Perth gig for jazz men

Feb 19 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

JAZZ guitarist Graeme Stephen brings his septet to Perth Theatre Redrooms on Monday, March 1, as part of the Scottish Arts Council’s Tune Up tours for 2010.

For this nine-venue tour, Graeme Stephen is joined by some of the most creative and in-demand players on the UK folk and jazz scenes.

Born in Aberdeen and based in Edinburgh, Graeme is influenced by the pre-bop guitar style of Charlie Christian as well as contemporary masters like Bill Frisell. Having already won a number of awards, including the Jazz Services Promoters Choice Award 2006, in 2008 he was chosen for the Serious/PRS Take 5 initiative.

Graeme currently performs with his own trio, as well as the free-improvisation outfit Newt, and is a regular guest with the eclectic Fraser Fifield band.

His Septet which is Perth-bound includes London-based cellist Ben Davis, saxophonist Fraser Fifield, violinist Chris Stout, Brazillian bassist Mario Caribe and Scottish Jazz Drummer of the Year Stuart Ritchie.

Graeme’s compositions for the Septet reflect the diversity of the musicians, drawing on jazz, Celtic and world music influences. Alongside shorter pieces, they will also be performing his new suite 'Vantage-Points', based on his impressions of different parts of Scotland. The suite takes his audience on a journey to the far-flung towns of Calanish and Ardnamurchan, concluding in a flight – by ostrich – over the Scottish landscape.

The Redrooms gig, part of the Monday Night Thing series of music and comedy in the intimate venue, is at 8pm. Tickets are £10.