Fresh from their stunning sold-out performance at the Lyttelton Arts Festival, Douce Ambiance is hitting the road with a spectacular programme of flamenco, Irish, light jazz and Gypsy, bringing it to audiences across South Island.
Douce Ambiance’s captivating sound comes from the warm rich tone of Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Cathy Irons’ violin as it blends together with Dan Robertson’s keyboard, Dougal Canard’s guitar and double bass and Douglas Brush’s intriguing assortment of percussion.
Partly improvised, partly notated; you will be captivated by the magical creation of music in the moment. Douce Ambiance, literally means "Sweet Sounds," and the quartet will showcase their brilliant versatility and creativity with their own arrangements and varied instrumentation.
Alongside their own interpretations of jazz legends Bill Evans and Chick Corea, a highlight will be the performance of two of Piazzolla's most compelling and exciting works - the sweet and gentle Tanti Anni Prima nicknamed "Ave Maria, and the contrasting Escualo "The Shark," an intense and rhythmically compelling work. Escualo was inspired by the composer's passion for shark fishing and from the very opening, it will have you hooked!
All this makes for an intimate evening of exquisite music from four stellar musicians.
"Bringing remarkable soul dancing joy!"
The Musicians
Cathy Irons (violin, viola) is a versatile violinist, performing regularly in the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and touring ensemble concerts throughout NZ with programmes from baroque to jazz. Her playing as been described by reviewers as “sonic fireworks that dazzle with all their brilliance” and “characterized by inspirational musicianship.” She has performed in the Cavell Leitch NZ Jazz and Blues Festival, the Dunedin Fringe Festival, Arrowtown Spring Arts Festival and has toured for both Arts on Tour NZ and Chamber Music New Zealand.
Dan Robertson (keyboard) has performed at the New Zealand Arts Festival, with his own trio at the Christchurch jazz festival and with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra for the Last Night of the Proms series. While in Melbourne Dan teamed up with award winning song writer Cam Giles-Webb and appeared on several of Cam’s albums as well as regular gigs at Dizzy’s Jazz Bar, The Paris Cat, The Melbourne International Jazz Festival, The Eltham Jazz Festival, and the Castlemain Jazz Festival. His work as pianist in Trios and in Showbands on cruise ships has taken him to New York, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.
Dougal Canard (guitar, double bass) is a multi instrumental musician much in demand around Christchurch. He holds a B.Mus in jazz performance. He has extensive experience playing guitar in all styles including rock, funk, jazz. He perform with many different bands and does show work, including NASDA and the CSO. He also leads his own Brazilian band Sambolero.
Douglas Brush (percussion, drums) is an extraordinarily versatile percussionist who has built a substantial international career. Locally he has performed with the CSO and New Zealand Opera, and musicians Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Broadway star Andrea Burns, Kiwi legends the Topp Twins and Paul Ubana Jones, Fiona Pears, and the 'world jazz' group Mundi, among many others. He currently teaches at teaches at Christchurch's Ara Jazz School.
