PLECTRONOMICS: TIMELESS TUNES IN AN INTIMATE SETTING
Dave "Jazzman" Chamberlain presents a solo programme of vintage jazz, ragtime, Americana and popular classics, reimagined for fingerstyle guitar and occasional plectrum banjo. Drawing on music from the early and mid-twentieth century, the repertoire ranges from jazz standards and evergreen popular songs to ragtime favourites and light classical miniatures, all performed through richly detailed solo arrangements inspired by some of the great innovators of fingerstyle guitar.
At the heart of the project is an approach that combines the alternating-bass technique of Merle Travis and Chet Atkins with the more harmonically adventurous solo jazz style of Joe Pass and the orchestral "lap piano" concept developed by George Van Eps. The result is a style of playing that treats the guitar as a complete ensemble, simultaneously presenting melody, harmony, bass lines and rhythmic accompaniment within a single performance.
Rather than simply accompanying songs, Dave creates fully self-contained instrumental interpretations that capture the character and spirit of the original music while offering something fresh and personal. Familiar melodies are woven together with walking bass lines, inner harmonies and subtle improvisation, giving each piece the depth and movement of a much larger group.
Entirely self-contained and requiring minimal space or technical support, the performance is particularly suited to intimate venues where audiences can appreciate the detail, nuance and storytelling within the music. Wine bars, galleries, private clubs, salons, house concerts, heritage venues and listening rooms provide an ideal setting for performances that are engaging, relaxed and quietly virtuosic.
With a repertoire that spans ragtime, swing, early jazz, popular song and American roots music, the programme offers a warm and nostalgic musical journey while remaining lively, varied and accessible. Whether performing a ragtime classic, a forgotten popular gem or a beloved jazz standard, Dave celebrates the enduring appeal of great melodies and timeless craftsmanship through the unique voice of the fingerstyle guitar.
DAVE JAZZMAN CHAMBERLAIN BIO
Dave "Jazzman" Chamberlain is a guitarist, banjoist and former full-time jazz double bassist whose career spans more than twenty-five years on the UK and international jazz scenes. He has performed with artists including Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen and Buddy Greco, toured worldwide with Blue Note recording artist Stacey Kent, and appeared with ensembles including the BBC Big Band, the John Wilson Orchestra and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Originally from Derbyshire, Dave developed an early fascination with the music of Django Reinhardt and the wider jazz tradition. Following studies at Goldsmiths College and Trinity College of Music, he established himself as a highly respected bassist before later returning to the guitar as his primary creative voice.
Today his playing brings together influences from jazz, ragtime, swing, Americana and early popular music through a distinctive fingerstyle approach. Inspired by the work of Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, Joe Pass and George Van Eps, he combines melody, harmony and rhythm to create complete solo arrangements that transform the guitar into a self-contained orchestra.
Alongside his work as a performer, Dave is an experienced arranger, educator and musical storyteller. His solo performances balance careful craftsmanship with spontaneity and improvisation, drawing audiences into the rich world of vintage jazz and American popular music.
Whether appearing at a concert venue, private event, gallery, club or house concert, Dave brings a depth of experience, an authentic love of the music and a highly individual voice on the guitar. The result is a performance that is sophisticated without being academic, accessible without being predictable, and always centred on the enduring pleasure of a great song played beautifully.
