Ranger & the "Re-Arrangers"

In 2007, our first year as a working band, we played at over 40 festivals and special events in Washington state. Capable of virtuoso playing at a whisper or at a joyful roar, the band’s repertoire includes swing standards, Gypsy classics, the music of Django Reinhardt, and Ranger’s originals.

The band's 2006 debut CD was won several awards and wide acclaim in 2007. The title track was a finalist for an Independent Music Award in the World Music category. It also won the April 2007 song contest for Global Rhythm magazine. In February 2007, Victory Review said that "Gypsy Moon is a polished, wholly-thought-out work that puts [Ranger] solidly in the company of the best of the Northwest's formidable 'Django' scene...The young man has arrived."

The lead article in the August 2007 World Rhythm Webzine compared Ranger's "stylistic presence" and his "sense of melody and daring improvisations" to Stephane Grappelli. "Ranger never loses sight of the melody...yet there is enough flair and dare in his improvisations to keep the enthusiast interested and the casual listener comes away with pleasure and not confusion." Ranger's other influences include Stuff Smith and Claude Williams.

We've added a unique element to typical Gypsy jazz bands with our percussionist, Jeffrey Moose, who plays a wild assortment of percussion instruments. We most recently added Dave Stewart, an incredibly creative mandolinist. Together Dave and Ranger create new ways to interact every time we play.

Gypsy jazz is named for guitarist Django Reinhardt, a European Gypsy who infused early jazz with his Gypsy roots. We apply the Gypsy jazz style to many of the tunes Django played, but others, too.

Contacts: www. RangerSwings.com [email protected] 206-842-7652.

Gear

Violin, mandolin, guitar, bass, hand percussion

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