‘Showtime’ for Cowal Music Club

Cowal Music Club is looking forward to an exciting new season of concerts in Dunoon’s Burgh Hall, starting on September 25th with the David Vernon (accordion) and Dick Lee (Saxophones/clarinet) duo.

This eclectic pair of first-rate musicians comes fresh from the Edinburgh fringe, where they performed many evenings in August, with great success. Recently the ‘Scotsman’ described them as “brilliant, with their legendary skill and infectious enjoyment. They combine wonderful, superb musicianship – a great double act”.

Others commented “They chose great material to play, and their patter was really funny!”

‘Showtime’ – the title for this first concert, – will include much loved favourites from shows and film music, with entertaining and humorous presentation. Many of their performances are flavoured with an intriguing mix of jazz, French, Jewish, traditional, and Balkan music!

The combination of Saxophone/Clarinet and accordion is in itself fascinating, especially when in the hands of fine musicians.

David Vernon, the accordionist, is renowned both for his extraordinary technical ability and versatility, and also as an entertainer, having appeared on numerous radio & TV programmes, including Radio Scotland’s ’Take the Floor’. He is also resident accordionist for the well-known “Spirit of Scotland” show in Edinburgh, and has performed worldwide at Scottish themed musical events and festivals, including 10 tours of New Zealand! David is also renowned as a piper.

Dick Lee, Saxophonist & Clarinet, has had a long and versatile career starting at Glasgow University, where he graduated with a B.Mus. degree, before embarking on performing in classical, rock, jazz, & traditional styles, and “much that does not fit easily into any particular category”! Apart from his duo with David, he has played and recorded with many groups including the Hebrides Ensemble, Bechet Nouveau, Ken Mathieson’s Classic Jazz Orchestra, Michael Marra Band, Dr. Lee’s Prescription, and his own “Chamber Jazz”, - winners of the BBC National Big Band Competition.

Reviews on the repertoire performed by David and Dick read very well: “This mix of jazz and classical disciplines is truly a music of the future”. And “This is a fantastic work that really does refresh the parts that others can’t reach – a work that crosses the jazz/classical divide with the utmost ease”. And one which sums it up: “Their playing is full of spirit”.

This concert on Sunday September 25th at 2.30pm promises to make a fantastic start to Cowal Music Club’s really interesting concert series, - not to be missed!

Tickets £12, available in advance from www.cowalmusicclub.co.uk, or on the door.