Tools of the Trade: Chris Garrick

8 October 2018

“...exquisite musician…violin superstar” [The Guardian], Chris Garrick is an award-winning jazz violinist of power and musicality. He joins us once again on Saturday 13th October with his classic quartet; David Gordon - piano & keyboards, Oli Hayhurst - bass and Tom Hooper - drums.

After graduating from the Royal Academy Jazz Course in ’94 I handed back the instrument the Academy had generously loaned me and got my own first really decent violin.  I bought it brand new from the great English maker John Dilworth.  It has been my main horn ever since and has journeyed with me on all manner of stringy-jazzy-memorable moments. Lately it’s become known as the “Poldark” fiddle due to our work on the BBC series soundtrack and in particular the main titles theme.  One hairy moment a few years back was when it almost went up in flames in a starstruck moment. I spotted the comedian Rowan Atkinson in the crowd at one performance so I sought him out afterwards.  In my mirth I placed the fiddle down on a nearby table... right on top of a lit tea light… as Mr Bean chatted and merrily autographed something for me the varnish on poor “Poldark” began roasting. Fortunately I smelt the pungent varnish heating before it got the wood!!