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This page contains brochure copy, technical information and sample programmes.
See the links to the right for more resources.
Britain's
first modern mandolin quartet with mandolins of all shapes and sizes,
and the superb voice and mandobass(!) of Hilary James. Their infectious
fun and off-beat humour influence everything they play, from lively
reels to traditional airs, hot swing and ragtime, plus the occasional
Chinese or Brazilian tune.
In the 1930's mandolin
orchestras were all the rage - every self-respecting town had one.
Today the mandolin is undergoing a revival in folk and indie bands as
well as in classical circles, with Captain Correilli's Mandolin adding
to the interest. In the USA it ranks alongside pizza and Frank Sinatra
as one of Italy's greatest exports, while back in Europe, despite
Hitler's attempt to ban it (he considered the tiny instrument a threat
to Third Reich!!!) there are now 476 German mandolin orchestras. The UK
has been a bit slow on the uptake, but years of confinement to back
bedrooms, where legions of enthusiasts have been hiding away, are at an
end.
The Mandolinquents prefer to play without PA in friendly acoustics, but
can provide their own where necessary, within the UK. The system is
very compact and very high quality, suitable for all but the very
largest venues.
If
a house system is available, the artists carry their own mics and
compact mixer providing a standard jack mono output to the house system.
Alternatively,
if a house PA is used, requirements are: 4 instrument mics, four vocal
mics, one DI for the mandobass (Hilary James). Line up from stage left
to right: Gerald Garcia (guitar), Simon Mayor (mandolin, guitar,
violin, vocals), Richard Collins (mandolin, banjo, vocals), Hilary
James (mandobass, vocals).
Simple requirements: warm and static please.
Four chairs without arms.
No smoking. please.
Double Mandolin Concerto
(Vivaldi) sound sample
Recording:The Second Mandolin Album
by Simon Mayor
One of Antonio Vivaldi's two famous concertos
in an unusual arrangement with guitar and
mandobass accompaniment.
Slavonik Dance #1
(Dvorak)
Recording: Mandolinquents
Single Mandolin Concerto
(Vivaldi)
Recording:The Mandolin Album
by Simon Mayor
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
(Tchaikovsky) sound sample
Recording: Mandolinquents
Eine Kleine Nacht Musik
(Mozart)
Recording: Mandolinquents
Rondo a la Turk
(Mozart)
Pavanne pour une Enfante Defunte
(Ravel)
Recording: Mandolinquents |
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Apenhei tei
(Nazareth)
Recording: Mandolinquents
A lively Brazilian Tango.
The Shearing Song
(Trad arr Mayor)
Scottish ballad sung by Hilary James.
Tune for a Mop Fair
(Mayor)
Recording:The Mandolin Album
by Simon Mayor
Cheek to Cheek
(Berlin) sound sample
Recording: Mandolinquents
Hilary sings this 40s classic to hot, swing mandolins.
Three Celtic Tunes
(Trad arr Mayor) sound sample
Recording:New Celtic Mandolin
by Simon Mayor
Three beautiful Irish & Scottish tunes:
Dark & Slender Boy / Butterfly / Atholl Highlanders.
Summer
(Chinese trad arr Garcia)
A haunting Chinese melody arranged for mandolin and guitar.
Hong Kong Blues
(Carmichael)
Recording: Bluesy
by Hilary James
Hoagy's classic sung by Hilary to evocative mandolin accompaniment. |
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