HOT CLUB GALLOIS | LIVE REVIEW
Sunflower&I, Cardiff Bay, Sun 29 June
The Doctor Who Experience isn’t the only place in town where you can be transported through time and space. On a recent Sunday, guests at the Sunflower&I florists were taken on a trip around the world and back to the golden age of jazz. We were in for a treat musically and culinary because the magical flower/decor/arts studio and cafe played host to the city’s own Hot Club Gallois; a gypsy jazz and swing band.
They started off with the popular South American classic, Brazil. Then they took us to the Big Apple doing a jaunty version of Puttin’ On The Ritz and Oh, Lady Be Good! featuring bassist Mike Morgan keeping the backbeat and providing vocals on the latter. Guitarists Luke Archard and co-vocalist Richard Jones were right on their game, sharing lead and rhythm duties throughout the set.
You can tell by their name (Gallois is French for Welsh) that the quartet is heavily influenced by the Quintette Du Hot Club De France, founded in 1934 by legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli. You could hear this especially in their song Cafe 39, by promising composer Jones, which brings to mind being in the heart of Montmartre. Another favourite was his Bossa Ricardo– a more contemporary-sounding samba.
Two of the loveliest songs performed were Reinhardt’s Nuages and Anouman: both dreamy, languid ballads beautifully showcased by classically-trained violinist Xenia Porteous. Couples were on their feet in no time, showing off their footwork to (among others) the passionate Minor Swing and a blisteringly-fast Limehouse Blues.
The band finished up with I Wanna Be Like You, encouraging a lively singalong. This is the newest incarnation of Hot Club Gallois, and this time is certainly the charm.
The owners of Sunflower&I, Lukasz and Sebastian (and their staff) were attentive and fun-loving, giving the evening that extra-special touch. Good wine and people, yummy desserts and entrancing music-joie de vivre in spades!
words RHONDA LEE REALI
