HE’S a classically trained musician but is now one of the most admired names in European jazz.
Tomorrow, Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis returns to the Lawrence Batley Theatre to play as part of the Huddersfield Jazz season.
With him will be top-line musicians John Pearce on piano and Len Skeat on double bass.
Together they explore the combination of violin and piano often combined by classical composers but less often heard in jazz.
Expect to hear American Songbook hits, classics from Bach and Schubert plus the occasional folk tune.
Tim, often referred to as the heir to the late Stéphane Grapelli matching virtuoso violin playing with a love for melody, came to notice on the international circuit when he collaborated with Belgian gypsy guitarist Fapy Lafertin.
Their first CD together, Star Eyes, led to a resurrection of Fapy’s career and a kick start of Tim’s.
They went on to record three albums together and to tour extensively.
Since then, Tim has played alongside jazzmen Martin Taylor, Bob Wilber, Herb Geller, Les Paul and America’s Bucky Pizzarelli, the Irish fiddle star Frankie Gavin and gypsy guitarists Stochelo Rosenberg and Angelo Debarre.
When Tim completed his Masters degree in violin, he played a concert which was half classical, half jazz, which says much about this gifted musician.
His latest CD, Acoustic Voyage is winning much praise.
“The mixing process took a bit longer because of the larger lineup,” said Tim.
“It's definitely a new sound compared to my previous releases: more groove than swing - our guest David Newton's piano playing is just gorgeous.
“All I can say is that I'm very enthusiastic about the result and hope you will be, too.
You can listen to the tracks on: www.myspace.com/timkliphuis
Tomorrow’s concert starts at 8pm and the LBT box office is on 01484 430528.
