Tim Kliphuis Trio, Bedstone & Hopton Castle Village Hall, Shropshire, 18/10/2015.

Tim Kliphuis is a classically trained violinist with a love of improvisation who has established a strong following for a brand of music that broadly falls into the ‘gypsy jazz’ category but which also encompasses other styles of music including classical, folk, pop and rock. 

Born and based in The Netherlands Kliphuis is a hard working musician who tours extensively in the UK, often playing in remote rural locations such as this. Tonight’s show was the last of four dates in village halls in Shropshire and Herefordshire organised by the Arts Alive organisation who do excellent work with their promotion of top quality arts events in the two counties. It was my first visit to Bedstone Village Hall, an attractive modern building with a good acoustic which was constructed in 1997.

The shows for Arts Alive were subtitled “Celebrating Stephane Grappelli” but in some respects this was something of a misnomer as Kliphuis and his trio explored a far broader musical landscape, one that included some of those classical and folk influences. Of course Grappelli’s is a well known name that is guaranteed to attract audiences and Kliphuis and his trio have also recorded “The Grappelli Album”, a homage to the late, great French jazz violinist.

Nevertheless some of this evening’s repertoire was sourced from Kliphuis’ most recent album “The Hilversum Sessions”, recorded in his native Holland with a six piece line up featuring his regular trio members Nigel Clark (guitar) and Roy Percy (double bass) plus three additional string players in the shapes of Janneke Van Prooijen (violin), Frank Brakkee (viola) and Charles Watt (cello). The album includes both jazz and classical compositions plus a couple of Kliphuis originals and represents one of his most varied and interesting records to date. 

The trio of Kliphuis, Clark and Percy played almost entirely acoustically with the just the most minimal of amplification for Clark’s acoustic guitar. Violin and guitar ushered in the opener, “Tea For Two”, in an inventive arrangement that included syncopated rhythms as the trio began slowly before suddenly accelerating the tune. Along the way we heard excellent solos from Kliphuis and Clark plus some sparkling interplay between the pair. Percy, from Edinburgh, weighed in with an enjoyable bass feature in the closing stages of the piece, slapping his strings as he traded ‘fours’ with his colleagues, a process that usually involves a drummer.

A segue of “The Nearness Of You” and “Winter” was introduced by a passage of solo guitar, this subsequently developing into another engaging guitar/violin dialogue. The Dublin born Clark took the first solo, using a plectrum and adopting a softer edged tone than most gypsy jazz guitar soloists. Kliphuis frequently played pizzicato violin during Clark’s solos, adding to the already considerable rhythmic impetus provided by Percy. The violinist’s own solo included a passage of staccato bowing above tautly strummed guitar and slapped bass while Percy’s bass feature added a touch of humour to the proceedings. However this item was essentially a feature for Clark who rounded things off with a second solo. The Kliphuis Trio are all brilliant technicians but they present their virtuosity with a ready humour and considerable charm. This piece was particularly well received.

Kliphuis speaks English immaculately and he informed that the trio was first formed in 2005 before going on to emphasise the huge influence that Grappelli had had upon him. Kliphuis and Grappelli met in 1995 and the older man was a great source of inspiration on the young classically trained violinist as Grappelli helped Kliphuis hone his improvisational skills.

The trio now honoured Grappelli by playing two of the great man’s original compositions, “Le Chanson de la Rue” (literally “The Song of the Street”) and “Piccadilly Stomp”, the latter written by Grappelli in London in 1942 when he was appearing at the Hilton with a band that featured George Shearing on piano.
On the first half of this segment Clark’s solo guitar intro quickly paved the way for Kliphuis’ playing of the airy violin melody in a tone that was pure Stephane Grappelli. Clark followed with a delightful solo of his own before a violin cadenza augmented by the sound of Percy’s bowed bass.
As its title suggests “Piccadilly Stomp” was a far livelier affair with Kliphuis’ rapid bowing accompanied by vigorously strummed guitar and slapped bass. Kliphuis’ vivacious violin solo was followed by an equally exuberant guitar feature from Clark before the pair again traded fours with Percy’s bass.

From “The Hlversum Sessions” came “Hoedown For The Common Man”, an amalgamation of two well known Aaron Copeland compositions in an arrangement by Kliphuis that also managed to shoehorn in the melodies of the traditional Irish folk song “She Moved Through The Fair” plus Pachelbel’s “Canon”. Even in the pared down trio setting this worked superbly with both Kliphuis and Clark packing their solos with classical and folk flourishes as Percy used the body of his bass as a form of percussion on the “Hoedown” section. Kliphuis talked of turning the Copeland tunes “on their head” and of the piece being part of their “crossover repertoire”. It was certainly a considerable improvement on ELP and brought the first half to an ebullient close.

Set two began with “I Remember Dear”, which Kliphuis described as “an old American standard”. Once again his playing was uncannily reminiscent of Grappelli as the trio began quietly and reflectively before accelerating the tune with both Clark and Kliphuis delivering high quality solos.

Faure’s “Nocturne No. 1” was originally written as a piano piece but was re-arranged by Kliphuis for this trio. This delightful version of the piece highlighted the purity of the leader’s violin tone and featured some excellent interplay between Kliphuis and Clark and between Kliphuis on violin and Percy on arco bass. Elsewhere Clark’s guitar solo added an engaging flamenco element.

“You Look Good To Me” was highly rhythmic with Kliphuis featuring on pizzicato violin as Clark and Percy shared the solos, the latter deploying both arco and pizzicato techniques during the course of the tune.

Kliphuis informed us that “Where Are You My Love” was written by Emile Stern and sung by Edith Piaf and Maurice Chevalier among others. This 1930s tune would also have been performed by Grappelli and Django Reinhardt and it was Clark who played the melody prior to solos from himself and Kliphuis.

The theme from the South Bank Show (Lloyd Webber’s cello variations based on Paganini’s 24th Caprice) re-introduced a classical element with Kliphuis’ virtuoso solo violin intro leading to further solos from Clark and Percy, the latter slapping and striking the body of his bass. This high energy performance of a well known tune was hugely popular with the audience as was the closing piece, unannounced but played in classical ‘Hot Club ’ style by the trio with dazzling solos from Kliphuis and Clark and a sparkling violin/double bass dialogue between Kliphuis and Percy.

The enthusiastic reaction of the audience at a well attended village hall ensured that an encore was inevitable. Kliphuis chose to slow things down by returning to the “Hilversum Sessions” repertoire and a delightful reading of the Richard Strauss composition “Morgen” (or “Morning”). Once again Kliphuis demonstrated his awesome technical prowess through the purity of his tone with further solos coming from Clark on guitar and Percy on delicately bowed bass.

With their blend of superb musicianship and a relaxed, informative and sometimes humorous presenting style the Kliphuis Trio are just ideal for rural performances such as this. Many of the audience members here tonight would be unlikely to hear musicians of this calibre perform without having to travel a considerable distance. No wonder the trio were so rapturously received.

I’d seen the trio once before at the Assembly Rooms in nearby Presteigne. It was a show I attended as a paying customer and I seem to recall that it was much more firmly in the gypsy jazz camp. With its wide ranging, often eclectic choice of material I found myself enjoying tonight’s performance far more, this was a show that both confounded and exceeded my expectations.

My thanks to Tim Kliphuis for speaking with me afterwards, he’s a genuinely nice and very interesting guy with a passion for fell running who has raised considerable sums for charity through his athletic activities. We talked music too and he informed me that he is writing a concerto for violin and jazz orchestra which will be premièred in Omsk, Russia.

Thanks also to Margi and her team at Bedstone & Hopton Castle Village Hall for organising such a successful and enjoyable event. They even got a barrel of real ale in (Ludlow Gold), unfortunately it ran out but back up supplies were available in bottle. Kliphuis also gave a mentioned to Margi’s apple crumble, it’s a tradition at Arts Alive events for the local organisers to feed the band before the show. 

I’m sorry to have to end on a more sobering note. Arts Alive are currently supported by the Arts Council of England, the British Film Institute and Shropshire County Council. Unfortunately local government cuts are likely to see Shropshire County Council emulating their Herefordshire counterparts and withdrawing their support. Arts Alive are now seeking commercial sponsorship - if you feel you can help please contact them via the website http://www.artsalive.co.uk
Meanwhile audiences are encouraged to fully support the organisation’s forthcoming events – it really is a case of ‘use it or lose it’. Arts Alive deliver a wonderful service to rural communities and their work is an invaluable asset to those of us who live in the countryside. Don’t let it die!   

Other Arts Alive events scheduled for the Autumn of 2015 are;

    IAIN BALLAMY and STIAN CARSTENSEN
Internationally acclaimed jazz artists Iain Ballamy & Stian Carstensen (aka Little Radio) have been digging around in Bishops Castle’s community, delving into the musical memories of young and old to retrieve well-loved songs which they have customised and now return to share. Like a live, special jukebox, these reworked, locally prized songs sit within a rich programme, ranging from classic jazz standards to tangos, Chopin to children’s songs, plus original music, and all performed with Little Radio’s unique flair and wit. “With their sheer virtuosity and sense of joy you feel like a kid about to step onto a twinkling, old-fashioned merry-go-round.” BBC. Produced by Sounduk. Supported by Arts Council England and PRS for Music Foundation.

Friday27Nov
SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle
Shropshire, SY9 5AY
Tickets Adult: £10.00 Child: £6.00
Time 19:30
Enquiries01588 630321/ 638038; http://www.sparctheatre.co.uk
Tickets unavailable online via Arts Alive

OH LA LA! JAZZ AND POP WITH A FRENCH TWIST
Come over all French with a hearty serving of Parisian folk music (Musette), Chansons Réalistes (made famous by Edith Piaf), unforgettable jazz standards and the occasional pop tune. Rich and evocative accordion sounds, the delicious voice of Fifi La Mer and her incredible ensemble featuring violinist extraordinaire Charles Louis D’Ince, the crème de la crème of guitarists Xavier Laroche and groovy bass player Will de Biste. Previously appeared at the Royal Opera House, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, National Theatre and now with Arts Alive!
Age Range: All ages
http://www.ohlalamusic.co.uk

Friday27Nov
Chelmarsh Parish Hall
Nr Bridgnorth, Shropshire
WV16 6BA
Age range - All ages
Tickets Adult: £11.00 Child: £8.00
Ticket price includes refreshments
Time 19:30
Enquiries 01746 862850

Saturday28Nov
Cawley Hall, Eye
Near Leominster, Herefordshire
HR6 0DS
Age range - All ages
Tickets Adult: £13.00
Price includes glass of wine, French bread and cheese
Time 19:30
Enquiries 01568 615836

THE FB POCKET ORCHESTRA
Working backwards from the 1930s, the FB Pocket Orchestra explores Blues, Ragtime and Hot Jazz: the sort of vintagey/tea dance/speak easy type repertoire that has such wide appeal – so Arts Alive has found a new band to delight you! “Atmospheric, yet vibrant, this charming collection of songs will make you wish you had been born some 100 years ago. The style, glamour and ‘fabulousness’ of this era is captured beautifully.’ Jazz FM.

Saturday28Nov
The Market Theatre
Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2AQ
Age range - adults and older children
Tickets Adult: £12.00 Child: £8.00
Time 20:00
Enquiries 07967 517125; http://www.themarkettheatre.com
Tickets unavailable online via Arts Alive

Saturday 5 Dec
Breinton Village Hall
Herefordshire, HR4 7PJ
Age range - adults and older children
Tickets Adult: £10.00 Child: £5.00 Family: £28.00
No bar - Bring your own drinks!
Time 19:30
Enquiries 01432 350919

Sunday 6 Dec
Whitbourne Village Hall
near Bromyard, Herefordshire
WR6 5RN
Age range - adults and older children
Tickets Adult: £8.00 Child: £5.00
Time 19:45
Enquiries 01886 821684

Arts Alive is also staging the following music events;

JAMIE SMITH’S MABON
Jamie Smith’s MABON’s distinctive, infectious and multi-award winning music is acclaimed as ‘’exhilarating music performed with such enjoyment, excitement, style and wit.’’ These youthful veterans of stages across the world, renowned for their stunning musicianship, are rightly hailed as one of Britain’s ‘must see’ live acts, their music travelling beyond borders to explore the forms and styles of the Celtic traditions and work them anew.
http://www.jamiesmithsmabon.com

Saturday7Nov
Jamie Smith’s MABON
Eardisley, Herefordshire
Curzon Herrick Hall
HR3 6NH
Tickets Adult: £10.00 Child: £6.50
Time 19:30
Enquiries 01544 327841
Extra Event Information;
Child tickets: under 14s. Bar: doors open 7pm

Saturday 5 Dec
Jamie Smith’s MABON
The Market Theatre
Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2AQ
Tickets Adult: £12.00 Child: £8.00
Time 20:00
Enquiries 07967 517125; http://www.themarkettheatre.com
Tickets unavailable online via Arts Alive

THE FUGITIVES
A funny, uplifting group with brilliant musicianship, top-notch songwriting, and complex vocal harmonies. Another great group touring as part of Arts Alive’s ‘Canadian Season’, with nominations for Western Canadian’s 2014 Roots Album of the Year and Canadian Folk Award’s Vocal Group of the Year. They’ve opened for Buffy Sainte-Marie and played Glastonbury in 2014 - now enjoy them in your village hall! They have been described as “The missing link between Leonard Cohen and the Pogues”, whilst CBC said: “This show is simply brilliant.”
Age Range: All ages
http://www.fugitives.ca

Saturday14Nov
Priest Weston Village Hall
near Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire, SY15 6DE
Age range - All ages
Tickets Adult: £8.00 Child: £5.00
Time 19:30
Enquiries 01938 561336

Sunday15Nov
Chetton Village Hall
Nr. Bridgnorth, Shropshire
WV16 6UE
Age range - All ages
Tickets Adult: £10.00
Ticket price includes refreshments
Time 19:30
Enquiries 01746 768822 / 789257

JOHN KIRKPATRICK
Carolling & Crumpets
A musical journey through the bizarre traditional rituals found in the folklore and folk music of England at Midwinter. Peeling away the commercial gloss of modern Christmas to reveal magical songs of wassailing, wren-hunting, stirring the fire, and incessant feasting, all dressed up in a glittering finery of toe-tapping tunes and cracking choruses. Add to the mixture a light-hearted smattering of hilarious original songs, a sprinkling of carols both familiar and unfamiliar delivered by the squeeze box master and you have an unbeatable recipe for a rattling good sing, guaranteed to keep the spirits cheery and the cold at bay.
Age Range: age 8+
http://www.johnkirkpatrick.co.uk

Thursday 10 Dec
Wem Town Hall
Wem, Shropshire
SY4 5DG
Age range age 8+
Tickets Adult: £9.00 Child: £5.00
Time 19:30
Enquiries 01939 238279

Friday11Dec
St Leonards Church Yarpole
nr Leominster, Herefordshire
HR6 0BD
Age range age 8+
Tickets Adult: £10.00 Child: £5.00 Family: £25.00
Time 19:30
Enquiries 01568 780874

Sunday20Dec
Alveley Parish Memorial Hall
Bridgnorth, Shropshire
WV15 6JT
Age range age 8+
Tickets Adult: £8.00 Child: £5.00
Time 19:00
Enquiries 01746 780478

Wednesday23Dec
Welshampton Parish Hall
Ellesmere, Shropshire
SY12 0PH
Age range age 8+
Tickets Adult: £10.00 Child: £6.00
Time 19:30
Enquiries 01948 710586

Meanwhile Tim Kliphuis continues to tour in the UK, dates as below;

      November 13th, 2015 Dumfries, Scotland, Dumfries Music Club
 

November 14th, 2015 Arran, Scotland Arran Music Society United Kingdom
Venue phone: +44 ? (0)1770 820655.

November 15th, 2015 Inverness-Shire Boat of Garten Community Hall  

November 16th, 2015 Edinburgh Soundhouse at The Traverse

November 18th, 2015 Dorset, Dorset County Museum, Venue phone: 01305 756827.

November 19th, 2015 Llandeilo
Venue phone: 01269 842882. Llandeilo Acoustic  

November 20th, 2015 Newton Abbot, Devon, The Courtenay Centre Venue phone: 01626 368 318.

November 21st, 2015 Ilminster, Somerset, Ilminster Arts Centre at the Meeting House United Kingdom
Venue phone: 01460 54973.

November 22nd, 2015 Colchester, Colchester Arts Centre Venue phone: 01206 500900.

http://www.timkliphuis.com

http://www.facebook.com/timkliphuismusic

http://www.youtube.com/timkliphuismusic

https://twitter.com/KliphuisTim

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