COYLE — Concert promoter Norm Johnson must have hosted more than 500 singers with guitars. He’s been at this music-in-cafes business for a while now — yet Claude Bourbon stands out in his memory.
Bourbon, a French-born player who now lives in Southsea, England, did a show at the Island Music Guild on Bainbridge Island in 2013.
That was a Norm Johnson production, as is this Friday’s concert at the Laurel B. Johnson Community Center.
Bourbon’s style, Johnson says, is fascinating to listen to and watch.
“The way that Claude handles his guitar is like it comes alive in his hands and takes on the role of his partner on stage,” said the promoter.
Bourbon’s deep voice and French accent give him an unusual sound, which Johnson considers perfect for the community center’s intimate setting.
This is another in the Concerts in the Woods series at the center, so showtime is 7:30 p.m., admission is by donation and listeners of every age are invited.
As ever, coffee and cookies will be served at intermission.
The evening may well take guests to uncharted destinations.
Bourbon mixes Spanish, Middle Eastern and Russian stylings with
the blues.
He lists among his influences Paco de Lucia, Deep Purple’s Richie Blackmore, J.J. Cale, J.S. Bach and Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac.
A troubadour, he’s played festivals on the Isle of Wight and Avenches, Switzerland, as well as in smaller U.S. venues.
In recent weeks, he’s gigged across New Mexico, Arizona, California and Colorado.
To see a few videos, visit www.ClaudeBourbon.org, and to hear an interview with the artist, tune in to KPTZ-FM 91.9, Port Townsend’s community radio station, at 2:30 p.m. Friday.
For more about Bourbon’s appearance at the Laurel B. Johnson Community Center, see www.CoyleConcerts.com, or reach Norm Johnson at 360-765-3449 and johnson5485@msn.com.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
