Calgary's own gypsy jazz ambassadors bring the flavor of the past into the here and now at JazzYYC’s Illumin8 Concert Series! Their swing-dance-friendly ‘hot swing’ and ‘gypsy jazz’ repertoire derives from the famous Hot Club de France of Django Reinhardt and his modern-day contemporaries. Music-lovers of all ages are sure to engage in this accessible genre of jazz. Ingeniously animated clarinet, dynamic acoustic guitars, rich melodic bass lines, and vocals in both French and English provide the perfect balance of instrumentation and vocals. The energy is contagious - you’ll have a hard time staying in your seat once ‘la pompe’ is unleashed!
Tess “the Countess” Bassie - bass and vocals - began classical piano at an early age and went on to extend her musical experience through a variety of genres and instruments. Tess has performed with such diverse groups as Baroque and Buskin’, Take the Oy Train, The Satin Dolls, The Stray Dawgs, Calgary Civic Symphony, and The Bow Djangos. Recording credits include: The Bow Djangos – “Hot Swing and Gypsy Jazz”, “A Perfect Match”, and “Forward Into Yesterday”; Pedro Rivas (Latin Combo Orchestra) – “Rived Prosa”, Sandy Johnson (HEQ) “Miss Behavin’”, Norm Walker “Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts” and the Calgary Civic Symphony – Various.
Cédric Blary – clarinet -first started playing clarinet at the age of twelve in his school band but it was a Benny Goodman recording from his dad’s collection that really got him hooked. Since then, he has completed a BMus degree in Calgary and gone on to perform in a wide variety of musical settings. He can be heard on over thirty-five recordings with artists including Little Miss Higgins, Heather Blush, Tim Williams, Steve Fisher, The Travelling Mabels, The Bow Djangos and Jazz Winds. Cédric also sings bass with the award-winning acappella group, The Heebee-Jeebees and is an active performer and instructor in and around Calgary.
Tristan Euzen – guitar and vocals - is a guitarist and singer strongly influenced by the gypsy jazz musicians and French popular music of the 1930-1960s. Tristan joined The Bow Djangos in 2009 where he provides a solid swing guitar rhythm in “la pompe” style, rich melodic solos, and warm baritone vocals in English and en Français.
Phill West – guitar - started playing guitar at age six and it just felt right! He never looked back and has never stopped. Even a hobby wasn’t enough so Phill ended up creating a thriving guitar teaching biz, “Calgary’s Best Guitar Lessons”. No styles and musical adventures are off limits, and Phill even has some heavy metal recordings under his belt. Besides sheer force of talent, Phill brings a valued entrepreneurial spirit to the band.
With a true hot club sound that swing audiences love, The Bow Djangos are welcome performers at countless dances, festivals, clubs, holiday and life celebrations. Their recordings (“Hot Swing and Gypsy Jazz”, “A Perfect Match”, and “Forward Into Yesterday”) have been featured on such radio/television programs as The Vinyl Café, A Time For Jazz, Tonic, A Room Full of Sound, and Hello-Bonjour Alberta.
The Bow Djangos perform with style - listen in and let the force of their gypsy jazz be with YOU!
GET THAT SWING – with THE BOW DJANGOS! bowdjangos.com
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