Auckland Jazz & Blues Club presents Hot Club Sandwich

Hot Club Sandwich started out quite sensibly back in the early '90s when singer/guitarist Andrew London and pianist/bass player Terry Crayford recorded some songs for Radio NZ in the 'Hot Club' swing style popularised in the 1930s by gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelly.

Such a splendid time was had that a few gigs were booked with a variety of instrumental soloists providing the Sandwich 'filling'.

The turning point came about 10 years ago when London began writing whimsical songs about rugby fans, television evangelists, politicians, weddings, male insecurities, technophobia, youth culture, household appliances, pretentious socialites, coffee, and various other issues of concern to your average middle-aged, middle class Kiwi bloke.

The songs send up many of mainstream New Zealand's obsessions and taboos with gentle affection - occasionally packing a satirical barb.

While the humour is immediate, the extraordinary musicianship of this versatile and experienced trio wraps it in a deceptive package. There are scorching improvised solos, finely-crafted three-part vocal harmonies, tight arrangements and infectious swinging rhythms.

The trio now describes itself as a combination of jazz, blues, country and old time English music hall with influences ranging from Nat King Cole to Gilbert & Sullivan, Django Reinhardt to Lonnie Donegan. They have released seven CDs and a live DVD since 2001, with 2004's 'Toasted' album scoring a rare four-star review in Downbeat USA, the World's longest-running and most widely-read jazz publication.

HCS have played arts and jazz festivals all over Australasia and have travelled as far as Saudi Arabia to play for the New Zealand Embassy. Their songs have been used in feature length movies and year 13 Correspondence School English Courses.

Crayford and London are joined by James Tait Jamieson on saxophones and Irish whistles.

Event listed by Pete McGregor

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