CLAUDE BOURBON
Medieval & Spanish blues 
Finger-picking guitar & Song
Born in
The unique Monsieur Bourbon is a
formidable performer. He may have his roots in the blues, but he is inspired by
music and song from all around the world, taking these sounds and weaving them
into a performance of blues, rock, jazz, songs and melodies that defy a label,
all delivered with a gravely voice.
Claude’s
inimitable style incorporates all five digits on each hand dancing
independently but in unison, plucking, picking and strumming at such speed and
precision that his fingers often seem to melt into a blur. Thousands of people
in the UK, Europe and USA have enjoyed listening to this virtuoso and for the
majority of his audience it is an experience that compels them to return again
and again to hear and watch him play, as his fingers lightly dance over the
strings of his guitar and create a unique sound that is ’Claude’.
Starting to play guitar at the age of 15, it was the strains of an
instrumental version of ‘House of the Rising Sun’ seeping from a
neighbour’s garage that ignited the fire in Claude’s soul. He then studied
classical guitar for a period, but soon realised that his feeling was more for
improvisation than written music, “…as the music is a tool to express
yourself…”.
Now based in
the UK, some of this guitarists’ influences allow us a fascinating insight into
this remarkable musician; Paco De Lucia: Deep Purple’s Richie Blackmore;
Joaquin Rodrigo; JJ Cale, Monty Python; JS Bach and Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie
Nicks….
One reviewer even noted that although “Claude’s roots were in blues, that is like saying Leonardo da Vinci was a painter”. Intrigued?
Claude has
played countless venues, performing with several top international musicians
including sax player STEVE GROSSMAN (Miles Davis band) and drummer CHARLIE
MORGAN (Elton John, Gary Moore).
"...So here we have another
fine example of the prodigious talent which is treading the boards in UK clubs.
That said, if you see his name flagged up in your area, go along – based on
this set you could be in for a very entertaining night." Roy Bainton, Blues Matters ,
“…This accomplished artist offers tender, compelling performance through highly developed precision. His sound instantly creates ambience – from haunting Spanish moods to lyrical, romantic jazz, Claude Bourbon provides both a rich evening of music for lovers, and a real treat for music lovers…”, BBC, UK
“A breathtaking acoustic fusion of Blues, Jazz, Folk, Classical and
Spanish guitar from a stunning guitar virtuoso…”Altadena News,
“ Claude Bourbon is a
unique figure today… his playing is almost indescribable“, The Hook, Charlottesville,
