ARTS Alive’s Canadian Connections continue with "western swing" music from Woody Holler and his Orchestra.

Woody grew up hearing the songs of the cowboy. Although he was later trained in opera, a sense of nostalgia held him close to the early western genre. Woody met up with some top notch jazz musicians and the crossover was magical. The orchestra creates a style that Woody defines as “jazz from the saddle”. The repertoire is eclectic, fun and fascinating, featuring finger snapping swing beats, honey-slowed love croons and show stopping “extreme” yodelling, not to mention a memorable rendition of ‘Champion the Wonder Horse’!

The ‘orchestra’ is a four-strong team of some of Canada’s finest folk/jazz musicians: Woody himself, supported by jazz guitarist Greg Lowe; banjo and upright bass player, Daniel Koulack; and Richard Moody on violin/viola. All the band have a broad musical background and interests and are experienced composers, arrangers and recording artists.

Woody Holler and his Orchestra will be at Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton on Friday, April 22 at 7.30pm (01694 720132) and at Cawley Hall, Eye on Sunday, April 24 at 7.30pm (01568 615836)