SB Acoustic presents: John Jorgenson Gypsy Jazz Quintet
If you were fortunate to come to our closing concert for the fall season with the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, who had such a great time thanks to their epic performance and reception, you’ll understand that the only way for SBAcoustic to follow that up was to have him return under a completely different persona with his outrageously hot Gypsy Jazz Quintet on Wednesday 1/5. If you close your eyes you won't even know it's the same guy, as everything changes - the genre, look, set, band & instruments (manouche guitar, bouzouki and clarinet) as well as vocals. He and Rory Hoffman (guitar, accordion and piano) are the two most versatile musicians that I know of; they can play just about anything on any instrument, and will be accompanied by guitar, violin and percussion.
Jorgenson’s dynamic Quintet and its authentic gypsy jazz - the string-driven swing created by “Django” Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli in 1930s Paris - has been hailed the “U.S. ambassadors of gypsy jazz.” His Quintet is the only American act to ever headline the prestigious Django Reinhardt Memorial Festival in France, and has been featured at “Djangofests” in the US, UK, Germany and Canada. Jorgenson’s compositions for the Quintet additionally draw in elements from Latin, Romanian, Classical, Rock and Greek music. One of the elite gypsy jazz players in the world, he portrayed Django Reinhardt in the film “Head in the Clouds”.
John is music virtuoso across multiple genres, known for his exquisite licks and world-class musicianship on acoustic guitar, bouzouki, clarinet and vocals for this show as well as mandolin, saxophone and pedal steel. He has contributed to numerous GRAMMY®-winning and platinum-selling albums. The Quintet includes four additional distinguished musicians: Casey Driscoll on violin; Rory Hoffman on guitar, piano and accordion; Simon Planting on bass and Rick Reed on percussion.
“A mix of soulful romance and rollicking celebration, with Jorgenson’s fingers a blur that created avalanches of notes and chords, his dazzling prowess often caused listeners to gasp at the speed and sound…” - All About Jazz
“Jorgenson’s dexterity, speed, and beauty on acoustic guitar were astonishing, and one could only watch in awe…I struggle to think of a more accomplished guitarist I have seen on stage.” - No Depression
“John Jorgenson has insanely fast fingers – they’re nothing but a blur when he’s notes-deep into a song.” – NPR