Moreno
4 September 2004

An up-and-coming legendary jazz scene
Review by Bryony Ulyett

Is there a better way to jump straight into the magical world of Gypsy Jazz than by listening to a live performance of one of the greatest players on earth? I'm not sure there could be. And that's exactly what I did last Saturday (4 September 2004).

When the QuecumBar was first mentioned, I expected nothing more than a London bar and pleasant music. I sat amongst the other ticket holders around the intimate and atmospheric bistro bar at one of the French café style tables, and relaxed at once. At first impressed with the solicitous service and delighted with the wine list, my evening just kept getting better.

Moreno just takes the whole place by storm. A tall man with class and style, I had noticed his charismatic presence even before I had realised who he was. He picked up the guitar and just kept playing, moving his fingers as fast as his passion could take them. It wasn't just technique, I can't quite explain... I just couldn't keep up, I think my jaw dropped a while before I realised it had.

The quartet itself was stunning; I never had expected such great music. I love the double bass, it's my heartbeat, and on Saturday, George Trebar was really tugging at its strings! Matcho Winterstein was equally impressive on rhythm guitar, and Marina, well, Moreno's wife has the only voice which could match her husband's playing. She sang in Russian for some songs, Moreno also sang a few in Manouche, and the rest was a medley of original and wildly entertaining instrumental pieces.

Moreno normally only sings in Paris, it was a real treat to have him in London. And an even bigger treat was to be in London's QuecumBar that night (especially as I live in France full time!). If you'll take a hint and mark my words: the next jazz legends will not ignore the QuecumBar for long. They will be queuing to perform there and rapidly join the lines of black and white photographs which hang on the walls of this truly authentic jazz haven.

 

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