Dave Kelbie
"Dave Kelbie's rhythm guitar is a joy in itself, firm but relaxed, clearly executed but never obtrusive. Dave knows exactly the best chord voicing for every moment and will add spice with the occasional flourish or series of brisk arpeggios reminiscent of Eddie Lang"
Charles Alexander
Dave Kelbie has acquired an international reputation as a promoter of Gypsy music and culture which has led to acclaimed music partnerships with many of Europes leading Gypsy musicians.
The groundbreaking UK-based, multi-national Balkan music cooperative Szapora is perhaps his best known project but he first gained recognition for his work with the celebrated Dutch Gypsy guitarist Fapy Lafertin and the first European tour in 1989 with the quartet Lejazz. This partnership has lasted up to the current day with CD releases on Lejazzetal, including "Swing Guitars", and the highly acclaimed "Hungaria" with tours as recent as 2003.
Through his alliance with Lafertin have come performances with musicians such as Hungarian violinist Roby Lakatos, Clarinettist Bob Wilber, Bireli Lagrene and Belgiums' Brassens specialist & multi-instrumentalist Koen De Cauter.
"Dave Kelbie held the whole night together with some great chord work"
Formed Szapora's fore-runner, The Budapest Cafe orchestra in 1996 after a chance meeting with Sarajevan singers Mirella & Tea Hodzic. The band has received much praise for it's concerts Europe-wide and has consistently featured some of the finest UK musicians such as Christian Garrick, Dylan Fowler, and Eddie Hession. Szapora has released three CDs on Lejazzetal.
Continuing plans include tours and a new recording with Parisian Gypsy guitarist Angelo Debarre, an ongoing partnership with the legendary British guitarist John Etheridge and a new project, tour and recording with another great Gypsy guitarist from holland, Lollo Meier.
"Kelbie with a remarkable rhythm on his guitar delivers an impressive performance"
Holly Moors - Moors Magazine, Holland
"Kelbie always provides propulsive rhythm guitar"
Kenny Mathieson - Inverness Courrier
"Dave Kelbie's very aware rhythm guitar style"
Rob Adams - Glasgow Herald
"Sweet Chorus is propelled by the partnership of the guitarist Dave Kelbie and the bassist Malcolm Creese"
Clive Davis - The Times
< back to band members
