Hot Club of Baltimore

Hot Club of Baltimore performs inspired arrangements of Django Reinhardt repertoire, French Musette and Jazz. Michael Joseph Harris (Ultrafaux) is guitarist and artistic director of the group which consists of a collective of top jazz musicians. The ensemble boasts a variety of configurations which include the instrumental trio of 2 guitars and bass, the classic quintet with violin, the late 40's "Django in Rome" sessions adding piano, drums, and horns, and the big band sound of the early 50's when Reinhardt performed with Duke Ellington. The group often features captivating vocalist Alexis Tantau on gypsy jazz renditions of Occitan folk songs, Edith Piaf, Eartha Kitt, Maxine Sullivan, Charles Trenet, Jacques Dutronc, Ella Fitzgerald, and Henri Salvador.

Tags

"We sometimes forget that jazz was first and foremost a people's music meant for dancing and socializing. One evening with Hot Club of Baltimore demonstrates why jazz has been so irresistible to listeners all over the world." — Ken Avis, BJA

“Ultrafaux's original compositions compare favorably to classic Hot Club tunes. They update the tradition and bring the swing into the 21st century.” — Paul Hartman, Detour, WTMD

“Ultrafaux breathes new life into jazz, while holding onto the sense of nostalgia that makes this genre so timeless and appealing in the first place. This is music you didn’t know you were missing, and it’s wonderful to hear it anew.” — Sam Sessa, Hit Parade, WTMD