband UNCLE EARL) has a new solo album coming out on Oct. 2 on StorySound Records (home to Loudon Wainwright III & Gabriel Kahane). The album, Old Light: Songs from my Childhood & Other Gone Worlds, is a mix of traditional and original songs, and is a departure from her previous fiddle-centric recordings. She’ll be touring as a trio with a great electric guitarist (Drew Heller from Toubab Krewe) and drummer Jamie Dick (who has toured with Tommy & the Whale and Abigail Washburn). Friends of Satchel’s, and come highly recommended.
Rayna Gellert grew up in a musical family, and has spent most of her life immersed in the sounds of rural stringband music, heartfelt gospel songs, and old ballads. After honing her fiddle skills playing at jam sessions and square dances, Rayna fell into a life of traveling and performing. Her fiddle albums are widely celebrated in the old-time music community, and she has recorded with a host of musicians in a variety of styles – including Robyn Hitchcock, Tyler Ramsey, Sara Watkins, Loudon Wainwright III, John Paul Jones, and Abigail Washburn. From 2003 through 2008, Rayna was a member of the acclaimed stringband Uncle Earl, with whom she released two albums on Rounder Records and toured like mad. These days she can be found on stage with Scott Miller, Toubab Krewe, or her father, Dan Gellert. She lives in Swannanoa, North Carolina.
Note: This date had been posted for a few days as being on the 19th, but was changed.
The elusive Satchel Paige opens.
COMING UP: Note all the cool events on the side bar. Not on there, but you should know: November 2 through November 4 the Lorine Niedecker Wisconsin Poetry Festival is held in Fort Atkinson. Friday November 2 is the kickoff night, and there is a poetry open mike to be held here at the Carpe. Details can be found at the Friends of Lorine Niedecker website. This is the festival’s third year, and it has been a smashing success.
MULVEYETAL: Working on finalizing the details for the Mulveycentric early winter Lamplighter Series. Will post them as soon as they are available, and will announce herein and/or on our website when advance ticket sales begin.