JOHN WHEATCROFT ACOUSTIC QUINTET DEBUT & MASTERCLASS 24th Aug 2008

Sunday August 24th sees the first performance at Le Quecumbar in Battersea for the newly formed John Wheatcroft Acoustic Quintet. John has been teaching at Guitar-X since it was set up in 2003 and his incredible versatility as a player has been well known throughout the guitar world for years.

On August 24th he launches his new project inspired directly by the style he loves the most, the music of Django Reinhardt and his contemporaries.

With a set that includes both original compositions and fascinating re-arrangements of popular standards John takes the Django style right up to date with his seamless integration of modern influences, techniques and compositional devices, producing a sound that is rooted in the traditions of the genre, but vital, forward thinking and highly original.

With a line-up featuring John’s old rhythm partner from John Jorgenson’s Quintet, the amazing Andy Mackenzie, along with fellow Guitar-X tutor Jim Clark on second rhythm guitar, Drumtech tutor James Oscroft on percussion and Alan Mian on upright bass, this promises to be unmissable!

Both John and Andy will be holding a joint masterclass during the day before the performance covering both soloing and rhythm techniques. Topics to be covered include: The difference between Gypsy Jazz and conventional Jazz phrasing, Playing over the changes, dynamics and expression, building vocabulary, establishing your voice, creating effective rhythm parts and chord-soloing techniques.

The workshop runs from 11am-4pm and tickets are priced at £30, whilst tickets for the performance are £12 in advance or £15 on the door. Places are limited so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment. All are available online at www.quecumbar.co.uk

“John is an incredible guitarist with an astonishing technique” – Gary Potter

“Lefty John Wheatcroft is growing into one of the better players in England” – Mary Honcoop

“Both as a player and as an educator, John is the consummate professional” – John Jorgenson

Contact:

“London’s world premier Gypsy Swing venue”

Quecum Bar, 42-44 Battersea High St, London SW11 3HX

Telephone: 0207 787 2227