Club Boheme CD Release Party: Open to the public

Come celebrate with local jazz-blues band Club Boheme as they release their new CD. This event is free and open to the public.

In late 2005, Shelley Higgins was looking for a new vehicle for her jazz inspired vocals. Drawn to the classic mid-century style of Peggy Lee, Mildred Bailey, and Billie Holiday, she wanted to combine their smooth sass with the mood of 1930s Paris café music. In a lucky conversation with guitarist Dave Smith, he confessed an obsession with the legendary gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt. Another shared soft spot emerged for the quirky 1970s records of Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks.

When the two finally got together in Dave’s rustic Chatham County studio, a fascinating groove was quickly established. Shelley knew string bassist Fred Levine from impromptu jams with the Brown Mountain Lights and he added his rock solid bottom and distinctive bowed solos. The group vowed never to play a standard tune if they couldn’t make it sound new.

The musical chemistry and effortless harmonies attracted the attention of other outstanding players. Classically trained road warrior Gabriel Pelli often appears on fiddle, bringing his European flair and intuitive fills. You might hear gifted improviser Tony Galfano on mandolin and fiddle, or other talented friends.

Although this music respects the past, it is not devoted to “upholding traditions”. The focus is strictly on the fun of performing. Audiences are quick to get on board and tap their feet to the upbeat exchange of guitar and fiddle… or slide sideways into a bluesy ballad.