Biréli Lagrène

One of the greatest guitar virtuosos of any generation, Biréli Lagrène is at the absolute peak of his powers. Here he takes to the Ronnie Scott’s stage with his new quartet to celebrate the release of Elegant People - a bold reimagining of the Weather Report classic. From the very first notes of the blazing title track, it’s clear that this is an artist playing with total freedom, authority and mastery.

A child prodigy who first played alongside Stéphan Grappelli at ten, Lagrène has since forged a singular voice in jazz, blending swinging Gypsy guitar roots with post-bop, fusion, and rock. On stage, his semi-acoustic guitar sings with crystalline clarity and breathtaking phrasing, supported by a telepathic rhythm section of William Brunard (bass) and Raphaël Pannier (drums), with Jean-Yves Jung’s piano painting luminous colour throughout. The quartet plays as one living organism, intimate and powerful, honoring Wes, Joe Pass, and Django while sounding completely contemporary. From fiery, up-tempo burners to tender ballads and Brazilian-inflected grooves, every note showcases inventive improvisation and deep musicality.

Having collaborated with legends from Al Di Meola to John McLaughlin, Jaco Pastorius and Eric Clapton, Lagrène continues to astonish with unmatched technique. Wiser, deeper and more free than ever, this promises to be one of those rare evenings where time stops and everyone in the room knows they’re witnessing a master at the height of his art.

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