Jacques Stotzem - fingerstyle guitarist - September 2003 - review

If proof were needed of Jacques Stotzem's virtuosity and versatility, or of his ability to fuse styles, then this was it. The evening was particularly memorable for Stotzem's empathy with the Club's intimate atmosphere, and his rapport with its interested and enthusiastic audience.

After a break, during which Stotzem mixed with the audience in the Club's popular Chat Room, he began his second set by talking to organiser Anne Ryan, about his influences, style and career. He illustrated this 'mini workshop' with snatches of different techniques, demonstrating how he used the guitar to produce unusual percussive sounds and harmonic effects.

Displaying his eclectic interests, he played one yet-to-be-recorded composition of his own, inspired variously by the exotic Inca City of Machu Pichu, by a recent collaboration with a Japanese guitarist and a Taiwanese tour. This set also featured versions of Stotzem's favourite familiar standards - reminding those present of his blues roots - and a thrilling dynamic version of Hendrix's 'Purple Haze.' By the end of the evening Stotzem's privileged audience, which included the Club's guitarist-in-residence Eric Roche, they had a foretaste of his next CD, and also heard about his recipe for success; self-taught and self-motivated, Stotzem believes in being fiercely self-critical.

This was a masterly performance by Stotzem, who kept the audience spellbound with his amazingly varied repertoire, impressive technique and dynamic range.