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Artist
Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble
12+ albums
wisconsinlatinwaltzswingMidwest
about
Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble is an instrumental acoustic jazz group based in Madison, Wisconsin. They are primarily influenced by the legendary Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt. The ensemble also pulls influences from jazz, swing, European folk, traditional Latin, Parisian waltz, and other vintage-jazz sources. Expect a range of tunes from the “Hot Swing" repertoire, originals and standards done in uniquely arranged styles. The idea for Caravan G.S.E. started in early 2002 when Chris Ruppenthal, the group’s leader and an aspiring jazz guitarist, first heard recordings of Dutch Gypsy jazz guitarist Jimmy Rosenberg who played in the Reinhardt style. Chris soon turned away from the American Bebop style of jazz guitar to follow in the long shadow of Django and was inspired to seek out fellow Gypsy Jazz enthusiasts. Caravan G.S.E. sprang out of that inspiration as a trio of two guitars, and violin. The trio played a barrage of open mikes and busked at local farmers markets to get their repertoire together. After adding a bassist and clarinetist they began playing coffee houses, clubs, and parties. Soon they were recording, and performing consistently throughout the Midwest. The group released its first official full length CD “Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble” on Hot String Swing Records in 2007. The recording features an expanded band lineup and includes original music, arrangements of Django Reinhardt classics, jazz standards, and Latin tunes. In 2010 the ensemble will release
