Peter Blanchette a nd the newest incarnation of the Virtual Consort will be swinging at:
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A quote from Peter Blanchette: "I am very excited about the possibilites of working with Kenny Butler this year, as the mix of our different musical backgrounds comes together under the mutual curiosity we have about wide-open musical styles. Somethng happens at these shows which is truly unique: I get to bring my new arrangements of somewhat daring musical material and try them out on a casual but sophisticated audience. Both exhibitors and show-goers alike let me know what they think of what I'm doing in real time, as it were. We can play for people, talk to them about the music, and thereby create music which we like and which pleases an audience. This just doesn't happen anywhere else, that's why I love playing at art/craft' shows." |
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This is the 10th aniversary of Peter's playing at Craftproducer's shows. The shows have meant a lot to Peter as a kind of performance laboratory in which he's tried out new musical ideas while always presenting his devoted playing of baroque and renaissance music. Back in 1997, art/craft founder Charley Dooley invited Peter to bring his trio, The Virtual Consort, to the shows and perform from his then latest recording of renaissance dance music. After a conversation one evening about the films of Fellini and what great scores accompanied them, Peter decided to spring a little surprise on Charley the next day and play some arrangements of themes from these Italian films. As the trio launched into their versions of the classic Italian film scores, the atmosphere of the show seemed to become a cinematic landscape. Everyone remarked how wonderful the music was and voilá- the trademark sound of The Virtual Consort was created: a mix of energetic ancient music and distinctive film themes such as no one else does. The group went on to win the Prairie Home Companion Talent from Towns under Two Thousand contest and has been a regular presence on NPR ever since, with three recordings on Dorian, and continued regular appearances at the art/craft shows. |
Archguitarist Peter Blanchette is collaborating with violinist Kenny Butler, leader of the The Hot Club of Boston, in the newest incarnation of Peter's The Virtual Consort.
The musical style they specialize in is called European (particularly French) swing music of the 20's. They play much in the style of the great violinist Stephan Grapelli and the guitarist Django Rheinhardt . Here's a tip: if you loved the music in the Woody Allen film, Sweet and Lowdown, this is that stuff. Peter and Kenny have found exciting new areas of musical exploration from which they will be creating fun, lovely sounds at Peter's booth this year as well. Kenny is also a fine mandolinist and will even try his hand at a little archguitar while playing with Peter. |
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