Occidental Gypsy Jazz Quintet

Their well rehearsed and lightning fast swing brings the Parisian jazz manouche of the 1930's alive and the audience to it's feet. The musical genre has undergone a tremendous resurgence in popularity for it's sophisticated yet sentimental sound and swinging precise rhythm, often light-hearted and whimsical, sometimes aching with melancholy. It was guitarist Jean Baptiste "Django" Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli along with their Quintet of the Hot Club of France who eventually codified… Show more this fusion of swing, American jazz and manouche (traditional gypsy music).
The Occidental began in 2007, but spent the first two years perfecting their sound before going public. In 2009 they garnered immediate recognition and played at all the major venues and festivals in Rhode Island. Most notably, they were the only Rhode Island band to play at the Rhythym & Roots festival, and received standing ovations. In the winter of 2010 the band entered a Foxwoods contest and although they submitted during the last week, the song rose to eighth place out of 204 bands. Currently, they are working on a debut album with original music.
An Awesome authentic gypsy quartet who floored the audience this year at the Annual Rhode Island Rhythm and Roots Festival. - Laura Travis, MVY Radio.
A four piece force to be reckoned with... - The Narragansett Times.
Location :
Amazing Things Arts Center

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