Press Release:
Arcoleo Family at Frome Festival 2007
As if we need further testimony to the huge wealth of talent here in Frome, the Arcoleo family do just that. Father Denian, is a classical guitarist, Mother Helen is a flautist and son Josh is headed for great things. Josh plays saxophone and at only 18 years old, is already a talent to be reckoned with.
Being born into a musical family, Josh has had music around him ever since he can remember. "I played the cello when I was seven but I didn't really like it, so gave it up". It wasn't until his Sicilian grandfather Franco gave him a saxophone when he was thirteen, that Josh took to music again. His first and only tutor, Pee Wee Ellis has been his guiding light since then. For the past two years, Josh has travelled all over Europe, taking in Ronnie Scotts Club in London earlier this year, playing with Pee Wee and his band. Charlotte, the great woman behind the great man, says: 'There are very few like Josh, who can really take on board what Pee Wee means, musically".
Josh's father Denian says: "Not many like Pee Wee and Charlotte would be so generous, to take a youngster under their wing and mentor him they way they have. The opportunity they offer Josh is rare".
Josh has been home educated until a couple of years ago, when he took up a place at Bath College . Being home-educated meant that he could concentrate on his music to his hearts content. His mother Helen was his main teacher, and she admits: 'It's hard work. But all four of our children had been schooled at home and it gives them the chance to follow their own inclinations. We decided to take this path as we felt we could offer them opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have got".
Of his musical taste, Josh says: "I like all kinds of music, jazz and funk, anything as long as it's good - Sonny Rollins, Joshua Redman and Jason Robello. He's the best piano player in the world!" Jason, a neighbour living in Bradford-on-Avon , who used to play with Sting, is no stranger to Frome, having played in the Festival a few years ago.
Josh is finishing school this week and is planning to take up a place at the Royal Academy of Music in the Autumn, to study jazz saxophone. His band, the Josh Arcoleo Quintet, will also be heading for London to train as musicians. So, London watch out!
In the meantime, Josh will be filling in time this summer, playing at the Glastonbury Festival where he joins Pee Wee on the Glade Stage at 4.30 on June 22 nd at 4.30. Definitely not to be missed.
However, you don't have to go that far to catch this rare and extraordinary talent. Rook Lane Chapel had better make sure its roof is well and truly secured before The Josh Arcoleo Quartet will no doubt, try to lift it during the Frome Festival. Josh will be playing his own compositions plus jazz standards on Monday 9th July at 7.30pm.
Josh's parents are also busy preparing for the Festival. Prize-winning classical guitarist Denian, is probably better known around town for his rock style. "Both Helen and I teach music here in Frome. We're delighted with the array of talented youngsters and consider it a privilege to teach so many of them. Some of my pupils are in the Battle of the Bands Finals being held on Saturday 7th July as part of the Frome Festival. Rock has always been important to me". However, for the Festival this year, Denian will be concentrating on his classical repertoire. He will present a programme of music by Spanish and Latin-American composers for his first concert. Then, joined by his equally talented wife Helen, known as the Domani Duo, they will play a variety of pieces for guitar and flute.
Denian will play (Denian Arcoleo Classical Guitar) at St. Mary's Church, Orchardleigh on Sunday 8th July at 14.30 and together they play (Domani: Music for Flute and Guitar) on the last Sunday of the Festival, July 15th at 14.30.
For additional information about the events mentioned in this Press Release click on the Event Titles below.
