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PAUL VERNON CHESTER

Manouche Maestro


 

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Hi Paul - You were my Art teacher way back when at Wood Green High School (I left in 1977), and you have stayed in my memory as you were a very inspirational Teacher, who gave me a tremendous amount of confidence in the subject. Back then my name was Deborah Mumford, and both you and Steve Williams were very encouraging and were amongst a few teachers who made going to School a joy.  I was prompted to see if there was any mention of you on the internet and was delighted to see that you are a Musician.  I also happen to share my life with a 'maestro', but of the Violin. His name is Peter Knight and he has been with 'Folk Rock Pioneers' Steeleye Span since he left the Royal Academy, over 40 years ago! He is involved in many other projects too, but that is how he made his name. I also organise Masterclasses on his behalf, and so I was interested by the fact that you have them too.  My dad has always been a big fan of Django and Stepahne, and so I grew up listening to the Quintette du Hot Club de France, and still love the music. In fact there is a photo of Peter and Stephane taken when their paths crossed in Australia many years ago, but sadly there wasn't chance for them to make a bit of music together. http://www.peterknight.net/sgbig.htm
We had a listen to the samples on your website last night, and they really are fabulous. I hadn't realised at the time that you were so gifted, although I do recall seeing you walking around with a Guitar case a few times.  Well, I just wanted to drop by and say thanks for the happy memories, and for being one of the good guys.  I doubt that you would recall me from all of those hundreds of pupils, but inspirational teachers never leave a pupils memory do they?  I wish you all the best with your music making, and you never know, maybe one day we will get along to hear you play.

Great gig much enjoyed by all - Ade

Great gig last night.  Thoroughly enjoyed it. Jill

We thought last night's gig was absolutely fantastic!    Well done you for getting such a magnificent duo to Thame....thank you so much.   We wondered whether a recording was being made of the event, and if so, will it eventually be for sale, and by whom?   We bought two CD's last night, but would love to have a 'live' one in our collection - Trude & Bernard

The concert last night was outstanding. Paul was such an unassuming guy but an incredible artist.  We were all in awe of the performance and technical ability of the musician  - you should be justly proud of presenting Jazz concerts of this quality; thank you.  Tim bought me one of the CDs and I've just listened to it and want to  find other CDs produced by Paul.  -  Sheila

just to say we really enjoyed the gig, has he ever played with Christian Garrick?  That would be awesome!  Salutations, Jules


Powell Guitars -
38 Hillary Road
Newton, Cheshire 
SK14 4EA

I build mostly steel string "fingerstyle" guitars with the odd strange order for cittern's and mandola's. All hand made with the best woods I can get, mainly from America, I have trouble getting the quality over here. My guitars are not Martin copies like 95% of the steel string guitar market. I have done a lot of research and experimenting and ended up with my own bracing pattern and a consistent guitar sound which people are starting to like and appreciate.
I exhibited for the first time at the Cheltenham Guitar Festival in September this year and saw Paul perform with another guitarist and a bass player. I didn't manage to get the names of the other two players or to ask Paul if he had any recordings. On the Sunday I had more time in the morning to look at the other festival exhibitors and came across the Manouche guitar stand. It was there I got Paul's name and I have only just got around to an internet search.
I did manage to see Martin Taylor back Stephane Grappelli many years ago in Southport and the memory lingers.
I do play guitar mainly contemporary type bordering on American folk style,  but I have always loved the Django style and do have some CD's of the Hot Club of France. So I am really looking forward to hearing Paul's CD 'Duets for Django'. I have seen a few guitarist over the years but Paul has the feel and he is a very clean player not like some who go for speed and maximum number of notes per second!!
- Ken Powell

 

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Last modified: 13/09/2011