A monthly feature at VIA Downer, The Glenn Asch Jazz Quartet presents swing violin with guitars and stand-up bass, which was the format of the famous Hot Club of Paris in the 1930’s.
Milwaukee Symphony violinist Glenn Asch learned his craft from recordings of Stephane Grappelli, Stuff Smith, Joe Venutti, and Jean-Luc Ponte. Guitarist Chris Hanson is well-known in Milwaukee for his mastery of a wide variety of styles and he draws much of his knowledge and inspiration from the Hot Club’s founder, gypsy guitarist Django Rheinhardt. One of a vanishing breed of professional rhythm-guitarists, John Parrott has laid down the rhythmic and harmonic structure for Jethro Burns, Chet Atkins, and Chuck Hedges, to name a few. Versatile bassist Mike Britz is equally in demand for his superb classical playing as well as his pylons of jazz chops. He has backed up Diahann Carroll, Rosemary Clooney, and Jeffry Hollander, to name a few.
Starting out in the 30’s with Hot Club swing, this group takes you through the evolution of swing through jazz, be-bop, rockabilly, torch songs, Brazilian bossa nova and rock, with a dash of bluegrass and Irish.