Results for "gypsy jazz"

Sean Mantione

Influenced by legends like Buddy Rich and Big Sid Catlett, Sean Mantione’s drumming blends versatility and finesse. Whether using brushes or sticks, Sean brings texture and vitality to every performance.  He first discovered manouche jazz in his home town (near Scranton, PA) playing with friends at Abbey Road.  Commenting on the Swingbooty experience he remarks: "I love our chemistry as a band both on and off stage. We combine all our influences in and out of jazz and wrap it together like a delicious burrito."
Fan Quote: "Sean’s drumming adds punch and precision while keeping the Swingbooty vibe light and joyful."

Adam Friedman

Adam Friedman grew up in Ft. Lauderale and studied music in high school and later attended Berklee.  He has played guitar as a core member of Swingbooty since 2023.  With influences like Julian Lage and George Benson, Friedman brings to the band a blend of melodic mastery and improvisational flair.   Fan Quote: "I could listen to Adam’s guitar solo all night. His knack for reimagining melodies with fresh improvisations is unmatched." –Robert Casper

Les Cunningham

A former drummer turned gypsy jazz devotee, Les “Doc” Cunningham channels the spirit of Django Reinhardt, Angelo DeBarre, and Slava Tolstoy. Today, he plays guitar with Swingbooty and is a core member of the band since 2020.   He studied with jazz greats Robin Nolan and Slava Tolstoy, perfecting his rhythm guitar style that drives each song and provides the backbone for Swingbooty’s performances.  Fan quote:  “Les has a sixth sense for timing and a rare ability to weave fresh, improvised melodies." –Brad Baker

Quintet of the Hot Club of France

Active since: 1934

The Quintet of the Hot Club of France, founded in 1934 in Paris, was a pioneering jazz ensemble that blended traditional American jazz with the rhythms and melodies of French music. Led by guitarist Jean "Django" Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli, the group is best known for creating a unique style known as "Gypsy jazz" or "Jazz Manouche." The band gained fame for its virtuosic performances and intricate improvisation, making a significant impact on both European and American jazz scenes. Despite facing adversity during World War II, the Quintet's influence on jazz remained lasting, as they introduced new possibilities for string instruments and helped popularize European jazz globally.

Hot Club of San Francisco

Active since: 1988

Paul "Pazzo" Mehling

Leader, Guitar, Violin, Bass, Vocals

Paul Mehling, the leader of HCSF, has been dubbed the godfather of American Gypsy jazz. He discovered the music of Django Reinhardt and the Quintet of the Hot Club of France in grammar school, and decades later the music that took root in his young soul finally bore fruit.

“I was born in Denver and grew up in what is now Silicon Valley when it was all fruit trees,” Mehling recalls. “My father was a record collector. I grew up with the music of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and all the swing era bands.

Nelsen Hutchison

Richard Ashby

Abraham Pollack

Tolga During Liberdjango

Tolga was born in Istanbul in 1977 but grew up on a small island in the north of Holland. When he was eight years old he started studying classical guitar, and some years later he switched to electric guitar, and soon after started playing gigs with local rock bands. At age eighteen he moved to Amsterdam where he discovered Jazz and Django Reinhardt's Gipsy Jazz. He took lessons from time to time, but is mainly self-taught.

His first personal album 'Bohemia' (1999), was a big success, opening doors to many national and international festivals. Since then, he has played at some of the most prestigious festivals like the Montreux Jazz festival in Switzerland, and did numerous of concerts for radio and television. He got many invitations to play in Italy, and in the spring of 2005, he decided to move there all together.

Benoit Viellefon & his Hot Club

Find all the information about the "Benoit Viellefon Hot Club" on Benoit Viellefon's musician page:

https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/benoit-viellefon