We were so happy to perform on WTMD this past Saturday. We've done two live interviews on the station and they consistently play our music on shows like Paul Hartman's Detours among others. They've been really supportive and it means a lot considering we are an instrumental Django Reinhardt-inspired jazz trio. We are really looking forward to the Ultrafaux CD Release Show at Ottobar on May 4th which happens after the WTMD first Thursday. Its going to be a great after-party capping off a big day of awesome music.
Radio host Sam Gallant asked me a rather awkward question after the show. He said, "are you guys good?, I mean, in the genre. I know you're good musicians, but are you good compared to the best of this style?"
It was a strange feeling to be put on the spot like that, but it was an honest question from a person who likes our music but is not 100% familiar with gypsy jazz. I thought for a moment and said, "Yes, we are good. We can hang with the best in the world!"
We've hung out with some the best guitarists at places like Django In June or while on tour. These guys are amazing, often playing at a very high level since they were young boys. Antoine Boyer, Sébastien Giniaux, Samson Schmitt, Olivier Kikteff, Adrien Moignard, Stephane Wrembel, Stochelo Rosenberg, Angelo Debarre, and many more have shown us the path. Teachers like Denis Chang really keep the authenticity of the style intact for new students of the style. It's an amazing learning experience, often brutal and deflating but mostly inspiring and supportive. Gypsy jazz is a culture and a family, not just a musical style.
After a few years of hard work, and composing over 34 songs, I can say we're finally hitting our stride. It's no mistake that we've been featured at the top gypsy jazz festivals in the world in 2015 & 2016 and that we're about to play the biggest Django Jazzfest in Fontainebleau, France in July. It's no fluke that we were the first gypsy jazz band to ever play Napa Valley Jazz Society. We sold out NVJS at Silo's in Napa and they said we were the best show ever featured in any style, bar none! Now we are in the process of lining up another southern tour in January to perform at the big Django Birthday festival in Asheville NC and Djanguary Festival in Richmond Virginia. We will be putting together more shows in NC, SC, GA, etc.. during that time. Also in the works is a tour of Northern California in 2018, probably in the Summer. Stay tuned!
Yes I can finally put my perfectionism aside for a moment and say we're doing pretty well, however, we all know it's sink or swim in the music business. We all have to constantly practice to stay at the top of your game. There's so much to learn and new challenges every day. Everything becomes way more intense when you make your goal to be at the top of your game. The important thing is we have fun and we keep the spontaneity in the music. Audiences will always be treated to a totally unique experience at every show. It won't be scripted or formulaic and I always enjoy adding a few surprises to every show. Something unexpected is always in the works!
Its a big day for me because my daughter turns 9 today! I am so happy for her. She's learned so much more than me when I was her age including violin, piano, mandolin and some harp!
Enjoy the music and keep swingin'
Enjoy the music and keep swingin'
Michael - composer/guitarist
