‘Close Enough’ is a group of musicians who get together for one reason – to make music.
The group of 13, sometimes more, come from all walks of life in communities throughout Bruce and Grey counties, including Owen Sound, Walkerton, North Bruce Peninsula, Kincardine and Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores), to practise at Faith Lutheran Church in Port Elgin.
Recently, they were excited to be the first group in North America to play the music of composer Joachim Johow of Hamburg, Germany. Although his music is well-known and played throughout Europe, it was the first foray into Canada with ‘Close Enough’. Johow, a prolific composer, creates music in the styles of Vivaldi, folk, reels, Klezmer and is legendary in the world of jazz.
Founder of the group, Carolyn Lees says that, “I heard his music and we were willing to buy it. I sent him a long letter and, even though he has some 10,000 followers, lo-and-behold, he sent us all kinds of files. He has since heard us perform his music and gave his full approval.”
Although ‘Close Enough’ enjoys playing classical music, they also perform a wide variety of genres, including Scottish and many others. “We also have a quartet of two violins, a cello and viola,” says Lees. “We just like to play and perform all kinds of music. Once a month, we also play at Elgin Lodge Retirement Home and the residents love to hear our music.”
‘Close Enough’ performs Joachim Johow
