Klezmer music (also known as Yiddish music) is a musical genre consisting of dance pieces and instrumental displays for weddings and other traditional Jewish celebrations. Its roots are Eastern European, often Romanian and Moldavian with Greek and Turkish influences. Since the Klezmer music revival in the U.S in the 1970s, its increase in popularity has made it an ideal choice for Jewish and non-Jewish events alike.
Hi and welcome to the new blog on Gypsy Jazz ! I’ve kindly been asked by the Morris Agency to write some lines about this vibrant and increasingly popular music style.
First off, apart from having my own gypsy jazz trio, I’ve been involved in playing this style for seventeen years and working as a professional guitarist for over twenty.
With gigs, there’s no end to the variety of events that gypsy jazz can cater for.
Over the years, we’ve played at jazz festivals, arts centres, theatres, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, gypsy music festivals, wakes, corporate functions, private parties, boat launches, embassies, museums, plus the odd bit of TV and radio. All thanks to the timeless popularity of the music.
So now a brief history for anyone who has just discovered gypsy jazz!
The origins can be linked to one man, a Belgian gypsy guitarist called Django Reinhardt (1910 – 1953).
Discovering jazz as a young man, he successfully fused his awesome ethnic playing style with the early American jazz that was finding its way into Europe. In so doing, he created a genre, re-defined plectrum style guitar, wrote enduring melodies and generally become a total legend on every level.
Oh! And he had a disability in the fact that his fretting hand was badly burnt in a fire and he could only fully use his index and middle fingers.
When his recordings started reaching the rest of the world, people were completely blown away. He became a world-wide phenomenon.
Many Gypsies from Europe play this style; Django ignited this quirky branch of jazz and for some, it has become part of their culture, adding a new dimension to their already amazing musical heritage.
I consider myself lucky and honoured, having learnt to play gypsy jazz from some of the greatest exponents on the planet since Django, including Bireli Lagrene, Stochelo Rosenberg and Lulu Reinhardt. Whether on a gig or a jam, I’ve soaked up every second of playing time with these remarkable musicians.
In the my own gypsy jazz trio, TMA025, we’ve kept the format nice and simple. Two acoustic guitars and a double-bass.
Because gypsy jazz is so adaptable we can incorporate elements of swing jazz, Latin and even a little funk into the tunes.
The music has an endearing quality of being both ‘street’ and sophisticated in its sound. Very European and extremely infectious.
If you are planning an event or are an event organiser looking for a live band supplier, then please feel free to contact us for information on the wide variety of acts we have available to hire.
Limited on-site parking is available. It is advised to pre-book a parking space.
No street parking available. All illegally and inconsiderately parked vehicles can expect a £60 ticket and further charges will be made for the release of clamps or towed vehicles.
Public Transportation:
Nearest rail: Birchington
Box Office Hours:
On-site box office opens at 16:00 – 20:00
Box Office Collection Accepted:
Tickets held for collection can be collected on the day of the event from the on-site box office. Please take the credit card used to make the booking and your Ticketmaster reference number with you.
The on-site box office will be located at the main entrance from the car park on Manston Road, B2050.
Accessible Seating:
The venue is accessible for wheelchair users.
Accessible toilets on-site.
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For more information please call 01843 296111
General Rules:
No umbrellas or sunshades.
No tentrs, windbreaks or similar structures.
No cameras, video cameras or audio recording devices.
No food – licensed food outlets available in the auditorium.
No bottles or cans – water is available free on-site.
No alcohol – licensed bar on-site.
No portable furniture is allowed on Friday or Saturday.
No pets or animals excepting those assisting the visually impaired.
No copies of official merchandise, hats, t-shirts, banners, photos, CD’s etc that has been purchased from illegal vendors outside the site. Offending items will be confiscated.
Smoking is allowed in the open air auditorium.
Smoking is not allowed in toilets, bars, marquees, food outlets or enclosed areas.
Children Rules:
Minimum age of admittance is 5 years old.
Juveniles under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years old.
If you are looking for an unusual and unique band for your party or wedding, we have loads of acts that you won’t hear anywhere else in the UK. Visit our main bands page or email us at info@themorrisagency.co.uk for a full list of our bands.