[B]y popular demand, Hot Fingers will be returning to the stage at Threlkeld again this year.
Hot Fingers welcomes you to an eclectic mix of vintage acoustic music. As well as the red hot jazz of 1920’s New York, there will be sophisticated 1930’s Swing. They re-create the ‘French Coffee House’ sound of the king of gypsy swing Django Reinhardt, the blues guitars of Eddie Lang and Lonnie Johnson, and the syncopated Latin rhythms of Argentinean Oscar Aleman. This is mixed with vocals from the song-writing greats, crooners such as Bing Crosby and Al Bowlly, and hokem from the likes of Cliff ‘Ukulele Ike’ Edwards. From Jump-Jive to swing, from the Charleston to Bossa-Nova, Hot Finger’s wide range of styles and rhythms makes them popular with both sit-down audiences and dancers alike.
The band comprises Spats Langham, Danny Blyth and Malcolm Sked. The well-known jazz musician Thomas ‘Spats’ Langham was born in 1971 and spent his childhood in Buxton. He started Ukulele as soon as his fingers were big enough, inspired by his Grandfather, and turned to Banjo at the age of 10. At 14 he was appearing with the Hot Spa Stompers, and soon after with Ged Hones Dixie Boys. It was Ged who encouraged Spats to start guitar. He moved to the Cotswolds in 1992 where he first met and worked with Malcolm Sked. Since then he has worked as a professional musician, travelled the four corners of the globe, and has been lucky to play with many great artists and bands.
Although just a trio, the band can be seen removing two guitars, a double bass, a banjo, a mandolin, a ukulele, a clarinet, a tuba, a bass clarinet, and a pair of castanets from the band van. They will be joined by the superb vocalist Emily Campbell who adds a touch of class with her plaintive vocals, drawing inspiration from the likes of Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald.
The event will be at Threlkeld Village Hall on Friday 8th September, 8pm. Judging by last year, it will be a sell-out, so don’t delay to get your tickets. Tickets £12 (£6 under 18s) available from Village Hall Coffee Shop, Village PO, or on-line at www.threlkeldvillagehall.org/whats-on. Doors and bar open 7:15pm. Box Office enquiries or if you cannot book on-line 07733 790308.
