I love Django Reinhardt and gypsy jazz, and was excited to see this Django a Go Go show at Regattabar. I was not prepared, however, to be as amazed as I was by the immense talent on the stage this evening. Django a Go Go is a project of Stephane Wremble, a French (although soon-to-be American) musician who fell in love with Reinhardt’s music before he came to Boston to study at Berklee College of Music.

Stephane Wremble

The evening began with Stephane’s band – Kells Nollenberger on bass, Nick Anderson on drums, and Tim Clement on guitar – performing several numbers written by Stephane, who explained the progression the evening would take.

Stephane Wremble

Nick Anderson

Kells Nollenberger

Tim Clement

First was a tune that was not strictly gypsy jazz and that led to gypsy jazz tunes Stephane wrote. From there, as he brought additional musicians to the stage, the show became mostly Reinhardt’s songs.

Stephane Wremble

The first guest was French guitarist Kamlo Barré. I was seated directly in front of him and it was fascinating to watch his fingers glide across the guitar.

Kamlo Barré

Shortly thereafter, David Langlois brought his washboard to the stage. I was surprised to see an instrument completely different from the washboard/rubboard/frottoir I see with zydeco bands. This looked like an old pot and an old cake pan attached to a wooden washboard which David played with metal tips on his fingers. Fascinating!

David Langlois

In quick succession, John Intrator on violin, Sébastien Felix (a Sinti gypsy) on guitar, and Howard Alden on guitar joined the others on the stage. Stephane explained that Howard wrote the score to the Woody Allen film Sweet and Lowdown which is about Reinhardt and stars Sean Penn; Stephane taught Penn to play guitar for the film because Penn wanted his performance to be as realistic as possible.

John Intrator

Sébastien Felix

Howard Alden

At this point, there were five guitarists on this small stage!

Four of the five guitarists (Sébastien, Tim, Stephane, Kamlo)!

Four of the five guitarists (Howard, Sébastien, Tim, Stephane)!

Reinhardt recorded a number of albums with the great violinist Stéphane Grappelli, and I could hear Grappelli’s influence on John’s playing which I thoroughly enjoyed.

John Intrator

One thing that surprised me was that I could discern slight differences in the guitarists’ individual styles. I cannot adequately describe those nuances, but each guitarist brought a unique perspective to Reinhardt’s music that was delightful to hear.

John Intrator, Sébastien Felix, Tim Clement

Last to the stage was Davinder Singh on baritone sax. He brought yet another layer to Reinhardt’s music for the last couple of songs in the set.

Davinder Singh

I could have listened to them play all night; judging by the extended standing ovation, the rest of the audience concurred. They returned to the stage for an encore, which just about tore down the house!

Stephane Wremble

According to Stephane’s website, each of the shows on this tour would be different. They only did one show in Boston, but I hope they return and do multiple shows because I will attend every performance!

Ticket courtesy of Regattabar; all opinions are my own.