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| French style music in Sydney  Viva the duo with their French style accordion and Spanish guitar are the founders and core musicians of Viva the band. The duo is an unique alternative to a formal string quartet at wedding ceremonies. Usually the duo begins their performance as the bridal parety exits the church to mill with their guests and have their photos taken. The sound of accordion and acoustic guitar playing an opening of French street tunes in front of the church entry sets up an romantic ambiance and is a delightful adjunct to the ceremony. In addition to playing French music the musette accordion and acoustic guitar provide a distinctive French flavour to most types of other music as well, including: Latin, Spanish Gypsy jazz, American swing and jazz music.The musette accordion has special tunings of its reeds and is commonly accepted as the major instrument of Paris. The French tunes, often in waltz time in minor keys and the fact that jazz and swing music is also performed sets the French musette accordion apart from most other uses of the instrument elsewhere in the world. The acoustic guitar provides a distinctive pulse to the music, with this combination there is no “oom –pah” often perceived as being associated with the accordion. Viva the duo are the founders and core musicians of Viva the band, recently they have taken their French style music to Asia where they performed in Taiwan. In August 2004 at the Tainan International Chio Hsi Arts Festival and in July 2005 at the Kenting Song Festival. Other recent “French” themed performances by Viva the band include : “Moulin Rouge” function at Tumbalong Ballroom, The Summit Restaurant, “A Night in Paris” at the18th Yalumba Jazz Festival at Thredbo, “A Night in the French Quarter” at the master builders club, Wollongong, promotion for “Les Genies de la Mer- Masterpieces of French Naval Sculpture” at the Australian Maritime Museum, “A French” themed function at Kiama Jazz club, a multicultural PAN event at Sydney Royal Easter Show, showcasing world music, including French music, the Miss World ball at the Four Points by Sheraton, Darling Harbour, weddings at Villa Provence, wine promotions in the Hunter Valley and the Manly Food and wine festival. Viva the band are popular at jazz festivals and major music events, primarily because of their “French” style approach to jazz and swing music. The band has performed at: Manly International Jazz Festival, Newcastle Jazz Festival, Morpeth Jazz Festival, Kiama Jazz Festival, Illawarra Jazz Festival, Central Coast Jazz Leagues, Gold Coast Jazz Festival, Thredbo Jazz Festival, Sydney City Jazz at the QVB, Sydney Olympic Park, Darling Harbour and “Jazz in the City” for the QVB jazz festival. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |