Le QuecumBar

Music:

Member Since: 5/2/2007
Band Website: quecumbar.co.uk
Band Members:

These photographs are of the venue, my patrons, Le QuecumBar Allstars, other musicians and around Le QuecumBar some of the black and white photos were taken by a budding young photographer who I would like to thank, called Yves Garcia you can see more of his work on http://www.yvesgarcia.com
LE Q RECORDS I have recently given birth to Le Q Records www.leqrecords.com, who will be taking care of my regular and visiting musicians and recording albums of live performances and concerts. The aim, to preserve special moments of magic to be shared around the globe creating a permanent record of their visits to us and helping to raise the profile of the music we love, the musicians and their talent. Le QuecumBar in conjunction with Le Q Records also offers artists the opportunity to use the venue as a recording and rehearsal venue - we have put together a special whole day recording/rehearsal package including our engineer Chris of www.aztec-studios.co.uk who uses traditional microphones for the best in acoustic recordings. In addition this is also the home of Le QuecumBar Allstars a pool of our regular musicians (featured in our photo gallery) that play here at the venue and are available for festivals, corporate functions and other events. LE QUECUMBAR ALLSTARS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR GIGS FESTIVALS ETC FROM A TWO PIECE UP
They play a varied repertoire from Django to swing to Latin. Please drop Monika Kroll a line, she is Director and of course for those of you who know the bar a part of Le QuecumBars valuable team. ([email protected]) All our CDs are available at our online shop and the bar. LATEST RELEASE - LE QUECUMBAR LIVE IN LONDON WITH THE GARY POTTER QUARTET LEQ0104
This album is a stonker - probably Gary's best album to date, a unique line-up led by the UK’s finest Gypsy Swing guitarist Gary Potter and driven by the rhythm section of Kevin Nolan, Ducato Piotrowski and Andy Crowdy.Le QuecumBar’s stage was the perfect setting and catalyst: bringing together four outstanding Gypsy Swing musicians, performing as The Gary Potter Quartet for the first time. This unique and exciting experience culminated in a thrilling live performance led by guitar genius Gary Potter, the UK’s foremost Gypsy Swing guitarist and valued QuecumBar patron. Gary’s virtuosity and versatility are brilliantly displayed here, with superb support from the power-packed rhythm section of Kevin Nolan and Ducato Piotrowski on rhythm guitar and Andy Crowdy on bass.LE QUECUMBAR PRESENTS LE QUECUMBAR ALLSTARS £10
This is a taste of what our regular all year round musicians do, thanks to all of them for their time and effort putting this together. Thanks also to all our regular musicians who are not on this album but are equally important in what I do and are also Le QuecumBar Allstars. The Allstars in no particular order: Toby - Trumpet
Bernie - Clarinet Helena Jessie Mistress of Swing songstress Stu - Guitar Jeff - Violin Jonny - Bass Baz - Guitar David - Giutar Pete - Guitar Ducato - Guitar Dan - Accordion Special thanks to Chris D'Adda of www.aztec-studios.co.uk who recorded the whole thing at Le QuecumBar and will be recording all our future live concerts, he did a great job under strain and so did Monika Kroll who helped with mastering. Special thanks also to Patron Lollo Meier who allowed us to use his Melody for Le QuecumBar on this album ALSO OUT NOW!
LE QUECUMBAR LIVE IN LONDON WITH THE RITARY GAGUENETTI QUARTET
The Ritary Gaguenetti Quartet
The boys return to London and play you a journey that shows Gypsy Swing and Jazz are closer than you think. This vibrant Gypsy ensemble competently shows you how, on this live recording that captures the special live atmosphere at Le QuecumBar, carrying the audience from a time gone by to the present. The group has earned a reputation that has put them at the top of many festivals invitation lists all over Europe, including the famous Django Reinhardt festival at Samois, Angers, the International Gypsy Guitar Festival in the UK, Django fest NYC, tours in Canada as well as numerous wide spread independent jazz clubs. A testament to their talent, these guys represent Gypsy Jazz of today, whilst never losing the roots feel and contagious rhythms. www.ritaryensemble.fr
Le QuecumBar Live in London
1. My Home (Robert Gaguenetti) 5' 21"
2. A L'instant (Ritary Gaguenetti) 5' 55"
3. Cecel Swing (Ninine Garcia) 5' 59”
4. More (Riz Ortolani) 5' 55"
5. What is this thing called love (Cole Porter) 6' 32"
6. Undecided (C.Shavers) 4' 07"
7. For Sylvia (Ritary Gaguenetti) 7’ 54"
8. Nuit de Saint Germain des Prés (Django Reinhardt) 6' 13
Le QuecumBar patron Ritary and the boys would like to give special thanks to: The dedicated staff at Le QuecumBar, especially the owner, Sylvia Rushbrooke for her help and passion for this music, Helena Jessie for her guest vocals track 6 http://www.helenajessie.com. Dylan Fowler the live engineer http://www.dylanfowler.co.uk and Julien Régnier in Paris who mixed and mastered this cd. Ritary and Hervé play on Michael Collins signature model guitars. Vladimir’s electric double by Hervé Prudent model "Lolita". Christophe Panzani would like to thank Fred Lebayle for his mouthpieces. Recorded by Le Q Records UK: Monika Kroll www.leqrecords.com [email protected] at Le QuecumBar January the 22nd 2007 www.quecumbar.co.uk 2007 © Le QuecumBar all rights reservedBIEL BALLESTER LIVE IN LONDON This double album is a great example of Biels versatility composing skills and technique. A fresh album with something for everyone Gypsy Swing with rumba and bossa overtones a joyous live performance by Biel who has played with some of the worlds greats including Stochelo and many others.MORE LIVE RECORDINGS TO COME - WATCH THIS SPACE
JUNE RELEASE - STARS OF GYPSY SWING LE QUECUMBAR PATRONS
A collection of 26 tracks donated by the bars famous world class musician patrons, some tracks unreleased beforeOther great albums on sale Lollo Meier, Robin Nolan, Angelo Debarre etc
Influences: Well I have to say it - if it wasn't for my mum filling the house with music when I was a child I would not have heard half the music I have - she filled my life with a variety of magical music and song every day - every child should have music in their life. All the 78s that were so magical, even now I love them best. My first folk guitar boyfriend who introduced me to Django on 78s. Samois sur Seine where the dream was born to open Le Q. The gypsy, swing guitar genius, Django Reinhardt and his Hot Club sound.
Special thanks to all my patrons and everyone who has ever played here.
All the Gypsy music from around the world - music is the language that unites us all. All the Gypsies I have met and become friends. World Gypsy music, Flamenco, Gypsy Rhumba, Klezmer, Gypsy Jazz, Gypsy Swing, Jazz, Jazz Manouche, String Swing, Swing, Oscar Aleman, Eddy Lang, Joe Venutti, Stuff Smith, Mills Brothers, Ink Spots, Andrew Sisters, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Dean Martin, Charlie and his Orchestra, Tommy Emmanuel, Benny Goodman, Glen Miller, Mario Lanza, oh so many sounds and so much talent creating memories and driving me to do what I do, thank you all for your music, without music life would have less joy
Sounds Like: ECHOES AND WHISPERS OF 1930S PARIS LET THE WORDS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES Five out of Five stars I feel quite triumphant about Le Quecumbar, because it is a perfect example of why London is a charming city. Like an eccentric maiden aunt who suddenly produces a large cache of fabulous champagne, the big smoke comes good in the most unexpected ways. In the endlessly dreary season that comes between Christmas and May bank holiday, walking into Le Quecumbar from a quiet residential street is like getting a large sack of the very finest truffles out of a vending machine that you thought might grace you with a dairy milk, if you were lucky. It possesses the most unique selling point I think I have ever encountered. Outside of Paris, it is Europe’s only venue dedicated to the promotion of Django Reinhardt Hot Club Gypsy Swing. This may not sound like much to the uninitiated on paper, but when your ears get involved it starts to seem more and more amazing. In a town where there is never a shortage of people to rip and be ripped off, it is truly righteous that here you can see some of the most passionate and accomplished musicians you will ever encounter. For £5. Or free, if you get there before 8pm. The owner, Sylvia Rushbrooke, is a glittering presence in the bar with her flashing eyes and megawatt personality. She has created an atmosphere that captures the heady intoxication of 30’s Paris and the thrill of swing. The anonymity of the big city is broken down as a jazz orientated crowd of British and foreign musicians chat, pretty girls with shiny bobs twist and shimmy, and bohemian people defrost in the corners. Creamy walls flicker as pincushions of light blush out from small candles. Fairy lights are laced through luscious palm leaves that sway with limpid colour from the corners and along the walls, round the folies bergeres poster girls and the grecian pots and urns. The musicianship is breathtaking and exhilarating; the mood sways and lilts from glancing rhythms spinning round the room to slower, more subtle melodies that drift across the air like thick silk veils. There is no trace of any seriousness or condescension, just sheer enjoyment on the part of the musicians and the audience. I had to tear myself away, and you would be missing one of London’s finest treasures if you were not to go. VIEW LONDON Reviewed by - Diana de CabarrusWhen Django Reinhardt teamed up with St..phane Grappelli and the other members of his Quintette du Hot Club de France in 1934, Gypsy caf.. music melded with American jazz to create an irresistible art form that flourishes still at Django festivals in France, at Django clubs, and on Django internet radio stations in America and Japan. Three years ago, Sylvia Rushbrooke, a British Djangophile, marked the 50th anniversary of Reinhardt's premature death by opening a wine bar - known to the cognoscenti as "Le Q" - dedicated to keeping Django's musical legacy alive. "Museum stuff," sniff its jazz-world detractors from behind their palisade. To test the truth of this, I drop in on one of the QuecumBar's jam sessions. With potted palms, turn-of-the-century mirrors, and walls covered with photos of Gypsy swing's greats, the place does look a bit preserved in aspic, but when the bassist George Trebar and guitarist Stuart Blagden set off on an exploratory riff, the joint starts to jump. Blagden, who began life as a classical guitarist, tells me that ever since he fell in love with Django's sound, he has been trying to combine it with bebop. As he warms to his task, it's clear he's doing just that. His finger-picking gets hotter and faster, his rhythm guitarist generates huge momentum, and the old jazz standards and Django numbers pour out in ever more harmonically inventive guises. On comes the young Robin Katz, an art dealer by day, supported by the rhythm guitarist Dennis Chang, who has just flown in from Montreal: if this is typical of London, he says, he likes it a lot. This pair have played together just once, and though they don't achieve the symbiosis of Blagden and co, they pump along nicely. For this is a musical mafia - they all speaking the same musical language, with Django's "Minor Swing" as a signature tune. Then it's the turn of Simon Moore, supported by the Polish gypsy, Ducato Piotrowski -Piotrowski's nickname, "Pompe", is appropriate, as he puts massive impetus behind Moore's subtle excursions. Meanwhile, an intense Lee is offered a guitar: he hasn't touched one for months, he tells me, and he's not sure what will come out. What comes out is very fine indeed: this is Lee Clark, who spent his youth training in France with Gypsies. So, museum culture be damned. Gypsy swing is alive and well.
THE INDEPENDENT - Published: 06 January 2006 Gypsy Jazz Jam Session, QuecumBar, London By Michael ChurchREVIEW, LONDON EVENING STANDARD 2007 HAI LA DRUM Hai La Drum is a collaboration of four versatile musicians who met playing gypsy swing music in the late '90s. The line up is perfectly suited to playing traditional Romanian, Russian and other Balkan music. The shared experience of playing jazz allows them to interpret these more traditional forms and add improvisations and unusual arrangements. Here's a recent review in the Standard: "Imagine you're in the Balkans", said Sylvia, the flamboyant hostess at Le Quecumbar, "Don't be boring and English, make lots of noise!" So from the beginning Romanian Gypsy violinist Vasile Stanescu got wild whoops and clapping from the crowd. Actually, the atmosphere at Le Quecumbar isn't Balkan, but more 1930s Paris or Brussels. From the outside it's clearly a converted pub, but inside it's a congenial Gypsy music café with candles, art nouveau lights, old black-and-white photos and a little stage in the corner ringed by luxuriant potted plants. Certainly it doesn't feel like Battersea. Stanescu was born in Bucharest into a family of Gypsy musicians going back, he says, some 250 years. He started playing aged seven and clearly has had some classical training alongside his Gypsy tradition. His band, Hai La Drum (Hit the Road), is essentially British, despite their Romany name, playing accordion, guitar and double bass. He started with some Romanian tunes with heavily ornamented fiddle playing, before slipping into Ciocarlia (The Lark). This is a cliché Romanian Gypsy piece usually trotted out as an encore and it was brave to throw it in early on and keep it fresh with a musical integrity plus spectacular bird effects. Stanescu's violin techniques include spectral harmonics, double stopping and a spectacular left-hand pizzicato with a panache I've only seen matched by Maxim Vengerov. Stanescu and the band toss musical phrases back and forth and Le Quecumbar clearly thrives on this sort of quality musical vibe. The repertoire ranged from Romanian tunes to Russian classics and Django-style Gypsy swing. The warmth, camaraderie and ambience took us to another world, far from London.
THE GOSSIP ON THE STREET - GENERAL ATMOSPHERE“Atmosphere is everything, and this place has it in spades.” Essential Living“Le QuecumBar is unique and provides an irresistible combination of live music, great food and hospitality in a setting as alluring as a coquette’s boudoir.” Live in London“… the sort of atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home.” Wandsworth Business Magazine“Le QuecumBar provides a fabulous experience, whether you want a quiet drink in intimate surroundings or a more lively night with a bit of a buzz.” Hot Property“… an atmosphere that captures the heady intoxication of 30s Paris and the thrill of swing.” View London“… the perfect ambience in which to enjoy casually sophisticated evenings.” Live in London“Le QuecumBar’s unpretentiousness is a breath of fresh air …” London Eating Newsletter“… enough character and charm to make a special effort to get here” SW MagazineHYBRID QUOTES“… the spacious interior … needs to be seen to be fully believed … kind of Marlene Dietrich meets the Palm Court hotel.” View London“… a cross between a Montmarte drinking den straight out of Moulin Rouge and a New Orleans jazz club.” SW Magazine“Anyone looking for a piece of Paris without crossing the Channel should take advantage.” SW Magazine“… I was completely overwhelmed by [the guitarists’] almost surreal virtuosity.” Wandsworth Business Magazine“Inhabited by some of the friendliest staff and punters we’ve had the pleasure of sharing bar space with.” Fancyapint.com “This is a truly amazing place.” Hot Property“I think this is the ideal place for a first date.” Restaurant Spy“A million miles away from the stresses and strains of daily London life.” Kingston Guardian“Anyone looking for a piece of Paris without crossing the Channel you should take advantage.” SW Magazine“… even the loos, are worth a visit.” SW MagazineTotally independent. In a world of soulless corporate chains devoid of joy, a refreshingly unique and intimate Venue. THE MUSIC“… I was completely overwhelmed by [the guitarists’] almost surreal virtuosity.” Wandsworth Business Magazine“The musicianship is breathtaking and exhilarating.” View London“… here you can see some of the most passionate and accomplished musicians you will ever encounter.” View London“… a Bohemian atmosphere of laid-back music making” gay.com“… the interior evokes the faded elegance of pre-war Parisian caf.. society and hosts performances by some of the world’s greatest acoustic guitarists” Live in London“The undeniable jewel in [Le QuecumBar’s] entertainment crown is the Tuesday night hot club jazz jamming sessions… “ Kingston Guardian“… sheer enjoyment on the part of the musicians and the audience.” View London“… London’s premier venue for Gypsy Jazz.” Live in LondonPEOPLE“Inhabited by some of the friendliest staff and punters we’ve had the pleasure of sharing bar space with.” fancyapint.com“Sylvia Rushbrooke is a glittering presence in the bar with her flashing eyes and megawatt personality.” View London, January 2004“To say that Sylvia is an enthusiast for this style of music would be an understatement - she is an evangelist for the subject.” Live in London, January/February 2004WHAT THE MUSICIANS AND PATRONS SAY JOHN ETHERIDGE ONE OF UKS FINEST GUITARIST "The QuecumBar provides a wonderful setting for the acoustic music it specialises in. Intimate, welcoming and atmospherically decorated - with lovely food and Sylvia’s warm hospitality. It’s truly one of the most attractive places to hear music in London and there is plenty of high-octane gypsy music to be heard. All the greats play here. I am proud to be a patron.
HANK B MARVIN OF THE SHADOWS, COMPOSER, GUITAR MASTER AND GYPSY SWING FAN Loved the jam night, what a great atmos, and I was inspired by the enthusiastic and inventive playing from the various musos present. The non-playing crowd was really into it too. It was so good I almost thought of moving back to London! The “name” guest performers you are able to present there are truly the best of today’s Gypsy Jazz. It is so good to be able to sit close to the action, sadly there aren’t many venues that offer this intimacy.
JOHN JORGENSON USAs FINEST GYPSY SWINGER, ROCKER, COMPOSER AND GUITAR MASTER Le Quecumbar is the place I always wished existed in a town that I lived in-featuring and supporting my favourite music, gypsy jazz, with a Parisian atmosphere, friendly staff, great food and classy without being stuffy. Whenever I am in London I make it a point to spend as many evenings there as possible-it is a gem!.
LOLLO MEIER FROM HOLLANDS ON OF THE WORLDS ELITE GYPSY MASTERS AND COMPOSER I have seen many jazz bars and in my opinion Sylvia’s place was one of the most inspiring places I have ever visited. The musicians and customers at Le QuecumBar gave me tremendous support, they were like a family to me and they really made me feel at ease. It is the place to be for Gypsy Jazz musicians. So, I am very proud to be patron of Le QuecumBar. Thank you very much Sylvia and give my love to all of my friends.
ANDREAS OBERG SWEDENS BEST GYPSY SWING/JAZZ GUITARISTS AND COMPOSER I am honoured and delighted to be the Scandinavian Patron of Le QuecumBar. Sylvia has created a unique place in central London, that's become one of the hottest spots in the world of Gypsy Jazz. The atmosphere is fantastic and the staff, musicians & audience immediately make you feel at home!.
BIEL BALLESTER (TRIO) SPAINS BEST GYPSY SWING GUITARIST AND COMPOSER Le QuecumBar has proved to be just the most charming place that me and the boys have visited. Sylvia Rushbrooke is an incredible lovely person and a cool landlady keeping an eye on everything! and the waiters are very nice people too! We had such a great time...the atmosphere is incredible and the gypsy jazz scene of London is growing in such a way, that Le QuecumBar is one of the most huge pillars of gypsy jazz in Europe, and that is said- the whole world!! Le QuecumBar - a MUST!.
THE RITARY GAGUENETTI ENSEMBLE, RITARY & HERVE GAGUENETTI FRENCH GYPSY SWING GUITAR MASTERS & VLADIMIR TORRES BASS PLAYER Le QuecumBar is a place which is perfectly appropriate with this music, with an excellent audience. I would never forget this journey to London. I was charmed to be able to perform at Le QuecumBar, because it is a splendid place and because I admire the courage of Sylvia to promote this music. I liked much passion and the listening of the audience it is a place where the music reigns, sharing and meetings. Thank you very much Sylvia for those intense, generous moments. This journey has been one of the best of my young career. Le QuecumBar is an unbelievable place; one would believe it to be 70 years ago. Sylvia succeeded in recreating an environment which existed in Paris a long time and which doesn’t exist anymore in Europe...except in London. The audience is imposing, always enthusiastic and the reception for the musicians by Sylvia and the QuecumBar staff is exceptional. We feel always well and happy to be able to share our passion with an audience which appreciates it. It is an immense pleasure of being able to play at Le QuecumBar. Thank you Sylvia, thank you so Much!.
ROBIN NOLAN UK, RESIDENT OF HOLLAND GYPSY SWING GUITAR MASTER AND COMPOSER Le QuecumBar is simply the ground Zero of Gypsy Jazz, the place to be and to be seen.....better still to be seen playing hot guitar!.
REINIER VOET & PIGALLE 44 Jan Brouwer Gert Wantenaar Nick McGuireIt was lovely to play and stay at the most Parisian club in London, The Quecumbar. The intimacy of the venue can be illustrated by the fact that our accordion player had to sit down beside the small and cosy stage (full with plants, why not?). Music and guitar lovers sitting just in front of you; an honour to play for them. And a pleasure to be invited and welcomed by Sylvia. Thanks! Hope to come back soon.... MATHIEU CHATELAIN What can I say...Sylvia and I met at Samois in 98 when I was still struggling with "Minor swing" chords and there I was last week playing in her bar, a place that has nothing to envy the best parisian jazz cafes...even more I don't think we have such a place in Paris. It is like being at la chope des puces but la chope is only opened on satursday and sunday where as here you have jazz almost every evening. I just wish the best to Sylvia and to the Quecumbar, a place with a spirit, not a simple club and this for one reason, you have somebody behind the bar who is a real passionate...but just go there one evening and check by yourself.
Record Label: Le Q Records - Dir Sylvia Rushbrooke/Monika Kroll
Type of Label: Indie