Caravan - A Gypsy Swing Ensemble based out of Madison, Wisconsin

[KateOYM]

Be sure to check out Caravan!


Here's a little snippet of their "About the Band Section"

Wisconsin's authentic Gypsy Swing group!
Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble is an instrumental group based out of Madison, Wisconsin. They are primarily influenced by the legendary Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt. The ensemble also pulls influences from jazz, swing, traditional Latin, Parisian waltzes, and other vintage-jazz sources. Expect a range of tunes from the "Hot Swing" repertoire, originals and classic tunes done in a uniquely arranged style.

The idea for Caravan G.S.E. started in early 2002 when Chris Ruppenthal, the group’s leader and an aspiring jazz guitarist, first heard a recording by the amazing child prodigy Jimmy Rosenberg. Jimmy, a Dutch Gypsy guitarist who played in the style of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France, would continue to be a huge influence on Chris. He soon turned away from the American bebop style of jazz guitar to follow in the long shadow of Django and seek out fellow Gypsy Swing enthusiasts.

"You guys are great! Keep me informed on your musical progress!"
Don Price, Gypsy Swing guitarist and webmaster at GYPSYJAZZGUITAR.COM

Caravan G.S.E. Caravan G.S.E. sprang out of that inspiration as a trio of lead, rhythm guitar, and violin. The trio played a barrage of open mikes and busked at local farmers markets to get their repertoire together. They were soon playing parties, nightclubs and swing dances.

Band Leader Chris Ruppenthal answers my question of "just what is 'gypsy swing'" in a later section on the webpage...

Gypsy Swing is an instrumental swing music created in the 1930s through a unique musical union. When the Manouche Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt met French violinist Stephane Grappelli something magical happened! The music of the American standard songbook of the '20s and '30s, European folk music, Parisian waltzes, and traditional Gypsy music were merged to form "Gypsy Swing" or "Hot Jazz." Their group, "Le Quintette du Hot Club de France," quickly became a sensation! They offered a fiery improvisational alternative to the more arranged big band sound of the day. They are the defining group in the genre and are looked to for inspiration by countless groups that came after.

Check these guys out - this is a new style to me that I don't know much about.. but the information on their website makes me wish this computer had some speakers!