2000 / 2001 - Hot Club to Swing Club

Around this time, Paul and I had discussed the idea of getting a singer involved with the band, in order to broaden our appeal and versatility. Then by pure chance, we had a jam at Pete Warwick's annual field party with a violinist called Lizzy Ramsey, who as it turned out was also a singer; and we invited her to come to a band rehearsal with a view to getting some material together.

Things went well, and after a couple of sessions we asked Lizzy to join the band, and she accepted.

After several practise sessions we had worked out some great material, which diversified the sound of the band even further, and went down very well with audiences. We recorded a demo, and to reflect the new line-up, we changed the name of the band to the 'Swing Club'. 

Lizzy and I also formed a duo for smaller gigs, calling ourselves 'Jazz Alchemy', and also recorded a demo of our own.

Jazz Alchemy live at The Maze

Meanwhile in 2001, After more than 15 years of making a variety of jazz albums from mainstream to fusion; Bireli Lagrene, smashed back on to the gypsy/jazz scene; with a new band called 'Gypsy Project'; which would inspire a new generation of fans, and for me would reignite the passion for guitar led music. The Hot Club would part company with Lizzy Ramsey; and after a brief hiatus; the original, 'classic' guitar led trio line-up would re-emerge.