Biography:
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Pete Sheppard - Was born in London in 1967. He first picked up one of his father's guitars at around 4 years old and was promptly told to put it down again!! But it wasn't until Pete reached the age of 13 that Pete eventually managed to attract his fathers attention with some Hot Club gypsy style swing, already the all encompassing passion of his father, Jerry.
His early musical apprenticeship consisted of a travelling guitar duo with his father. Sailing and caravanning all over France together, cafés, bars and restaurants were busked (and probably robbed) as they made their way, often living and learning from the gypsies themselves. This could of course prove risky, as Pete found to his cost when his father considered marrying Pete off to save on petrol. There was a choice of 3 daughters and Pete was lucky to escape with his string section intact!
Pete is also a classical guitar player, and has formed and played with various rock bands ever since his early teens when he also co-authored material for a Jazz-funk band. During this time he has had many a stint with the Jazz Foundation in Cornwall and other Cornish Trad. jazz Bands. He was also a co-founder of Gypsy jazz band Manouche along with fellow engineer, Dan Heaton, earning a reputation for himself as the most hated man in Cornwall! If Pete asked to sit in on other local bands gigs, players would shuffle uncomfortably about desperate not to be overshadowed by this diminutive but fiery and accomplished musician.
It was in 1996 when, after moving to Hampshire due to work commitments, Pete formed the popular swing duo, Jazz Gitanes and several successful years followed, during which time they played at, amongst others, the prestigious Concorde Club in Eastleigh (as support to Georgie Fame, Bucky Pizzarelli, Alan Barnes and Stacey Kent). Since then the former guitar duo, Jazz Gitanes has transformed becoming more fluid and relaxed in both its membership and outlook, encompassing regular visiting virtuoso players. No one is overshadowed. Creative juices flow, magic melodies flood the senses and the rhythm is always Jazz Hot!!
Currently Pete can be seen playing regularly with other leading exponential guitarists and violinists. Sylvia Rushbrooke of Le Quecumbar, the UK's specialist gypsy swing venue in Battersea where Pete is a regular performer, has nicknamed Pete "Tiger ". This is due no doubt to both the ferocity of his attack and his abundant animal magnetism! Don't sit too close to Pete when he plays. You may feel your heart change it's rhythm!