Claude Bourbon

CLAUDE BOURBON
Romantic, medieval & Spanish blues Finger-picking guitar & Songs

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’. Starting to play guitar at the age of 15, it was the strains of an instrumental version of ‘House of the Rising Sun’ seeping from a neighbour’s garage that ignited the fire in Claude’s soul. He then studied classical guitar for a period, but soon realised that his feeling was more for improvisation than written music, “…as the music is a tool to express yourself…”. 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…. One reviewer even noted that although “Claude’s roots were in blues, that is like saying Leonardo da Vinci was a painter”. Intrigued? Claude has played countless venues, performing with several top international musicians including sax player STEVE GROSSMAN (Miles Davis band) and drummer CHARLIE MORGAN (Elton John, Gary Moore). "...So here we have another fine example of the prodigious talent which is treading the boards in UK clubs. That said, if you see his name flagged up in your area, go along – based on this set you could be in for a very entertaining night." Roy Bainton, Blues Matters , UK – March 2009 “…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 “A breathtaking acoustic fusion of Blues, Jazz, Folk, Classical and Spanish guitar from a stunning guitar virtuoso…”Altadena News, USA” “ Claude Bourbon is a unique figure today… his playing is almost indescribable“,The Hook, Charlottesville, USAhttp://www.claudebourbon.org