Paul Burke welcomed the large audience to the evenings gig and introduced support artist W David McKenzie to open the evenings entertainment.

Opening his set with 'Walking Blues', W David McKenzie immediately got the audience on board and happy feet tapped in time to the music.
Next David performed 'I'm ready' & 'Long Distance Call' with strong vocals and beautifully arranged melodies played on his guitar. Leaving the audience to dwell on the true bluesy melody of 'Old Bumblebee Blues' W David McKenzie left the stage after a strong applause, to make way for an artist who has inspired him & who he holds in the highest regard.

After a short interlude legendary artist Stefan Grossman was warmly welcomed to the stage by Bournemouth Folk Club host Paul Burke.

From the very moment he stepped onto the stage, the audience were in complete awe of this guitar legend. Patiently waiting to hear everything that Stefan Grossman said, they sat in complete silence showing the utmost respect.

Stefan Grossman proceeded by giving a brief introduction to himself and his music, explaining that he moved from Brooklyn to the UK in 1967.
Throughout the course of the evening he filled each space betwen tracks with intriguing tales of past tours, journeys and experiences, his fully communicative approach made for a truly intimate evening.

Picking up his guitar to express the nature of his stories, to share his favourite songs & melodies and to thrill the audience time and time again with raw gutsy blues, Stefan Grosman never failed to include the audience in his set. Encouraging them to join in directly, talking to them or sharing hints and tips to his followers, his unique approach was inspirational. He paid special attention to young member of the audince, Connor Burke who responded to his requests freely & without inhibition.

The mixture of melodies that Stefan Grossman played was incredible, each time blending the most pefectly synchpated rhythms with the amazing sounds from his guitar, which seemed compelled by his masterful yet gentle touch, to enchant the audience as Stefan played naturally, feeling his way, following the natural course of each melody in turn.

With perfect ease and experience, Stefan's agile knowing fingers increased tempo and rhythmic variations as he performed the techniques that he is so well known for.
He thrilled the audience with a raw gutsy bluesy rendition of 'Hit The Road Jack' followed by a moody & soulfiul performance of the beautiful classic 'Summertime' leading them on a special musical journey.

Brimming with stunning musical abilities, displaying amazing techniques & with a voice as soulful as his music, Stefan Grossman performed his own songs, songs of his friends and melodies of years gone by to the highest standard. Each performance excuded quality & genius.

The audience were completely thrilled by what they had experienced, and after a lengthly applause and encore they left the venue totally satisfied!

Reviewed by Link2Music

For information on upcoming gigs at Bournemouth Folk Club,
please visit www.bournemouthfolkclub.com
or email paul@bournemouthfolkclub.com
                                                                                      

STEFAN GROSSMAN

QUOTES FROM THE EVENING

"Slip........& Slide..."

"I love playing this tune..."

"See how my feet are still tapping..."

"This is cross note tuning for
all you guitar picks..."

"Now lets boogie our way
outta here..."

"It has been said that I'm
terminally legendary..."

" This is one of the most beautiful
songs I know..."