‘Paris Washboard Superswing’ fills the hall with the sound of Dixieland Jazz

WSM Partners have been avid supporters and sponsors of the Wimbledon International Music Festival for many years and were delighted to sponsor the ‘Paris Washboard’ Dixieland Jazz event this year. On the 16th November the stage was set for the return of the most popular Jazz group of the last ten years in WIMF history. The true superstars known the world over thrilled their audience by filling the hall at the Sacred Heart Church in Wimbledon with the sound of joyful music. Since their previous WIMF appearance, in addition to extending the group’s name, the ensemble has added trumpeter Jérôme Etcheberry and had a change of washboard player, with Charles Prévost now providing the wonderfully controlled clatter upon which the band builds its themes.

The evening started with an introduction from Festival Director – Anthony Wilkinson who welcomed the audience and thanked WSM Partners for sponsoring the event. The music then began with most of the pieces kicking off with all three of the front-line – Etcheberry, Alain Marquet (clarinet) and Daniel Barda (trombone) – developing the tune over the rhythm provided by the washboard and Louis Mazetier’s stride piano. Solos from the wind players and from Mazetier intertwined joyfully and were each applauded heartily before the main theme was restated to close. The occasional percussion breakout from the thimble-fingered Prévost always brought hoots of delight – and many a smile – from the audience. After two hours (including a short interval), the joyous set, including standards such as “Tea For Two” and “Linger Awhile”, was brought to a close with the classic Duke Ellington/Juan Tizol composition, “Caravan”. A swift encore followed and brought yet another standing ovation throughout the hall.

We look forward to the return of the Superstars of Superswing for many more years to come at the Wimbldon International Music Festival.