The Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series is thrilled to bring Claude Bourbon to Auburn on Friday, October 4, at the historic AUUF on Thach Avenue. Showtime is 7:30, and admission is $12 at the door; advance tickets cost just $10 and can be purchased at Spicer’s Music, Mama Mocha’s Coffee, and online at www.sundillamusic.com.
I’ve often wondered why young guitar students aren’t frequent attendees at Sundilla concerts. I would think budding young musicians would want to soak up as much professional guitar playing that they could, and their instructors would want that for them… even if the guitarist in question is someone who will cause the students to realize that their instructors are NOT the best guitarists in the world. Someone like… Claude Bourbon.
Listen to the music, of course, but watch his hands. Claude Bourbon plays with all ten fingers for a reason: because that’s all the fingers he has.
Born in France in the early 60′s, Claude Bourbon grew up in Switzerland, where he was classically trained for many years. This finger picking guitarist has performed and studied all over the world; he has crafted an unbelievable fusion of classical and jazz, with ethereal Eastern influences, Spanish and Latin elements with strains of Western folk.
The unique Monsieur Bourbon is a formidable performer. He may have his roots in the blues, but he is inspired by music and song from all around the world, taking these sounds and weaving them into a performance of blues, rock, jazz, songs and melodies that defy a label, all delivered with a gravely voice.
Claude’s inimitable style incorporates all five digits on each hand dancing independently but in unison, plucking, picking and strumming at such speed and precision that his fingers often seem to melt into a blur. Thousands of people in the UK, Europe and USA have enjoyed listening to this virtuoso and for the majority of his audience it is an experience that compels them to return again and again to hear and watch him play, as his fingers lightly dance over the strings of his guitar and create a unique sound that is ‘Claude’.
Now based in the UK, some of this guitarists’ influences allow us a fascinating insight into this remarkable musician; Paco De Lucia: Deep Purple’s Richie Blackmore; Joaquin Rodrigo; JJ Cale, Monty Python; JS Bach and Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks….
“…This accomplished artist offers tender, compelling performance through highly developed precision. His sound instantly creates ambience – from haunting Spanish moods to lyrical, romantic jazz, Claude Bourbon provides both a rich evening of music for lovers, and a real treat for music lovers…”, BBC, UK
“Do you know what Medieval guitar sounds like? I didn’t either ’til I hooked up with Claude! This is some cool stuff, and he’s French and everything!” Dolores River Brewery, Dolores, CO
” Claude Bourbon is a unique figure today… his playing is almost indescribable”,
The Hook, Charlottesville, USA
Claude Bourbon will be appearing in concert on Friday, October 4, as part of the Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series’ 20th year of bringing the world’s best music to Auburn. The concert will take place at the AUUF; showtime is 7:30, and admission is just $12 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased for just $10 from Spicer’s Music, Mama Mocha’s Coffee and online at www.sundillamusic.com. (If Spicer’s and Mama Mocha’s are out of tickets, YOU CAN STILL BUY THEM ONLINE!) There will be free coffee, tea, water and food, though as always attendees are invited to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer.
From the Archives — originally published on the Opelika Daily News on October 2, 2013. View the original page.
