Swing 42

The Strada Stretta Concept (artistic director, Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci), under the auspices of the Valletta 2018 Foundation presents an exciting evening of music, ’Swing 42'. The Hot Club of Valletta, are returning to Strada Stretta, this time together with singer Larissa. The event will be held near Splendid, Strada Stretta, Valletta. FREE ENTRANCE The repertoire for the evening includes: All of Me All About the Bass After You’ve Gone Avalon Cheek to Cheek Ain’t Misbehavin’ Pennies from Heaven Minor Swing I Can’t Give you anything but love Padam Padam Sweet Georgia Brown Sing Sing Sing & much more! The Hot Club of Valletta In 1934 in France, guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli founded the jazz group Quintet of the Hot Club of France. It was one of the earliest and most significant continental jazz groups in Europe. The line-up featured Reinhardt, Grappelli, bassist Louis Vola and rhythm guitarists Roger Chaput and Joseph Reindhardt (Django’s brother). This group was the pioneer of the Jazz Manouche and their popularity and style spread around the world remaining popular even till today. Throughout the world, a number of gypsy jazz musicians formed bands in different countries, each one naming it as the Hot Club of each individual city. It was always violinist George Curmi Puse’s dream to form the Hot Club of Valletta. Eventually in 2014, he was joined by accordionist Yuri Charyguine, guitarists Joshua Bray and Steve Delia “id-Delli” and bassist Anthony Saliba to form the Hot Club of Valletta, a new initiative for the islands. Since its formation, the Hot Club of Valletta has performed successfully during several events and has given a number of concerts, receiving very positive reviews which have also led to invitations for performances abroad. Amongst the group’s achievements, apart from performances to raise funds for several charities, one finds prestigious performances such as acts during the Jazz Do Festival in Gozo, the last 2 editions of the Notte Bianca in Valletta, The Three Palaces Festival and most notably playing as supporting act for the world renowned guitarist Tommy Emmanuel during his It’s Never Too Late Tour concert in Malta in August 2016. Larissa Larissa has been singing for the past 10 years and touched various genres of music. She has sung in bars and clubs and has joined a number of bands. 'Paradise Bay', a number which she sang in collaboration with Lost Emotions reached top on 897 Bay's Malta Charts which led them to a nomination for 'Best New Comer' at the Bay Music Awards in December 2012. Also, her Extended Playlist, produced and recorded at Railway Studios, gives Larissa the chance to bring together jazzy notes to contemporary ones. Moreover, Larissa has developed a love for Jazz and Vintage elegance. She performs as a duo, trio and full band touching different genres, ranging from classical and cool Jazz to Soft Rock and Rockabilly. Her forte is also that of performing in Burlesque and Cabaret shows. Special thanks to Jason Masini & Splendid.