Backstage with... Chris Garrick 

Jazz violinist Chris Garrick is no stranger to Dorset. He regularly tours our region under the umbrella of Artsreach (the arts development agency for rural Dorset). Garrick has been joined on this latest tour by legendary guitarist John Etheridge.

The duo first worked together when Garrick was a schoolboy and over the years their respect for each other and the music they love, has
developed into a warm friendship.

Growing up in the early "80s", Garrick's first love was the drums and he recalls that, the violin had never been his first choice of instrument, "I always wanted to play the drums, but once my teacher introduced me to the Suzuki learning method, where you build your first violin with a cereal box and tape, it suddenly became fun!"

Inspired by the great Stephane Grappelli, Garrick delights his audiences with a blend of jazz, mixed with some modern classics. For him though, live performances are what it's all about and the venues on his latest tour of rural Dorset are perfect. "I've been playing venues around Dorset for 10 years. Jazz is best sampled in intimate surroundings and these halls make ideal jazz clubs."

It may only have been the briefest of visits this time, but Garrick and Etheridge have rewarded their fans and fssurely made new ones too. Their collaboration continues into 2009 with other dates around the country.

Helen Baggott
www.helenbaggott.co.uk
© Helen Baggott 2009