 Stunning Cabaret by Music Deco
Those who braved the first biting chills of winter to attend a cabaret concert in Sidmouth by Music Deco last Sunday, were amply rewarded by a performance of great variety and virtuosity. Music Deco musicians Kate Walker (soprano), Chris Gradwell (clarinet, sax and flute) accompanied by Andrew Daldorph (keyboard) entertained the audience to a feast of music which wonderfully reflected the heyday of music at the beginning of the last century during the famous Art Deco period. Kennaway House should be congratulated and delighted it can host performances of this high calibre. More about Music Deco
 A
Relaxed Jazz Evening in Seaton
In a one off concert, Chris Gradwell and his Little Big Band
came to Seaton Town Hall. The Band, which has a distinguished
history, specialises in music from the 20's to the '50s with
a big emphasis on the legacy of Sid Phillips. As the concert
opened, the audience may well have been excused if they through
that the band was 'little' rather than 'big' as only four members
of the rhythm section appeared on stage...but soon the strains
of When the Saints go Marching In were heard from the
rear of the hall as the other players entered to join them.
Each member was given a chance to shine in their own selections
and the superb playing of the band, with its spontaneity and
vigour poured out. This was a memorable concert that went all
too quickly...it was a most enjoyable evening.
 Mozart
Concert at The Minster, Axminster
There was an appreciative gathering of music lovers to meet the
reincarnated Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on his tour of East Devon.
The Gran Partita K361, was played by the West County Players - a
line up of some of the best musicians in East Devon. Roland Maloney's
portrayal of the composer, using his own often witty script was
superb and the playing, under the direction of Chris Gradwell was
very commendable. The fullness of tone, the rhythmic bounce and
drive of the performance were excellent.
 The
Helen Foundation Benefit Concert - A sell out success!
The Helen Foundation’s inaugural benefit concert on Friday
29 September was a sell-out success. The first half of the evening
featured the Serenoa Quartet joined after their opening item by
Chris Gradwell, nationally-renowned clarinettist, for Mozart’s
Clarinet Quintet. Before playing his modern clarinet, Chris showed
the audience an original 1792 clarinet that he related that he had
found in a German junk shop!
 Virtuoso
Jazz and Classical concerts on the Isle of Wight
Chris played Clarinet at the Wight Light gallery in Ventnor with
Richard Studt and Andrew Daldorph. The trio played two classical
and Jazz concerts to raise money for the Ventnor Piano Fund.
"Both concerts were completely sold out ...
they were an enormous success"
The Little Big Band playing at a wedding reception
"Just had to write to say how fabulous the
Little Big band were at our wedding reception. The music was even
better than we had hoped and all our guests raved about the band"
"So many people have commented on how
much they enjoyed the music whether they were dancing or outside
listening, the quality of your playing was greatly appreciated...Your
professionalism and co-operation helped us to achieve a very special,
wonderful day"
Seaton & District Music Club - Jazz Concert
A Jazz concert to a capacity crowd on a summer evening:
"Thank you once again for putting
on such a wonderful show last Thursday - it exceeded all our expectations...The
atmosphere in the hall was fantastic and I hope the Band enjoyed
the occasion as much as we did"
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