BUSTER plays BUSTER

Please note that as of Oct 2016 there are now 2 different Buster plays Buster shows available...

Generic copy suitable for both shows...

Since its debut in March 2011 Buster plays Buster has been delighting audiences with its magic and charm. One for all the family, young and old, jazz enthusiasts and otherwise have all thoroughly enjoyed this well produced show. A first class jazz quartet featuring musicians of the highest calibre performing live to a screening of a Buster Keaton classic silent movie. The music is specifically arranged for the group, scored out and sync'd to the movie, but also features plenty of improvised solos from these great jazz musicians, which creates a cohesive work merging the two art forms in to a unique experience for the audience. 

Copy for Buster plays Buster show 1 featuring "Sherlock Jr"...

This classic Buster Keaton silent movie from 1924 is one of the most sophisticated produced during his golden era and features a film within a film. With the use of pioneering camera special effects Keaton uses dream sequences to fully explore the potential of the new medium of film and lets his imagination run free as he gives us a lesson in what is technically possible. It also features many of his great stunts and acrobatics as well as a fantastic chase scene at the climax of the movie. 

Buster Birch has created a wonderful new jazz score for this movie made up of classic jazz standards, which have been specifically arranged and scored to perfectly fit each scene. His first class quartet, featuring some of London's finest jazz musicians, play with superb skill and are given plenty of opportunity to show off their highly accomplished improvisational abilities.  

Running time 50 mins

The first half of this concert will feature "Tribute To The Greats”, a unique presentation created by Buster Birch paying tribute to several of the great jazz legends, briefly outlining their major achievements and contributions to the development of jazz. Many people have commented on how informative and enjoyable this part of the show is. This will be accompanied by the quartet playing a mix of jazz repertoire in the style of each artist. 

Running time 45-60 mins

Copy for Buster plays Buster show 2 featuring “Steamboat Bill Jr”...

This epic Buster Keaton silent movie from 1928 was the last feature length film Keaton ever made (wrote, directed and starred in) with complete artist freedom and marks the end of his golden era. It features the hapless young Buster trying to win the approval of his long lost father, the rough and tough steamboat captain Bill Sr, who loses his business and liberty. A violent storm and hurricane are the back drop for Buster’s chance to redeem himself with daring deeds of rescue and provide the opportunity for some of Keaton’s most famous scenes. Knowing it is his last roll of the dice Keaton throws everything in to this movie. He builds an entire town only to destroy it and performs several death defying stunts, including a 2 tonne house facade falling on him which he only survives by standing in the space of an open window. 

Following on from the success of his first “Buster plays Buster” show Buster Birch has created a brand new jazz score for this movie with a set of completely different jazz standards which again have been specifically arranged and scored to perfectly fit each scene. His first class quartet, featuring some of London's finest jazz musicians, play with superb skill and are given plenty of opportunity to show off their highly accomplished improvisational abilities.  

Running time 70 mins

The first half of this concert features “The Life of Buster Keaton”, a unique presentation telling the story of Keaton’s amazing 67 year career which straddled all three major forms of entertainment in the 20th century; vaudeville, movies (silent and sound) and television. It also charts the extreme highs and lows of his personal life. How he went from child prodigy to Hollywood superstar, to loosing everything and his long road back from alcoholism, to finally becoming recognised as the legend and genius he was. The presentation is accompanied by the quartet playing a specifically arranged score of jazz standards.  

Running time 47 mins

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