Didier Lockwood (who is currently celebrating twenty years in the music business) chose the Théâtre Municipal in his home town of Calais to present a very special show featuring performances by the Didier Lockwood Trio, The Didier Lockwood Group and an eleven piece Violin Orchestra made up from the best of the up-and-coming jazz violin players in France (amongst whom was one Debora Seffer, daughter of Yochk'o).
First on, were the current Trio, featuring Alain Caron (Bassist with UZEB) and Jean-Marie Ecay who played a 3/4-hour set of Jazz/Blues. This was followed by an improvised piano/violin duet with Didier's brother Francis which led up to a full two hour set by the Didier Lockwood Group. The Group played a very enjoyable mix of Trad/Rock/Blues/ Jazz. Incorporated in this was one particularly outstanding piece inspired by Didier's childhood memories of Calais (as seen on a recent Canal + T.V. special about his musical career, which is well worth getting hold of on video, as it also features footage of Magma live in 75 or 76 and the 1992 Magma reunion, live in the studio playing part of 'Mekanïk Destruktïw Kommandöh').
The saxophonist from Paga Group (and The Guillard brothers band PAZAPA), Eric Serra also joined Didier for a while before the Violin Orchestra took the stage. Didier highlighted each individual's musical talents by pointing out one member at random who would then play solo with the other ten joining in once again for the chorus. Another outstanding musician in this ensemble was Patrick Tilleman.
Two encores rounded off a highly enjoyable evening's entertainment, Didier had all his family and friends with him and they celebrated with a big cake at the end. With the show starting at 20h30 and finishing four hours later, it was most definitely well worth the 120Ff admission fee.