PROJET BRASSENS QUARTET
last update 24.1.06 |
Formed in 1997 to bring the songs and inspiration of Georges
Brassens particularly to English-speaking audiences.
The band has played to varied audiences in England and France: at arts centres, theatres, jazz clubs and festivals, village halls, churches, universities, schools, public parks, pubs, hotels and restaurants, and even hospitals. Projet Brassens Quartet have released two CDs, La marine (2000) and Le vent (2003), well reviewed and played on radio in England, France, Austria, the USA. Canada and Mauritius. mp3 soundclip of Projet Brassens Quartet performing Un boeuf sur le quai, an original English song. Recorded live 2004. |
PROJET BRASSENS QUARTET PRESS-BOOK "Without doubt Father Georges would be the first to be astounded...the surprise
is constant, the pleasure renewed." "The musicians' aim is to overcome barriers (to understanding and appreciation)
by reinterpreting (Brassens') songs in modern idiom and conveying something of
the irreverent wit, deep humanity and perceptive social comment through their
musical arrangements. Green's sensitive vocals capture the mood as it swings
from tender to light-hearted or satirical..." "The combination of sublime clarinet and saxophone playing from Charlie
Hearnshaw and delightful vocals from Maxine Green, who sings with a wonderfully
light, yet seductive touch..." Western Daily Press |
THE MUSICIANS |
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MAXINE GREEN vocals and guitar. Maxine loved Georges Brassens' chansons when she first heard them over 15 years ago, and began including them within jazz gigs in England and France. In 1997 she formed Projet Brassens Quartet with Charlie Hearnshaw to showcase Brassens' songs and try to develop his legacy creatively. Maxine Green's press-book .. these songs are sung by Maxine Green with a charm...and a talent which must be underlined. I think back to her interpretation of Bonhomme...you have to take your hat off to this." Les Amis de Georges, France
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CHARLIE
HEARNSHAW clarinet,
basset clarinet, alto sax.
Born in Birmingham, studied classical clarinet, composition and conducting at Dartington College of Arts and in Paris. Charlie has toured all over Europe, recorded and broadcast with many top jazz musicians from Britain and the USA, including Don Weller, Pete Jacobsen, Andy Sheppard, Don Rendell, Kathy Stobart, Alan Barnes, ex-Coltrane drummer Clifford Jarvis, Jimmy Witherspoon, and the late great Slim Gaillard. In 1981 he formed the Charlie Hearnshaw Quartet as a vehicle for composition and improvisation in the modern jazz field. His musical influences included Tony Coe, Sonny Cris, Joe Henderson and Polish saxophonist Zbigniev Namyslowski. In 1990 the Quartet's debut album So Slam It! received considerable acclaim, including a place in the Guardian's critics' poll for that year. Charlie's interest in classical music, particularly the music of Bach, led to him publishing editions of Bach for solo saxophones and solo clarinet. In recent years Charlie has developed what he describes as "music for listening", a focussed, uncluttered acoustic sound. In live concert performance he is known for his easy rapport with audiences, and his ability to enthuse existing jazz fans whilst also making his music accessible and enjoyable for wider audiences. Charlie has also ventured into other styles of music, writing new arrangements of songs by French "master" Georges Brassens for Projet Brassens, and gaining a cult following after recordings with The Rurals on the Pêng label. Charlie combines the focus and purity of classical clarinet tone with the freedom of expression of improvisation. He is widely recognised as one of the UK's leading exponents of clarinet and alto sax. More details of Charlie's recent work
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Mike Thorn double bass Born in Cornwall, he toured the world for several years with Charles Aznavour before returning to England to play for the London West End theatre. More recently he has established himself as a mainstay of the South West's lively jazz scene. |
Andrew Barrett guitar A versatile musician who has toured all over Europe and performed before Her Majesty The Queen. He spent summer 1999 playing on the QE2 and at one of New York's premier jazz venues, The Red Blazer Club. |
links in english |
La une du Projet Brassens Projet Brassens' page d'accueil...o0o...Georges Brassens...o0o...Projet Brassens Quartette Projet Brassens' disque de début...o0o...Textes et traductions...o0o...Partitions Disques et mp3s...o0o...Activités éducatives...o0o...Photo galerie Le Projet Brassens a besoin de vous!...o0o...Parrainez le Projet Brassens |