‘Stars of Gypsy Swing’ Le QuecumBar Patrons
Release Date: June 2008 : LEQ0105

It has taken over a year to put together this unique eclectic and exciting mix of guitar masterpieces that includes original and unreleased material from John Jorgenson, Hank Marvin and Biel Ballester. All tracks were contributed by the 13 elite global Gypsy Swing guitar patrons of Le QuecumBar, London’s world premier Gypsy Swing venue.

Featuring Le QuecumBar Patrons:
Angelo DeBarre (French Gypsy), Dave Kelbie (UK) with Fapy Lafertin and The George Washingmachine Quartet(Australia), John Jorgenson (USA), Hank Marvin (UK), Ritary Gaguenetti (French Gypsy), Gary Potter (UK), John Etheridge (UK), Moreno(French Gypsy), Stephane Wrembel (France), Biel Ballester(Spain), Andreas Oberg (Sweden), Robin Nolan (UK) and Lollo Meier(Dutch Gypsy).

Everyone a dazzling star. This is a musical imprint of our patrons’ unique personalities, highlighting their talent, energy, compositions, melodies and Django Reinhardt’s music. Some were born to Django’s music, others gravitated to it, all have left their indelible mark on this style. Individually displaying their singular guitar style, mastery and personal interpretations, all these incredible musicians have nurtured and evolved the genre globally to renewed heights of popularity. This CD was only made possible by their generously donated tracks. The purpose: to elevate and share Django’s legacy, whilst assisting Le QuecumBar’s objective of supporting and promoting Django’s Gypsy Swing, its Gypsy heritage and its musicians worldwide.

‘Le QuecumBar Live in London’ with The Gary Potter Quartet
Release Date:April 2008 : LEQ0104

Recorded live in concert in 2007 at Le QuecumBar, London’s world premier Gypsy Swing venue, a unique line-up led by the UK’s finest Gypsy Swing guitarist Gary Potter and driven by the rhythm section of Kevin Nolan, Ducato Piotrowski and Andy Crowdy.

Le QuecumBar’s stage was the perfect setting and catalyst: bringing together four stars of the Gypsy Swing genre, performing as The Gary Potter Quartet for the first time. This unique and exciting experience culminated in a thrilling live performance led by guitar genius Gary Potter, the UK’s foremost Gypsy Swing guitarist and valued QuecumBar patron.

Gary’s virtuosity and versatility are brilliantly displayed here, with superb support from the power-packed rhythm section of Kevin Nolan (of The Robin Nolan Trio) and Ducato Piotrowski (Le QuecumBar Allstar) on rhythm guitar and Andy Crowdy (often found playing with Angelo DeBarre and Lollo Meier) on bass. Gary’s playing and interpretation constantly deliver musical magic, complimented by the solid pumping support of a confident, sensitive and creative rhythm section. This album perfectly replicates the atmosphere, energy and the great synergy between the fabulous four in a setting specifically designed for heart pumping Gypsy Swing.

Le QuecumBar Live in London with The Ritary Gaguenetti Quartet
Released: June 2007 : LEQ0103:

We were delighted to be able to record Ritary, one of the most talented young Gypsy Jazz guitar players of his generation. With an added dimension of funky saxophone, the Quartet brings youth and vitality to Django’s music, with rising star Helena Jessie contributing guest vocals on one of the tracks.

Master guitarist and composer, Ritary is a Sinti Gypsy from the same tribe as Django and was born in 78. He began playing at 14, first learning from his father, and teaching himself by listening to the Gypsy masters. He is a quietly outstanding virtuoso musician, influenced by the Dutch tradition, with a style that is smooth and melodious, clean and precise. His versatility encompasses both funk and R&B, and he is influenced by Joe Pass, George Benson and Stochelo Rosenberg.

With several varied CDs under his belt, including collaborations with Matcho Winterstein, Andreas Oberg and Yorgui Loeffler, he has toured Europe, the USA and Canada with his Ensemble to rapturous welcomes.

Always happy to share his skill and pass on Django’s musical tradition, Ritary plays from authentic Django roots to a style with a modern, jazzy feel. A perfect example of this music’s versatility.

Le Quecumbar Allstars featuring Lollo Meier
Released June 2007 : LEQ0102 

Recorded in situ over 2 days, a collective of highly talented and accomplished regular Le QuecumBar musicians producing music whose vitality and emotions you can never tire of. An irresistible mix of heartbeat rhythm, swinging guitars and joyous arrangements. From the energetic authentic gypsy swing of Mire Pral, to Pink Martini’s contemporary infectious Brazilian rhythms in Lilly, to the rarely heard vocal version of Django Reinhardt’s evocative Nuages, this recording captures the joy that flows from a night of live gypsy jazz at Le QuecumBar.

We are also honoured to have Lollo Meier feature on his album with his specially composed melody dedicated to Le QuecumBar.

‘Gypsy Jazz Live in London’ - Biel Ballester Trio LEQ0101
Released November 2006 : LEQ0101

A fantastic double album that really show the class of these performers. Biel is a young talented composer, player and teacher and recently had two of his works chosen by Woody Allen for his next movie.

The trio play original compositions and gypsy jazz classics - this live recording shows the trio's versatility, virtuosity and passion, and creativity in adopting new rhythm forms such as bossa nova, bolero and rumba to breathe fresh energy in the genre.