WATSON BRIDGE
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Two voices and two acoustic guitars reinterpreting American roots music styles, standing at the crossroad of Bluegrass and Americana. The duet complicity, their spirit and virtuosity, the choice of their repertoire, their search for detailed arrangements and vocal harmonies are always respectful to the meaning and feeling of each song.
Among the most experienced musicians of the French Bluegrass scene, the duet chose its name in memory of Doc Watson, the legendary musician from North Carolina, whose influence on traditional American music has been undeniable.
Watson Bridge’s repertoire then turned to the outstanding poetry of famous present folksingers such as Gillian Welch, Darrell Scott, Peter Rowan and Sarah Jarosz, along with the classic authors like Dylan, Cohen and Neil Young.
Since 2010, Watson Bridge’s concerts have always been dynamic and hearty. The duet is experienced in all stages : Cafés-concerts, restaurants, private musical evenings, home concerts… The duet has already appeared in great European Bluegrass festivals ( La Roche sur Foron in 2012 and 2016, EWOB 2015 and 2017 in Holland).
the Duet
Isabelle Groll - Voice, guitar
Isabelle is the main lead voice and can play guitar solos in addition to her rhythmic playing.
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She has more than one string to her musical bow and appears in « Chapeau de paille », a trio of French humorous and sentimental songs, as well as in « Eddy Sam », a vocal jazz band and « Sous la lune », a women’s bluegrass trio.
Jean-Paul Delon - Voice, guitar
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Jean-Paul started playing the guitar in the finger picking style that Marcel Dadi made popular. Then he took an interest in bluegrass and has played for 40 years in the « Bluegrass 43 » band, the oldest French group of bluegrass.
Always in search of original arrangements, his style when playing the guitar is quite flowing and precise. He also copes well with original harmonic voices in the duet.
Since 2015, Watson Bridge has set up a more complete rhythmic section that allows appearing in the greatest European Bluegrass festivals. The duet called on two excellent musicians it used to play with for jam sessions. That’s how Florence Chapuis and Dorian Ricaux joined the band, bringing thus a dynamic and deeply cohesive sound.
WATSON BRIDGE the Quartet
Dorian Ricaux - Mandolin, voice
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Whether he plays the guitar or the mandolin, Dorian is the young musician most in the eye of the French bluegrass scene. Often wanted by American artists on their European tours, he gives Watson Bridge the groove of the best drummers. His interventions when he plays solos are always dazzling and pertinent ; no doubt he has already come to musical maturity !
Florence Chapuis - Double Bass
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After learning the piano, Florence turned to the acoustic bass and then the double bass. Ready for any challenge, she has a true rhythmic stability along with an important harmonic facility. These two qualities acquired from a long practice of jam sessions, permit her to cope with any unexpected situation.