Violinist Emma Fisk and guitarist James Birkett play Venuti and Lang

Bringing together their shared love of early jazz styles, Emma Fisk and James Birkett will present an entertaining, virtuosic and informative programme of music associated with and inspired by the first great jazz violin and guitar partnership, Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang.

Venuti and Lang were an Italian-American duo who played hot violin and guitar jazz in the 1920s and 30s until cut short by Lang’s untimely death in 1933. Venuti has been referred to as ‘the father of jazz violin’ and was a leader in the development of jazz violin techniques, while his musical partner, Lang, is widely regarded as the first jazz guitar virtuoso.

Emma Fisk has attracted critical acclaim for her performances of Venuti’s repertoire at UK jazz festivals and was featured in the musical role of Joe Venuti with The Jazz Repertory Company at Cadogan Hall in the 2015 London Jazz Festival. James Birkett has been performing Lang’s repertoire since he was introduced to this music in the late 70s.

A typical Fisk and Birkett performance includes original compositions by Venuti/Lang such as Cheese & Crackers, Sunshine, Black and Blue Bottom, jazz standards of the 20s and 30s such as Pardon Me Pretty Baby, Hiawatha’s Lullaby, My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms, Dinah and I’ve Found a New Baby, as well as original compositions that explore the duo’s sound world and some of Emma and James’ favourite tunes.

This performance is another classic music event brought to the Old Low Light Heritage Centre by David and Jennifer Murray, from Monkseaton, renowned, professional musicians and teachers who are passionate about providing opportunities for local people to hear top class classic music in their local community.

Host or Publisher The Old Low Light