"For lovers of the classic Stephane Grappelli - Django Reinhardt approach, this is right up there amongst the best in the UK. "
Paul Bream, Jazz Alert
We're delighted to be back playing live - check out our ‘Gigs’ page for upcoming dates or do get in touch if you would like to book the band!
Emma Fisk's Hot Club du Nord bring to life the classic 1930s and 40s repertoire of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli's Hot Club de France. Featuring British Jazz Awards Nominee Emma Fisk on violin and the exceptional talents of James Birkett and David Harris (guitars) and Bruce Rollo (double bass), the band encompasses a wealth of experience, knowledge and love of the hot club/ gypsy jazz style. Their musically sparkling performances; engaging manner and infectious joy in the music have made them a popular choice across concert halls, theatres, art centres, village halls, festivals and jazz clubs.
At a Hot Club du Nord performance you will hear a selection of the popular songs, jazz standards and Reinhardt/ Grappelli originals as performed by Reinhardt & Grappelli's Hot Club de France during the 1930s and 40s. You can expect fresh, inspired interpretations of the material as well as recreations of some of the delightful arrangements from the original recordings. A treat for connoisseurs of swinging, string jazz and lovers of all things vintage!
At a Hot Club du Nord performance you will hear a selection of the popular songs, jazz standards and Reinhardt/ Grappelli originals as performed by Reinhardt & Grappelli's Hot Club de France during the 1930s and 40s. You can expect fresh, inspired interpretations of the material as well as recreations of some of the delightful arrangements from the original recordings. A treat for connoisseurs of swinging, string jazz and lovers of all things vintage!
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A couple of songs from our soundcheck at Sage Gateshead last summer and a funny little video of our lovely audience filling up Hall 2!
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Emma Fisk's Hot Club du Nord @ Sage Gateshead - June 29
Emma Fisk (violin); James Birkett. Dave Harris (guitars); Bruce Rollo (bass).
(Review by Lance/photo courtesy of Russell).
From the opening bars of Honeysuckle Rose to the final J'attendrai the magic unfolded, taking us back to the days when Django and Stéphane were the toast of Paree. Last night, Emma Fisk and her Hot Club du Nord were the toast of 'Gatesheed'. Yes, the well-attended Sage Two audience showed their approval in no uncertain manner - and so they should, it doesn't get much better than this.
Fisk displays amazing control, Emma doesn't play the violin, the violin is as much a part of her as the hand holding the bow or the fingers that move with such dexterity up and down the fingerboard. Total mastery (if that isn't a gender contradiction!)
Flanked by Birkett and Harris thrashing away on their Maccaferri guitars, and Rollo slapping bass with a gentle subtlety this was gypsy jazz/swing at its finest. However, unlike the original where Django soloed and the other two guitarists played rhythm James and Dave alternated solos to offer contrasting sounds. The former, smoother toned whilst still keeping within the spirit of the music, the latter harder, more metallic sounding. Both ace players blending well together.
No surprises in the repertoire, we knew what to expect and we got just that although it was nice to have a reference to Oscar Alemán, the Argentinian guitarist many rated above Django. It was all great stuff but, for me, the absolute standout out number was A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square dedicated by Emma to her late father. A pin drop moment.
As we left I couldn't help but feel a little patronising towards those folk who'd opted for the B52s in Sage One - if they only knew what they'd missed!
Lance.
Emma Fisk (violin); James Birkett. Dave Harris (guitars); Bruce Rollo (bass).
(Review by Lance/photo courtesy of Russell).
From the opening bars of Honeysuckle Rose to the final J'attendrai the magic unfolded, taking us back to the days when Django and Stéphane were the toast of Paree. Last night, Emma Fisk and her Hot Club du Nord were the toast of 'Gatesheed'. Yes, the well-attended Sage Two audience showed their approval in no uncertain manner - and so they should, it doesn't get much better than this.
Fisk displays amazing control, Emma doesn't play the violin, the violin is as much a part of her as the hand holding the bow or the fingers that move with such dexterity up and down the fingerboard. Total mastery (if that isn't a gender contradiction!)
Flanked by Birkett and Harris thrashing away on their Maccaferri guitars, and Rollo slapping bass with a gentle subtlety this was gypsy jazz/swing at its finest. However, unlike the original where Django soloed and the other two guitarists played rhythm James and Dave alternated solos to offer contrasting sounds. The former, smoother toned whilst still keeping within the spirit of the music, the latter harder, more metallic sounding. Both ace players blending well together.
No surprises in the repertoire, we knew what to expect and we got just that although it was nice to have a reference to Oscar Alemán, the Argentinian guitarist many rated above Django. It was all great stuff but, for me, the absolute standout out number was A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square dedicated by Emma to her late father. A pin drop moment.
As we left I couldn't help but feel a little patronising towards those folk who'd opted for the B52s in Sage One - if they only knew what they'd missed!
Lance.
Hot Club du Nord are currently taking bookings for 2022 & 2023
Some of the audience feedback we've had about our recent gigs! 
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"Django and Stephane the inspiration, violinist Fisk's new quartet is destined for stardom, or at the very least a full diary of engagements up and down the land..." |
